Auckland Zoo
- from NZD 23
- Ideal for kids, teens
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Why go
- Te Wao Nui, the native New Zealand area opened in 2011, with six habitats from the coast to the high country
- Pridelands, the African savannah with giraffes, springboks, zebras and ostriches, opened in 1997
- The BNZ Kiwi and Tuatara House, the first nocturnal house of its kind in New Zealand, opened in 1971
Opening hours
Today09:30 – 16:30Show all
What's in season
- DecChristmas lunches for groups at the Old Elephant House restaurant, a two-course plated menu meant to take two hours.
- DecThe Christmas high tea offered a choice of two menus and unlimited luxury teas from Harney & Sons.
- JanNew education sessions for Years 0 to 10 start from January 2027.
With kids
- Education sessions are offered for students in Years 0 to 13, and each session lasts 45 minutes.
- Bookings for the 2027 sessions are open, with full programme details due in Terms 3 and 4.
- Sessions for Years 11 to 13 are unchanged for now and will be reviewed in 2028.
- Sessions are linked to the New Zealand curriculum and cover wildlife, people and the environment.
- Students investigate real-world conservation challenges and learn the principles of kaitiakitanga.
- Children can see giraffes up close, which helps them learn about animal adaptations.
- Minimum adult supervision ratios range from 1 adult per 3 children for ECE to 1 per 30 for Years 11 to 13.
- The zoo has many animal-related activities for children.
Know before you go
- Open every day, from 09:30 to 16:30.
- Zoo Experiences are booked, and the booking also supports the zoo's wildlife conservation work.
Tips for your visit
- The zoo has five separate tracks, grouped by region of origin, taxonomy or biome.
- Zoo Experiences let you get closer to the animals, with the zoo's skilled keepers explaining how they are cared for.
Best time to visit
- The Old Elephant House has hosted Christmas lunches for groups and a Christmas high tea.
Facilities
- Parking Two large car parks for cars, charter buses and tour coaches. Free street parking on Motions Road and Old Mill Road, some of it time-restricted.
- Accessible parking In the Motions Road car park, closest to the main entrance, for mobility permit holders.
- Restaurant The Old Elephant House restaurant is inside the zoo.
Shorts
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Auckland Zoo is New Zealand’s largest zoo, located just 10 minutes fr…Kiwi stories New Zealand
History
Auckland Zoo began in 1922 on its present site beside Western Springs park. The city council bought the leftover animals of the privately run Royal Oak Zoo in Onehunga for £800 and founded a permanent zoo. Governor-General Admiral Jellicoe opened it on a Saturday afternoon in December. The zoo grew through the 1960s and 1970s. Its enclosures were overhauled in the 1960s, and it expanded into the neighbouring park in 1973. Te Wao Nui, the largest development, opened in 2011 on about 4 hectares.
- 1922The council buys the leftover animals of a closed private zoo for £800 and founds the zoo. Governor-General Admiral Jellicoe opens it in December.
- 1973The zoo expands into the neighbouring park, with about 12 acres approved for development.
- 1988Two giant pandas stay at the zoo for three months, and over 300,000 people see them.
- 1997Pridelands opens, a savannah exhibit for giraffes, springboks, zebras and ostriches.
- 2011Te Wao Nui opens, the zoo's largest development, with native New Zealand plants and animals.
Sources: Auckland Zoo - Wikipedia · Auckland/Central - Wikivoyage (see) · Auckland Zoo | Home Of New Zealand's Most Diver… · About Auckland Zoo | Not-For-Profit with Conser… · Education & Learning | ECE, Primary, Secondary … · Auckland Zoo - Wikipedia · Parc zoologique d'Auckland - Wikipedia · checked 25 Oct 2026
- Website
- aucklandzoo.co.nz/
- Phone
- +64 9 360 3805
Questions and answers
What are the opening hours of Auckland Zoo?
Auckland Zoo is open every day from 09:30 to 16:30, on Motions Road in Western Springs Park.
How do I get to Auckland Zoo by bus?
Take bus route 18, which runs from Victoria Street to the zoo. You can also get off at bus stop 8124 on Great North Road, opposite Motions Road, and walk down Motions Road for a short distance.
Is there parking at Auckland Zoo?
Yes. The zoo has two large car parks for cars, charter buses and tour coaches. Free street parking lines Motions Road and Old Mill Road, some of it time-restricted.
Is Auckland Zoo good for children?
Yes. The zoo has many animal-related activities for children, and education sessions for students in Years 0 to 13 last 45 minutes each.
Is there a restaurant inside Auckland Zoo?
Yes. The Old Elephant House is a restaurant inside the zoo, and it hosts Christmas lunches for groups.
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