Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just minutes from central Auckland. Auckland Zoo is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
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See what other travelers are saying
- Jim & SandiSun City Center, Florida25 contributionsConstruction ObstaclesPretty good zoo, nice layout to put animals in "natural" settings. At least I hope that's what the animals think. A lot of construction going on as they expand and improve the zoo. I don't think we missed anything but had to walk around a lot of exhibits to get to each one. Had some good ice cream but one of our travel companions is a coca cola fan and couldn't find any on the property. The zoo staff in the gift center were very helpful in getting us a cab back to our hotel and sympathetic to our tales of cab ride TO the zoo where the cabby ripped us off with circuitous miles. Kiwi exhibit requires patience to let your eyes get used to the dark before you can see them move.Visited December 2019Traveled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2020
- Stewarts Vacation948 contributionsAnimals - large and small, native and other ...Auckland Zoo is well laid out and offers wonderful opportunities for viewing animals in their natural habitats. There is a strong emphasis on animal conservation. A large area is currently under construction, but this did not spoil our visit. The African section is our favourite part of the zoo showcasing giraffes, zebra, ostriches, meerkats, rhino, elephants, lions ... in fairly large, "natural-environment" enclosures. The zoo is extremely child friendly with easy viewing for littlies. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The toilets were clean. There are cafes for purchasing food and drinks, as well as plenty of spots for eating your own snacks/picnic. For locals, the annual pass is an absolute asset allowing frequent shorter visits, rather than trying to pack the entire zoo into one visit!Visited June 2020Written June 24, 2020
- SeemagovesPune, India842 contributionsUnexpected sightsWe were told that since we were from India , we could see many more animals in India than in this zoo. However, since we had a free day we decided to take a walk there. For one the place is clean and lots of greenery . I did not feel as if the animals were kept in a cage . Also, got to see a lot of animals and birds which I have not seen earlier . There is not much quantity but good quality . Also, we did not get exhausted as it was small and lots of places to sit. We were informed that eating there can be expensive so we packed a picnic basket and found lots of lovely places to sit and eat . They also have some discounts for senior citizens and we did not book online as my husband was of borderline age . If you do online there is additional discount . However, the lady did give us the discount for senior citizenVisited December 2019Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,568 reviews
Excellent
2,015
Very good
1,149
Average
291
Poor
77
Terrible
36
Tracy P
Grovedale, Australia63 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We went to the Zoo for something to do in Auckland. The price of an adult to enter was extremely reasonable. The parking was not great but we eventually were able to park (mainly due to all the construction work going on). We got a map and walked around all the exhibits. A fair amount of the animals were sleeping but you could still see most of them. The elephants were funny - they grabbed the hose and stretched it out trying to get the keeper to spray them but had to keep retrieving the hose as it automatically wound itself back up each time the elephants let it go! The Australian exhibit could have done with a few more animals - there was no kangaroo, koala, crocodile, echidna, platypus and the Tasmanian Devil had an enclosure but was hiding (as it was day and should be sleeping). On the whole, there was enough to see especially with keeper talks and the new area (once its completed) should make the zoo a very good place to visit.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jakeal82
Aberdeen, UK285 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Great idea to have evening visits to the zoo and by the crowds many people love the idea too, car park was overfilled by 5.30pm.
Yes many of the exhibits are closed and the animals have been re-located but I think that is reflected in the price.
However we went for supper at The Old Elephant House........what a mistake that was......menu was far too PRETENTIOUS, a really good burger, pizza or salad would be good enough for most folks, when I asked a member of staff what the strange words were after the chicken burger she did not know, come down a peg or two and serve your customers better. How about a snack menu for those with smaller appetites. We asked for a child’s menu, had to argue to get it as we were 4 adults albeit we had one with dementia and one in a wheelchair. You could do so much better, when we commented on the spicy chicken burger on both the adult and child’s menu the girl said they have had that comment previously........SO, why not change it?
Yes many of the exhibits are closed and the animals have been re-located but I think that is reflected in the price.
However we went for supper at The Old Elephant House........what a mistake that was......menu was far too PRETENTIOUS, a really good burger, pizza or salad would be good enough for most folks, when I asked a member of staff what the strange words were after the chicken burger she did not know, come down a peg or two and serve your customers better. How about a snack menu for those with smaller appetites. We asked for a child’s menu, had to argue to get it as we were 4 adults albeit we had one with dementia and one in a wheelchair. You could do so much better, when we commented on the spicy chicken burger on both the adult and child’s menu the girl said they have had that comment previously........SO, why not change it?
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ailsaeccles
Tauranga, New Zealand6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Tut tut Auckland zoo for spreading hate/fear and just plain false information about some of the animals you care for, e.g possums are herbivores they do not 'hunt' chicks...they hunt flowers and leaves, please stop with the propagation of disdain for sweet soulful creatures! Your bold stating of 'facts' seem like they're maybe born from very often empirically flawed DOC publications ..... that yuck agenda belongs in the past, please up your efforts in raising the consciousness of visitors feelings toward the feelings of the animals.
(Sorry this is so angry sounding but it's a very painful subject 'mischaracterization' of innocent animals :( )
🙏
(Sorry this is so angry sounding but it's a very painful subject 'mischaracterization' of innocent animals :( )
🙏
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose Taylor
19 contributions
Jun 2020
I’m very skeptical about zoos in general as I feel they often don’t adequately provide for the animals, but after recommendations from friends we visited Auckland zoo and had an awesome day out. Large enclosures with a variety of stimuli for the animals, and I really liked that there was adequate space for the animals to have privacy and retreat from the public eye if they didn’t feel like being very interactive. In saying that, most of the animals especially the lions, meerkats, elephants and otters seemed very comfortable and relaxed being right up close to the viewing areas and offered a fantastic experience. It was a quiet day out with no queues and minimal crowding. At only $24 per adult entry fee, I felt this was extremely reasonably priced given that we spent three hours there!! The only negatives are: 1. The new cafe is very pricy but quite substandard - wouldn’t rate their coffee. 2. The park is undergoing some big renovations so there are large areas inaccessible though this is for the benefit of the animals.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade and Deb
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Went to The Watering Hole for lunch and ordered ice cream and a chicken burger, it was fairly quiet so we were expecting to not have to wait too long. After waiting for 5 minutes we saw the meal being put under the heat lamp by the chef. Another staff member came over and asked if we were waiting for anything, which we went to reply to but then he walked off before we got the chance. We then saw one of the staff put the food on the opposite side of the cafe, and tried to get their attention as we didn’t want another customer thinking our food was theirs and taking it. It took us almost 10 minutes just to get the attention of a staff member for her to bring our food to the side we could access. The staff member then grabbed our food and put it down almost out of reach, didn’t say a word and walked off. Extremely poor customer service from this cafe, definitely something they should improve a lot. This was the female staff member at approximately 3:30pm on the 18th January 2020.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happyopenmindedtraveller
The Netherlands306,464 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I just spent a most lovely morning in the Auckland Zoo. The highlight for me was Discover Africa with its almost oval-shaped open concept. I saw many happy families here this morning, mostly with small children, having a most lovely time. The weather today was again bright and sunny which made it a most ideal day indeed to visit the Auckland Zoo. The most friendly and helpful (lady) staff at the entrance/exit even brought me to the Auckland Zoo Souvenir Shop where i could get and use free wi-fi, while waiting for my Soaring Kiwis Hop On-Hop Off bus, to return to the Auckland City Centre. I met some other friendly, cheerful and smiling staff as well. Recommended.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PrincessYork
Blenheim, New Zealand116 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We had a great time at this zoo. It has lots to do and see for the whole family. There are lots of animals to visit. The kids playground is fantastic. I would recommend taking your own food for a picnic as the food options were fairly limited and pricey. It's quite a good walk round so if you've got youngsters I would take a buggy as a back up or use a wheelchair, the whole.park is accessible for both.
Theres plenty of loos around and good parking. Would definitely visit if you're in auckland.
Theres plenty of loos around and good parking. Would definitely visit if you're in auckland.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand20,073 contributions
Aug 2021
It wasn't the best day for an outdoor outing due to the occasional showers but it was quite a good day trip to the zoo. There is a cafe (Wetapunga Cafe) at the entrance before heading in so it was a good place to wait for people to get ready before heading in.
We started by going through the African animal enclosure with the giraffes and rhinos. It merged into the meerkat enclosure with the bubbles looking out in the middle of the enclosure. After going past the elephant and the cafe there, we kept going to the NZ animal enclosures. We were lucky enough to see a kiwi at the kiwi house and a takahe at the mountain enclosure.
After going to the Asian animal enclosures, we noticed that the central area of the zoo was being remodeled. We were able to go through and get to the Australian and the monkey enclosures. The central area did have a nice new cafe (Te Puna) which was a nice place to sit and relax for a bit after walking. It was next to the children's playground which is fairly convenient.
It was a fun outing at the zoo. They do have a yearly pass which is good for multiple visits so quite handy for those with kids.
We started by going through the African animal enclosure with the giraffes and rhinos. It merged into the meerkat enclosure with the bubbles looking out in the middle of the enclosure. After going past the elephant and the cafe there, we kept going to the NZ animal enclosures. We were lucky enough to see a kiwi at the kiwi house and a takahe at the mountain enclosure.
After going to the Asian animal enclosures, we noticed that the central area of the zoo was being remodeled. We were able to go through and get to the Australian and the monkey enclosures. The central area did have a nice new cafe (Te Puna) which was a nice place to sit and relax for a bit after walking. It was next to the children's playground which is fairly convenient.
It was a fun outing at the zoo. They do have a yearly pass which is good for multiple visits so quite handy for those with kids.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seol Seung-Seok
Sokcho, South Korea1 contribution
Jun 2019
I chose the option at the end of the year because the options were limited.
There were so many species of animals in the Auckland Zoo. Among them, the most impressive animal is the kiwi which can be seen as the representative animal of New Zealand. The place where the kiwi was located was very dark. Also, do not blow up the camera flash. I was very surprised to see the kiwi coming out. It used to fly in the old days, but it was amazing to see it degenerated into modern times and not fly for a long time. If you want to see various animals and kiwis, I strongly recommend you to come here!
There were so many species of animals in the Auckland Zoo. Among them, the most impressive animal is the kiwi which can be seen as the representative animal of New Zealand. The place where the kiwi was located was very dark. Also, do not blow up the camera flash. I was very surprised to see the kiwi coming out. It used to fly in the old days, but it was amazing to see it degenerated into modern times and not fly for a long time. If you want to see various animals and kiwis, I strongly recommend you to come here!
Written May 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand4,580 contributions
Feb 2021
Holidaying in Auckland, we felt like a break from boats, bars and wineries, so a visit to Auckland Zoo was a no brainer. We took a bus from the CBD and it was just a short walk on the flat to the zoo from the closest stop.
I hadn't been to the zoo for many years and was very different from the zoo I remember - the enclosures animal centred with a lot of work underway to make the primate's life more fun.
What I love about the zoo is that it is set in a natural environment with lots of trees and lots of shade.
We visited over the Waitangi long weekend - the weather was beautiful and it was fabulous to see so many families out enjoying themselves.
Well worth the visit.
I hadn't been to the zoo for many years and was very different from the zoo I remember - the enclosures animal centred with a lot of work underway to make the primate's life more fun.
What I love about the zoo is that it is set in a natural environment with lots of trees and lots of shade.
We visited over the Waitangi long weekend - the weather was beautiful and it was fabulous to see so many families out enjoying themselves.
Well worth the visit.
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Est-ce que le Zoo sera toujours en rénovation en fin Mai ?
Bri240
Noumea, New Caledonia125 contributions
Bonjour,
Concernant les rénovations je ne sais pas quand est-ce quelles seront finies !!
Cordialement
Tripreviewers12
Hinuera, New Zealand22 contributions
is there tours and how much is it?
Callum Denali
Auckland Central, New Zealand17 contributions
You can do tours. But I wouldn't reccomend it. The zoo is so well sign posted. But tours are cheap if you really want to.
lorraineMagee
Basingstoke, UK
Are there kaola bears and kangaroos?
Tripreviewers12
Hinuera, New Zealand22 contributions
yes, there sure are! all animals you can think of!
aap68
Greater Perth, Australia24 contributions
how do I get to the zoo from central auckland?
Rajiv Dhimole
Dubai, United Arab Emirates135 contributions
hi
you can take city bus from Hobson St. Bus no 18, 110, 132, 133 will go to auckland zoo. you can include MOTAT also on the same day as this is close by
Maria F
Ames, IA261 contributions
Hello,
Does anyone know if there is a student discount for the zoo (university student)?
AucklandZoo
Auckland, New Zealand
Hi there,
Our discounted rate for students (with student ID) is NZD$23.
maryandbernie
Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand
Hi Can we take a picnic lunch into the zoo
AucklandZoo
Auckland, New Zealand
Hi there,
Yes, you're more than welcome to bring a picnic lunch to the Zoo. We have lockers available (for an extra fee) if you want to store your lunch while you're exploring the Zoo.
nbhargava
New Delhi, India49 contributions
Which bus goes to zoo from cbd ,please urgently reply
Thanx
Megan Adelheid N
39 contributions
Hi there, sorry not sure on busing routes from the cbd try looking at the at.govt.nz website at journey planner
Hi.i would like to know how much is the ticket fee?how can i reach this place from sky tower?
bernievogels
Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi there,
Auckland Zoo admission prices (as at 24 February 2015)
Adult: $28
Child (4-14 years): $12
Infants (under 4 years): Free
There are also family passes available. All information is on Auckland Zoo's website.
Auckland Zoo is an 8-minute drive from the SkyTower. Take SH16 to St Lukes Road (exit 6). Turn right on to St Lukes Road, keep left and turn left on to Great North Road and then turn right in to Motions Road. Auckland Zoo is on the right hand side of the road.
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Claim your listingAuckland Zoo (Auckland Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Auckland Zoo
- Auckland Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Hotels near Auckland Zoo:
- (1.41 mi) Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable
- (1.82 mi) Eden Park Bed & Breakfast
- (1.81 mi) Verandahs Parkside Lodge
- (2.78 mi) Eden Villa Bed & Breakfast
- (1.52 mi) Great Ponsonby Arthotel
- Restaurants near Auckland Zoo:
- (0.00 mi) Darwin's cafe
- (0.40 mi) Garnet Station
- (0.35 mi) Coffee Defora
- (1.61 mi) Paris Butter
- (1.63 mi) Farina
- Attractions near Auckland Zoo:
- (0.45 mi) MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology
- (0.32 mi) Western Springs Lakeside Park
- (0.86 mi) Auckland Fine Wine & Food Tours
- (1.16 mi) AWOL Canyoning Adventures
- (0.40 mi) Western Springs Stadium
Auckland Zoo Information
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