Kids parties FAQs

How do I book my child's birthday party at the Zoo?

We recommend that you review the kids' birthday party information on our website before you make a booking. To check availability, either phone the Kids' Party Co-ordinator on 09 360 4700 or email.

You can also download the kids' birthday party booking form, complete and return to us to make your booking.

Will I need to pay a deposit?

Yes - a $100 non-refundable deposit and the signed terms and conditions are due within 7 days of making your pencil booking.

When is my final balance and guest count due?

Your final guest count (and completed booking form) is due at least five working days prior to your party date. No changes can be made after this time.

Payment of your remaining balance must be received at least three working days prior to your party date. If the balance is not paid in full by this date, the party will be cancelled.

When will I receive the wristbands for my guests?

We will send these out once we receive your final balance payment and completed forms (with final numbers). It is your responsibility to ensure that your guests receive these and wear them on the day.

What is the Zoo's cancellation policy for kids' birthday parties?

All party changes, postponements and cancellations must be negotiated directly with the kids' party coordinator and are at the discretion of Auckland Zoo.

If a party is cancelled at any time, the deposit is non-refundable. If a party is cancelled within seven days of the party date, all monies paid are non-refundable.

Please see separate information on the postponement policy.

What if it is raining on the day or I need to postpone for another reason?

Parties will take place regardless of weather, unless the Zoo itself is closed (in which case full refunds will be issued or we can work with you to reschedule the party).

It is important to understand that there is no rain contingency for the Critter Cottages area and while parties can be postponed (conditions apply*), deposits will not be refunded if you then deem the site unsuitable.

If you are in any doubt and have not yet had a site visit with one of the Functions team, we invite you to book a time to view the cottages with one of us from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

*If you wish to postpone the party due to bad weather, you must notify us at least two working days prior to the party date. No postponements will be made on weekends, public holidays or the day of the party. Postponements are at the discretion of Auckland Zoo.

What if my guests forget their wristbands on the day?

If your guests fail to bring their wristbands on the day, they will be required to pay the standard admission at the ticket office.

Can myself or my guests come earlier to the Zoo?

Yes. The Zoo opens at 9.30am, so you are welcome to come any time after that and wander around. However, the Critter Cottages venue will only be available to you for the hire period that you have booked. You are also welcome to stay after your party hire time until the Zoo closes (5pm in winter, 5.30pm in summer).

What if some of my guests do not show up, or I have more guests attend that I expected?

We cannot issue refunds for guests who do not show up.

If you have extra guests on the day, they will have to purchase normal tickets at the standard entry rate. The discounted entry rate is only available for pre-purchased tickets. Extra catering will not be able to be ordered at the last minute.

Can I (or my guests) use the wristbands to come to the Zoo on another day?

No. Wristbands can only be used for entry to your party and are not transferable as entry to the Zoo on any other day or time.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests for a party?

Due to the size of the party venue, we are usually limited to a maximum of around 50 guests. This is however, dependent on the weather, and the space you need for activities. The cottages themselves seat approximately 8 to 10 children per cottage, with the rest of the space being outside in the garden.

There is no minimum number of guests.

If your guest numbers are larger than this, talk to us about your requirements as there may be another suitable venue for your party at the Zoo.

Do Friends of the Zoo receive a discount on kids' parties?

There are no discounts available on the venue hire cost for kids' parties, however Friends of the Zoo members do not need to pay the additional entry price for themselves.

May we bring in our own food for the party?

Yes you are welcome to bring your own food, however there are no cooking, cooling or storage facilities available on-site, and barbecues are not permitted.

Catering options are available for pre-purchase.

May we bring in decorations?

The two cottages have brightly coloured murals painted on the inside walls so require little decoration.

If you do wish to bring in decorations, please ensure that you discuss this with the Kids' Party Co-ordinator first to ensure that no prohibited items are brought in. For the safety of our animals and environment, balloons, balls, piñatas, confetti, whistles, scatters and party poppers are not permitted.

In addition, it is important that no damage is caused to the facilities. Therefore we do not allow the use of nails, screws or adhesives (including blu-tac). You may use the 3M Command range of hooks to put up decorations. All equipment and decorations must be removed at the conclusion of the party (within your hire period).

Can we wear costumes to the party?

Please discuss any requirements with the kids' party coordinator, as some of the Zoo's animals are sensitive to costumed characters.

Can we store food or presents?

We do not have storage facilities available for food or presents. There are lockers available for hire in the main plaza of the Zoo.

What does the Zoo host do?

The Zoo host is simply there to unlock the cottages for you, set up any furniture required, wind up the umbrellas and answer any questions you may have. If you have booked catering, they will also liaise with the caterers. In most cases, they will be available during the party in case you have any questions or needs. At the end of the party, they will pack down any equipment/furniture, wind down the umbrellas and lock up the cottages. This is included in the venue hire price. The Zoo host is not required to play games, or entertain the children. Please refer to our other entertainment options if you would like someone to entertain the children at your party.

Can we use the party area for a longer period of time?

Generally no. The Zoo schedules parties back to back with a brief cleaning/set-up time in between. Because of the quick turnaround, we must insist that you adhere to your party times. If there is no party booked after yours, we may be able to extend your time, however this will incur an additional hire cost. Please ensure that you have organised your party schedule (including any set-up and pack-down) to fit within your hire period.

Can we organise a behind-the-scenes tour for the children?

Our behind-the-scenes tours (Zoom tours) have specific schedules for the week, and all have strict minimum ages (which start at 7 years old). Therefore, it is usually not suitable to organise these for birthday parties.

Please discuss your requirements with the kids' party coordinator as we may be able to organise a front-of-house tour or similar.

What if I want to have a birthday party at the Zoo, but don't need the reserved party area?

You are welcome to bring a group to the Zoo, your own picnic lunch (or purchase from the cafes) and make use of any of the Zoo's many outdoor picnic areas. These spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is there any shelter at the venue?

Aside from the cottages themselves, there are two large fixed shade umbrellas at the site. If you are wanting more shelter, we recommend that you either hire one of the Zoo's Ezi-Up canopies, or bring your own canopy/gazebo. Please note: all hire equipment must be organised through a Zoo approved supplier, items must be delivered at a pre-arranged time, and any canopies must be self-supporting and pre-approved by the kids' party coordinator.

Can I come and see the venue before I book?

Yes, we highly recommend that you view the party venue before booking. Site visits can be arranged between Monday and Friday from 10am to 4pm by appointment only. Please phone the kids' party coordinator on 09 360 4700 or email.