Birthday parties are currently on hold for the month of January, and will be re-instated from February the 1st. If you have booked a birthday party but would like to cancel it, you have this option, and a refund will be given. If you have booked but would like to postpone your birthday celebration event, this is also an option. Please email experiences@aucklandzoo.co.nz
Birthday Parties
Whakanui Huritau
If you’re looking to have a roar-some time for your child’s next birthday, then look no further!
With exclusive use of a private party venue for 90 minutes, a dedicated party host and priority parking – you’ll be singing happy birthday to Zoo. The fun doesn’t stop there, with all-day zoo entry for you and your guests, you can explore Aotearoa’s largest home of animals at your leisure. As well as a gift for the birthday child, celebrating your birthday at Auckland Zoo is a gift for conservation as a portion of all parties goes towards building a brighter future for wildlife, wild places and all of us.
Birthday party package ($540) includes:
- Private party venue for 90 minutes (10am or 1pm)
- Free all-day zoo admission for up to 20 guests, discounted zoo entry for additional guests
- Personalised invitations
- A dedicated party host to help with party set up, facilitating games, coordinating food and even taking your group shots for you
- Two priority parking spaces for the birthday child's immediate family
- A free gift from The Zoo Shop for the birthday child
Make a booking today
We take the stress out of booking. Simply let us know your preferred dates, time and party venue and we’ll take care of the rest!
To confirm your booking a non-refundable deposit of $100 is required. Our bookings coordinator will be in touch with you 10 days prior to your party to discuss catering requirements, party guest list and final payment. In the meantime, you’ll be sent invitations to send out to your herd of party-goers.
Feed your pride
Catering
Do you want to make your birthday even more stress-free? We offer birthday catering platters for kids and adults alike. Check out the catering options here.
FAQs
Take the stress away and leave that to us! Catering options are available for pre-purchase - check out our platters and menu options here.
You’re also welcome to bring your own food. Please note there are no cooking, cooling or storage facilities available onsite, and we do not allow barbecues.
Some animals are sensitive to costumed characters. Visitors must not bring any costumes into the Zoo. Please check with our Bookings Coordinator if you are unsure.
Zoo Members do not receive a discount on kids’ parties. The party package includes venue hire and a dedicated party host.
Zoo Members receive 20% off any additional tickets (above the 20 included in the party package).
The birthday party package is designed for 20 guests. If you have fewer guests than this there will be no discounts off the purchase price.
We recommend a balance of 10 adults and 10 children to make up your birthday package guestlist.
Due to the size of the party venue and for health and safety reasons, we cannot accept more than a maximum of 50 guests, including infants.
If your guest numbers are larger than this, please let us know about your requirements as there may be another suitable venue for your party at the Zoo. Contact our Bookings Coordinator to discuss these options.
We have two fabulous spaces to host birthday parties at Auckland Zoo – ‘Critter Cottages’ and ‘The Party Courtyard’ - New photography is coming soon!
At Critter Cottages, there are two cottages for food tables, plus there are two large, fixed shade umbrellas and a gazebo to shade the seating eating.
The Party Courtyard and Kidzone venues are both fully under cover.
Included in the party set-up are colourful tablecloths, bunting, cups, plates and napkins.
For the safety of our animals and environment, balloons, balls, pinatas, confetti, whistles and party poppers are not permitted in the Zoo.
In addition, it is important that no damage is caused to the facilities. Therefore, we do not allow the use of nails, screw or adhesives (including blu-tac). 3M Command hooks may be used.
All equipment and decorations must be removed by the conclusion of your party (within the hire period).
If you want to bring additional decorations or are unsure, please discuss with the Bookings Coordinator.
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).
The Party Courtyard and KidZone venues are both fully covered.
Parties that are booked into Critter Cottages will be moved to one of these venues if it is rainy, or if recent rain has made the Critter Cottage lawn muddy.
All party changes, postponements and cancellations must be negotiated directly with the Bookings Coordinator, and final decisions and are at the discretion of Auckland Zoo.
We cannot issue refunds for guests who do not show up. Birthday party entrance is not transferable as entry to the Zoo on any other day or time.
If you have extra guests on the day that are not on the guest list, they will have to purchase general admission tickets at cashiers. Additional tickets are eligible for the kids’ party discount of 20%.
All party changes, postponements and cancellations must be negotiated directly with the Bookings 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 ten days of the party date, all monies paid are non-refundable.
A guest list is required for your birthday party. The final guest list is due at least ten 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 ten working days prior to your party date. If the balance is not paid in full by this date, the party may be cancelled.
Yes. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due when you make your booking. We are unable to reserve dates before receiving your deposit. If you are booking less than ten days before your requested date, full numbers, guest list and payment is required to secure the date.
Yes. When making your booking online, you will have the option to select which party venue. Auckland Zoo reserves the right to change your venue based on the weather and your group size.