Auckland Zoo’s R18 Valentine’s Late (Friday 14 February, 4pm - 8pm) offers adults a wild and wonderful child-free night out - with great dining options, live music, and keeper talks that delve into the weird and wonderful world of animal courtship!

Pre-book your tickets to this event by 4pm Thursday 13 February, and you’ll also go into the draw to win a special $250 Valentine’s package for two. (This includes a beautiful three-course meal and complimentary glass of bubbles for two at the Old Elephant House restaurant, and a Zoo chaperone to meet you and take you to your dining location).

Whether you’re with that special someone or much-loved whānau or friends, Valentine’s Late is the perfect way to make the most of a balmy mid-summer evening in nature and celebrate who and what you love – including some of our world’s most extraordinary wildlife.

“This year we have some great new additions to Valentine’s Late, with a little live music - including a string quartet at the Rotunda and acoustic music at The Watering Hole. For our visitors’ convenience and choice, we also have additional dining and bar options around the Zoo,” says Auckland Zoo’s Visitor Experience & Engagement Manager, Zoe Firth.

These include the Old Elephant House restaurant (there are still some dining sessions available for pre-purchase), a great Valentine’s themed menu at Te Puna café, BBQ-themed food and bar at the Rotunda lawn area, and a food and drinks offering at The Watering Hole.

Valentine’s Late visitors can also pre-book a Valentine’s Late Picnic Box (and receive an early lovebird discount) and choose their own favourite Zoo spot to relax and dine. A limited number of Picnic Boxes will also be available for purchasing from Te Puna café on the night.

A not-to-be-missed and hugely popular feature of this evening will again be our wonderful team of keepers who’ll be offering a love-themed schedule of keeper talks from 4.30pm until 7:30pm.  Get along to some of these to discover the fascinating mating and courtship rituals of everything from red panda and Galápagos tortoise to flamingo, rhinoceros, porcupine and taonga species such as kea and tuatara!

Find out more about Valentine's Late

Also, please note:

  • Auckland Zoo Annual Pass Members can attend for Free! (Please just present your card on entry).
  • If purchasing tickets for Auckland residents, please remember proof of address is required (such as utility/rates bill, Auckland Council pool/leisure card, Auckland schools and tertiary ID, Auckland library or Auckland Museum card).