Zoo’s Dinosaur Nights & Lights returns!

Illuminating evenings on the Dinosaur Discovery Track

An immersive after dark experience of awe-inspiring pre-historic giants is on offer at Auckland Zoo these July holidays through Dinosaur Nights & Lights – opening to visitors on Friday 3 July.

The 3 - 18 July (5.30pm - 8.30pm) nightly event at the Zoo’s recently opened 2026 Dinosaur Discovery Track, is an opportunity for whānau and friends of all ages to experience the Track’s new animatronic inhabitants in a whole new light!

“This year the Track has some very different and fascinating replicas from the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods - from gigantic Sauropods like the Brachiosaurus to Theropods, including the crested Crylophosaurus, of which fossil remains were only discovered in Antarctica in 1990.

“These, and the Track’s other animatronic creatures from world-leading dinosaur creators, The Dinosaur Company, are impressive and imposing enough during the day. However, when illuminated in the dark they are next level spectacular and offer an epic nighttime experience as the many visitors who attended last year’s event discovered,” says Auckland Zoo’s Visitor Engagement and Experience Manager, Zoe Firth.

Visitors to Dinosaur Nights & Lights (an alcohol-free event) are invited to bring their own kai or can purchase great hot food (including soup and fry bread) and treats and drinks from the Zoo’s Korimako Café.

Along with the enjoying the Track after dark, a ‘Silent Dino Disco’ at the dinosaur tent will be on offer to all those keen to get their dinosaur groove on!

Tickets and Arrival details

Pre-booking your tickets to Dinosaur Nights & Lights online is essential, as visitor numbers to these nights are limited and tickets will not be sold on the night. (General admission $19; Zoo members $9.50, children 3 years and under, free).

Dinosaur Nights & Lights is located at the Zoo’s Dinosaur Discovery Track and surrounding the Watering Hole Plaza and the experience is restricted to this area and does not include access to the rest of the Zoo. On arrival at the Zoo’s Entry Plaza, following presentation of your ticket(s) you will be guided by Zoo staff down to the Dinosaur Discovery Track via a lit route, and escorted back to the Zoo’s main entrance at the end of the evening.

Find out more about Dinosaur Nights & Lights