The Old Elephant House for bistro-style dining and private functions.

Open during term time: Friday to Sunday, 10:30am – 2:30pm

Open during school holidays: Monday to Sunday, 10:30am – 2:30pm

The Old Elephant House is an original Zoo building established in 1922. Updated with modern decor, it provides an historical ambience that pays tribute to the home of our elephants in days gone by. Guests are able to enjoy the à la carte dining options (weekends only), fresh salad and protein bar, hot and cold beverages, and an array of New Zealand wines and craft beers. We’re proud to showcase this beautifully renovated building and provide our manuhiri (guests) with a relaxed dining experience; whether it be seated in the remnants of the old elephant stalls, outside overlooking the clearing, or seated in the indoor courtyard with retractable roof.

Sustainability is at the core of our values. The Old Elephant House proudly uses re-usable crockery and cutlery.

The Old Elephant House's menu includes entrées, mains, sides and desserts - all of which are free range, source from local suppliers wherever possible, and any products that use palm oil contain only Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) that’s rainforest and wildlife friendly.

1. Mojo coffee
2. Seasonal à la carte menu (weekends only)
3. Fresh salad and protein bar
4. Baked goods
5. Sweet treats
6. Hot and cold beverages
7. Locally sourced wine and craft beer

If you are interested in booking a private function or event, please get in touch here: events@aucklandconventions.co.nz

Hungry for a healthy lunch?

Feeding time at the Zoo just took on a whole new meaning with our feel-good food at Old Elephant House.

We know that hot chips and ice cream are the mainstay of a memorable Zoo experience, but we're committed to offering alternatives to the treat foods! So our clever catering team have created a new, fresh salad and protein bar, allowing you to choose your combinations on the spot.

Our chefs love making food fresh on site every day and bringing people together for the love of good food, and we're committed to sourcing wholesome fresh ingredients and designing tasty dishes with mouth-watering flavour combinations; whether you're a carnivore or if you prefer a plant-based meal, we've got everyone covered.

We've made it super easy - simply choose your portion size, salads, your protein and your sauce - or make your own combo in addition to this! Keeping it green supports our passion for plant based diets, leaves a lighter carbon footprint and is more sustainable. What's more, if you are a member, and you show your membership pass, you qualify for a 10% discount off the advertised price - saving you some coin!

Come down to The Old Elephant House, try our salad bar, take in the fresh air and chill out next to a slice of green paradise at the South America Rain Forest Track.