Discover all of Aotearoa New Zealand at Auckland Zoo.

Take an immersive journey through the stunning habitats of Te Wao Nui inspiring every visitor to be kaitiaki (guardians) of our unique wildlife and wild places. Discover the rare and fascinating animals such as iconic kiwi and tuatara that are found nowhere else in the world. Learn about our native plant species and the importance of them in Māori culture, and the environment. Te Wao Nui offers both locals and tourists a truly unique experience of New Zealand’s animals, plants and culture all in one location at Auckland Zoo.

Encompassing one fifth of the Zoo, Te Wao Nui is home to over 100 native plant species of Aotearoa and around 60 different animal species. From the wild and rugged high country, picturesque alpines, wetlands and coast to dense night forests featuring our kiwi habitat – it’s truly an unforgettable experience.  

What’s included:

  • Your tour will start at the specified meeting point where you will meet your Zoo Guide
  • Your Zoo Guide will take you on an immersive journey through the stunning habitats of Te Wao Nui (our Aotearoa New Zealand track) for approximately 60 minutes
  • Discover NZ native animals and plants and learn about their importance in Māori culture and the environment 
  • Photo opportunities are all the way along the track - remember to bring your phone or small handheld camera
  • All-day Zoo access - make the most of your visit and explore the rest of the Zoo at your leisure

Booking this tour helps to support our important wildlife conservation work, with a portion of your purchase going towards conservation efforts here and in the wild. Let us share with you some of the amazing work that we do outside the Zoo to protect our country’s natural treasures.

Auckland Resident Booking   Domestic and International Visitor Booking 

Member Booking     Annual pass members must present valid I.D.

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All tour participants are expected to comply with these terms and conditions, and health and safety procedures.  If you are booking on behalf of an organization or group of people, please ensure that everyone participating in the tour is aware of this information. Those not complying with the guidelines, or presenting a risk to themselves, animals or others, may be asked to leave the Zoo. No refund will be issued under these circumstances.

Age Restrictions 

Participants must be 8 years or above to participate in the Te Wao Nui Tour.
Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a booked and paying adult on the tour. There must be at least one adult for every three children.

General 

  • Admission to Auckland Zoo is included in the ticket price of the tour.
  • Participants may be asked to cease the tour at any time for reasons relating to animal welfare or visitor misconduct, at the keepers or guides discretion.
  • All tour times and tours are approximate and are subject to change at any time, at the discretion of Auckland Zoo.
  • The price of your tour covers your entry into the Zoo on the day of your tour. Any other guests accompanying you to the Zoo must purchase tickets before entering.
  • Auckland Zoo will not be liable for any personal injury or for any lost or damaged equipment.
  • Taking photographs or video in the Zoo for personal use is permitted. Your Zoo Guide will inform you when you are permitted to take photos or video during your tour. No photos or video with flash may be taken inside the kiwi habitat. Photos and video taken may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes without express permission from Auckland Zoo.

Responsibilities of the Customer 

  • The meeting point for the tour, is within the Zoo. Please allow ample time to arrive at the Zoo, check in and walk to the meeting point.
  • All participants must arrive at the specified meeting point within the Zoo no later than 5 minutes after the advertised time. If participants are not there after 5 minutes, the tour will start without you. No refunds will be given.
  • All participants must follow the instructions given by their Zoo Guide or any other Zoo staff member at all times.
  • All participants must wear appropriate clothing and footwear. This includes comfortable footwear, and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.
  • Auckland Zoo must be advised prior to the tour date of any medical conditions or disabilities that may impact on a participant’s participation.
  • All participants must be well and any visitors will be refused entry to the zoo if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Strictly no whistles, balls, balloons, frisbees, bikes, skateboards or roller skates/blades or similar are allowed into the Zoo.

Animal Welfare 

  • Due to the possibility of unforeseeable animal or other welfare issues, Auckland Zoo cannot guarantee that all animals and habitats specified will be available.
  • Please do not feed any of the animals.
  • Under no circumstances should you attempt to have contact with an animal.

Payments and Confirmation 

  • All tour bookings must be paid in advance.
  • Tour bookings will be confirmed via email upon receipt of payment.
  • Pre-booked tour tickets purchases via the website should be produced by the Visitor on arrival for inspection and will be scanned to check validity.
  • Tour tickets are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, non-refundable and void if altered.
  • No refunds will be given if you fail to arrive for your tour.
  • No refunds will be given if you arrive for your tour and do not meet the criteria for participation. It is your responsibility to read the conditions for participation prior to arriving.
  • Should a refund/amendment be provided at the Manager’s discretion, an administration fee of $25 NZD will be applied.
  • Where Auckland Zoo must cancel or postpone a tour, participants are entitled to rebook the tour. Auckland Zoo will not reimburse any travelling or other incidental expenses incurred.

FAQs

Sure! Just put your details under ‘Contact Details’ and their contact information under ‘Participant’. Please forward on your booking confirmation emails to the lucky recipient as they contain important health and safety information for the tour.

Yes, adults (those 15 years or older) can book as an individual on the tour, but the tour can still be booked by nine other participants. The tour will go ahead even if only one person is booked on the tour. Children under 15 years must be accompanied by a paying adult on the tour.

It is best to contact our team at experiences@aucklandzoo.co.nz to discuss any disabilities so we can assess them on a case-by-case basis.

All participants need to be able to walk comfortably up to 1km in 60 minutes.

Sure! Our minimum age for this tour is 8 years old. 

All tours require that a paying adult (aged 18+) must accompany children under 15 years. Each adult may supervise up to 3 children. 

Yes! Your Zoo Guide will let you know when and where you are allowed to take photos during your tour. So, remember to bring your phone or small handheld camera to be able to snap and share your tour experience.

Please note that no photos or video with flash may be taken when inside the Night Forest (Te Po) where kiwi are seen. Photos and video taken may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes without express permission from Auckland Zoo.

The price includes your zoo entry fee so feel free to explore the Zoo at your leisure. Please ensure you are at the assigned meeting point for your tour 5 minutes prior to the start time. 

Please wear comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers) and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. 

The weather will not normally affect this tour, but feel free to phone us on the morning of your tour to check on the status.  Occasionally, we may need to cancel or postpone your tour due to stormy weather. Any tours postponed by Auckland Zoo will be rescheduled to another date. 

We have a hands-off policy with most of our animals and there is no direct physical contact with any of the animals on this tour.

Please arrive at the Zoo at least 30 minutes prior to your tour to allow time to check in and to walk to the meeting point. The team at the entrance will let you know where to meet. 

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