Early Childhood Education
Visit the Zoo with your little ones.
We're redeveloping our Conservation Learning programme to align with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, with new education sessions for Years 0-10 launching from January 2027. There are no changes to our Year 11-13 education sessions, and we plan to revisit these in 2028.
Developed in consultation with our teaching community, the new programme will offer more hands-on, interactive learning experiences that connect ākonga with te taiao through authentic conservation, science and animal care contexts. Students will investigate real-world conservation challenges, engage with case studies, understand the principles of kaitiakitanga, and explore wildlife conservation in meaningful ways.
Bookings for 2027 are now open. Secure your preferred dates now, with full programme details to be released during Terms 3 and 4. Please note that if you pick a session for Years 0-10, we will be in touch at the end of 2026 with the new 2027 programme details and to confirm which session would best suit your students.
Visit the Zoo with your little ones.
Explore the amazing prehistoric world of dinosaurs through song, story, movement, and play!
What has shaped New Zealand’s biodiversity?
How have animals adapted to their habitat? Observe animal features and behaviours in action!
What does living sustainably look like and why is it necessary?
Taking care of our animals every day in a way that ensures their overall wellbeing.
Discover the fascinating world of animal grouping and classification.
Discover how we can celebrate Matariki through stories that link people to nature and Aotearoa’s native wildlife.
Explore one of the ways we engage and enrich the species in our care.
Discover how living things are classified in te ao Māori (the Māori worldview)
Learn how Aotearoa is home to unique animals which face modern day threats from introduced pests.
Learn about endangered species and how we can all help them.
Explore Human Evolution and the trends throughout bipedal history in a hands-on learning experience.
Tertiary Education Sessions specially catered to our oldest students.
Session duration: 45 minutes
Bookable from Monday to Friday, starting from 9:30am
Minimum adult: student supervision ratio for age groups. ECE 1:3 | Years 0 – 6 1:6 | Years 7 – 10 1:15 | Years 11 – 13 1:30
Cost of session: ECE under 5 $0 and all adults $19. Years 0 – 13 $10 per student*, 1 free adult per 6 students and 1:1 teacher aids are free. Additional adults outside ratio $19. Double sessions $20 per student.* Tertiary please email conservationlearning@aucklandzoo.co.nz
*Different rates may apply to international student groups.
Kia ora kaiako across Aotearoa!
The Conservation Learning team is excited to welcome you and your ākonga to the zoo for onsite Conservation Learning sessions!
These sessions are delivered at Auckland Zoo by our team of amazing facilitators who have a wealth of education experience between them. Our interactive sessions are designed to be engaging and are developed in-line with the New Zealand Curriculum. We hope to welcome you and your tamariki for a visit soon!
The Conservation Learning team is excited to be able to bring the zoo to you with Virtual Conservation Learning sessions!
We’ve created easy to use lesson plans and learning resources to support teachers in your online classrooms.
Read our Education FAQs before booking if you have questions.