Tourism Information | Auckland Zoo

Te Wao Nui - the Zoo’s Aotearoa New Zealand track

Six stunning habitats showcasing the native fauna and ﬂora of New Zealand.

Discover the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea, and more than 50 of Aotearoa’s amazing natural treasures in Te Wao Nui. Home to over 75 native animals and over 100 plant species, Te Wao Nui will take your manuhiri (visitors) on an immersive journey through New Zealand’s natural world. Te Wao Nui was blessed by local Iwi, Ngati Whatua o Orakei in 2012, and has become a must see destination for all visitors to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

Conservation and Wild Work

Auckland Zoo and its partners are conservation optimists - all working hard to build a brighter future for wildlife and wild places. Even when a species population is at critical, we will always be there to help. We’re driven by our desire to make a positive difference and our enthusiasm to inspire others to care about wildlife and wild places as much as we do.

Auckland Zoo plays a vitally important role in breeding, research and recovery programmes for threatened wildlife. In fact, a portion of every ticket goes towards the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund to support both local and international field-based projects. Our vet hospital is also involved in many research programmes and field projects to help us understand and address diseases in wildlife.

Products and Tours

General admission
We recommend you allow a minimum of two to three hours’ visit time for un-guided general admission Zoo visits. Advance bookings will streamline your guests’ entry. Book at least one working day prior to arrival. Indicative numbers are fine – we will invoice you based on numbers on the day. (There is no charge for no-shows and cancellations).

Keeper talks and events
Catch one, or all of our free daily keeper talks, where zookeepers share their extensive knowledge of our amazing animals and their habitats. A great way to learn more about what makes these animals so special and how you could help protect them in the wild.
Auckland Zoo hosts a range of exciting events and activities throughout the year. There’s never a dull moment — find out what’s on at the Zoo.

Māori Cultural Performance
Auckland Zoo is now offering Māori Cultural Performances. For more infomration visit here.

Visitor needs

We cater for a wide range of dietary requirements here at the Zoo, you’ll be sure to find something at one of our catering outlets.
Auckland Zoo is proud to serve palm oil-free and free-range food at our cafes and food village.

Te Puna - located right in the heart of the Zoo, Te Puna faces the central lake of the Zoo and the South East Asia Jungle Track. It is a wonderful place to dine and unwind, with a wide range of food and drinks available.
Wētāpunga Café - conveniently located in the Zoo’s entrance plaza, Wētā Café offers Mojo coffee, Tip Top novelty ice creams and a range of cabinet food options including fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, sweet treats and cold beverages.
The Watering Hole* - the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of our flamingos, lions, and elephants. Enjoy Mojo coffee, Tip Top scoop ice cream, burgers, pitas, hot chips and cold beverages.
The Old Elephant House* - our dining experience offering a full a la carte menu. Enjoy a three course meal in this licensed eatery whilst listening to the sound of our siamang gibbons calling. Open Friday - Sunday and school holidays.
The Lookout* - located in the Zoo’s New Zealand precinct Te Wao Nui, The Lookout offers Mojo coffee, cold drinks, a range of snacks and Kapiti scoop ice cream. Open weekends and school holidays.
Korimako Café* - located opposite the band rotunda, this pop-up café offers American hot dogs, takeaway coffee and scoop ice cream.

There are also a number of picnic areas around Auckland Zoo - sit back and relax with your purchased or packed lunch while enjoying the sights and sounds of the zoo.

Plan Your Day

In an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastic, Auckland Zoo no longer sells bottled water. You can fill your own bottle at our chilled water fountains located at each of these catering outlets or purchase an Auckland Zoo reusable bottle, on sale in our Zoo Shop.

*Opening hours are weather dependent.

We regret there is no coach parking available within the Zoo’s main car park. Guests may be dropped at, or collected from, the main entrance, but coaches must not remain at the entrance. Coach parking is possible in surrounding streets and, in off-peak periods, in the overflow car park outside The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) on Motions Road.

Complimentary zoo maps are available on arrival. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available from our Info Centre. Phone 09 360 3805 to book before you arrive.

Plan Your Day

With a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, the Zoo Shop offers a great range of souvenirs and gifts made from recyclable and sustainable sources - many of which contribute to humanitarian and conservation projects around the world. If you’re looking for a special gift with heart than look no further. The Zoo Shop is open every day from 9:30am to 5:30pm during Summer hours and 9:30am to 4:30pm during Winter hours.

Visit the Zoo Shop

Opening hours

Summer: late October (Labour weekend) to late April (end of Autumn school holidays), 9:30am – 5:30pm (excluding Christmas Day) with last admissions at 4.30pm
Winter: late April (after Autumn school holidays) to late October (after Labour day), 9:30am – 4.30pm with last admissions at 3.30pm
Physical address: Auckland Zoo, 99 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
How to get here:

By car: From the city take the take the North Western Motorway and exit at St Lukes Rd.
By bus: Via Explorer Bus and Soaring Kiwi.

General terms and conditions of entry

Promotional images can be found here