AucklandWildlife

Auckland Zoo

Walk-through native forest and nocturnal kiwi houses sit alongside African plains, big cats and a leading conservation and breeding programme.

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Auckland Zoo

Quick Facts

Region
Auckland, North Island
Best time
Year-round
Entry fee
From NZD $39 (adult)
Duration
3–4 hours

Overview

Set around Western Springs Lake, Auckland Zoo is home to more than 130 species, from kiwi and tuatara in its native New Zealand precinct to lions, giraffe and rhino across its African Pridelands. It's one of the country's leading conservation organisations, breeding endangered native species for release back into the wild.

The zoo is laid out as an easy loop through themed zones — Te Wao Nui (the native New Zealand area), the African Pridelands, South East Asia's Great Ape Trail, and Sea Lion & Penguin Shores — so a visit naturally flows from one habitat to the next without much backtracking.

Things To Do

  • Te Wao Nui — walk through six native habitats to see kiwi, tuatara, kea and kōkako up close.
  • Pridelands — African plains habitat with lions, giraffe, rhino and zebra sharing open sightlines.
  • Sea Lion & Penguin Shores — underwater viewing of New Zealand sea lions and little penguins.
  • Great Ape Trail — western lowland gorillas, Sumatran orangutans and siamang gibbons.
  • Backyard Kiwi Trail — a native bush walk that doubles as a self-guided birdsong identification trail.
Tip: Animals are most active in the first couple of hours after opening, especially the big cats and primates — arrive early, particularly on weekends and school holidays.

Getting There

Auckland Zoo is at Western Springs, about 4km from the CBD. Bus routes run directly from the city centre, and there's on-site parking (including accessible parks) off Motions Road. It's also a short walk from MOTAT and Western Springs Park.

AddressMotions Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022
Opening Hours9:30am – 5:00pm daily
Entry FeeFrom NZD $39 (adult), discounts for children and families
Duration3–4 hours
AccessibilityWheelchair and pushchair accessible paths throughout

Nearby Attractions

MOTAT

MOTAT

The Museum of Transport and Technology sits right next door to the zoo.

Western Springs Park

Western Springs Park

A lakeside park popular for picnics and walks, wrapping around the zoo's boundary.

Auckland Museum

Auckland Museum

Taonga Māori, natural history and war memorial galleries in the Auckland Domain.

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