The first attraction that we visited on our recent trip from Australia to New Zealand was to the Auckland Zoo. We took along a group of 8 family members from ages 8 up to 74 and each of us had a fantastic day. The weather was perfect (even in July!) and we were able to cover approximately 80% of the zoo grounds during the 6 hours that we spent in the park.
A lot has changed at the Auckland Zoo since the early years when local business people were encouraged to find and bring back wildlife when the travelled abroad on overseas trips! But one thing has remained the same and this is that families still enjoy a fun day out at the zoo watching the various animals, birds and reptiles.
Very interesting information is available on many of the zoo’s wildlife on the Auckland Zoo website.
An unexpected event that we witnessed was the rescue of six young ducklings that had become trapped in the stream and separated from their mum who had no idea what to do! You can watch the video below to see the rescue unfold!
6 Ducklings get rescued by Auckland Zoo staff
During the day we saw exotic wildlife such as Asian elephants, giraffes, zebras and African lions. We also wondered through the Aussie Walk About enclosure and saw the emus, colorful peacocks, wallabies, kangaroos, parrots and lorikeets. Of course, we also visited the Kiwi enclosure and saw the endangered Kiwi digging away in the soil.
Prices (as at September 2012)
| Adult | $22 |
| Child (4-14 Years Inclusive) | $11 |
| Child (Under 4 Years) | Free |
| Pensioner (with ID) | $18 |
| Student (with ID) | $18 |
| Family pass 1 (1 adult, 2 children) | $40 |
| Family pass 2 (2 adults, 2 children) | $60 |
| Additional children (added to either family pass) | $9 per child |
Friends of the Zoo membership
If you like to visit the Auckland Zoo regularly then why not consider purchasing an annual pass with the Friends of the Zoo membership? This also gives you added benefits and discounts for you and any friends or family you may bring along with you to the zoo.
Times of Operation of Auckland Zoo:
Daily:
Winter (1 May to 31 August): 9.30am – 5pm
Summer (1 September to 30 April): 9.30am to 5.30pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Note:
Last entry into zoo is 4.15pm daily.
**** Click to Download a Map of the Auckland Zoo ****
Address of Auckland Zoo:
Motions Road
Western Springs
Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Information Phone: +64 9 360 3805
Video of our Family Day at Auckland Zoo
Location Map of Auckland Zoo:
Parking:
Free off-street parking is available onsite with additional parking just down the street across the tram track.
Wheelchair Access?
Around 90% of the zoo can be accessed by a wheelchair and about 70% by those in a mobility scooter. This means that families or groups with members in mobility devices can still come and enjoy a fun day out with family and friends.
There are also a number of wheelchairs and Mobility scooters that are available for hire. It is advisable to book prior to your visit to ensure that one is held for you on the day. A bond may be payable on the day of your visit, but this will be refunded when you return the mobility vehicle.
Interesting Facts:
- Free off street parking
- Located on 17 hectares
- Biggest array of Exotic and Native animals in New Zealand
- Close to Central Auckland
- Open 364 days a year
History of the Zoo:
- Opened in February 1911 in Onehunga, Auckland
- Moved to Western Springs location on 17 December 1922
- 1923 Jamuna the elephant arrived
- 1925 a leopard escaped from the zoo
- 1949 Kiwi were finally allowed to be displayed
- 25 November 1956 saw the first ‘chimpanzee tea party’ performed to the delight of visitors
- 1981 the animal hospital opened at the zoo
- 1996 saw the opening of the Rainforest
- Three Sumatran tiger cubs were born in 2008
- 200 North Island brown kiwi chicks were successfully reared and released in 2010
- Te Wao Nui opened on 11 September 2011
Different Ways to Enjoy the Zoo:
- Behind the scenes Zoom Tours available
- Safari Nights are held regularly
- Junior Keeper programme allows kids aged 6 to 13 years to be a zoo keeper for a day
- Photography workshops on the zoo grounds – Beginners, Intermediate or Young people
- Guided walks offered for a small additional fee
- Consider booking your Special Function at the Zoo
- Kid Zone allows children to get up close to small animals and enjoy the playground
- Adopt an Animal program allows you to contribute towards a specific animal and to support wildlife conservation
- Join the other volunteers and become a zoo ambassador
Fun Family Day at the Zoo
Everyone can have a fun day at the Auckland Zoo no matter what their age! So next time you are in Auckland be sure to stop by and check out the diverse range of animals, birds, reptiles and more!
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