Auckland Zoo: A Wild Day Out for Kids & Families in Auckland
Explore Auckland Zoo with the Kids
Auckland Zoo is one of the top family attractions in New Zealand, home to more than 1,400 animals and 135 species. Located just minutes from central Auckland, the zoo offers a full day of fun, education, and discovery for school-aged children and their parents. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, here’s everything you need to know for your visit in 2025.
What You See at Auckland Zoo?
Expect to see a wide variety of animals including:
Lions, tigers, and cheetahs
Giraffes and rhinos
Red pandas and meerkats
Otters, seals, and squirrel monkeys
Kiwis, tuatara, and wetapunga (giant wētā)
Tip: Visit the South East Asia Jungle Track to see orangutans and the playful otters!
Hands on Experiences for Families
Get closer than ever before with Auckland Zoo’s behind-the-scenes animal encounters. These experiences are perfect for families with school-aged children and offer unforgettable moments:
Zoo Experiences Available in 2026:
Red Panda Experience: Tempt the red panda down from the trees by offering them one of their favourite treats
Giraffe Experience: Admire the tallest animal on earth from a whole new perspective.
Galápagos Tortoise Experience: Get close to the world’s largest tortoise species.
Orangutan Experience: Hang out with the keeps and extraordinary great apes and observe and organgutan training session
Squirrel Monkey Experience: Discover how curious and agile these intelligent primates really are
Barn Owl Experience: Learn how to fly one of our beautiful barn owls during one of their daily training sessions.
All experiences must be booked in advance and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more and book at Auckland Zoo Experiences.
Birthday Parties
Kids can have their birthday party at the Zoo. Book exclusive use of the Zoo’s private party venue for 90 minutes, which comes with a dedicated party host, priority parking, plus, all-day zoo entry for up to 20 guests and discounted zoo entry for additional guests.
How to make the most of your visit
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm (closed Christmas Day). Last entry is at 4:30pm.
Recommended Visit Time: Minimum 3 hours; a full day is ideal
Parking: Free onsite parking with mobility access
Food Options: Cafes, picnic areas, and ice cream stalls
Tip: Wear comfy shoes, and bring a refillable water bottle!
Day Pass Prices
There’s lots to see and do at Auckland Zoo, all year round! Thanks to the generous support from Auckland Council, Auckland Zoo can offer a subsidised ticket price to visitors who live in Auckland and book a minimum of one day in advance, and/or visit during off-peak times (during NZ school terms) means you pay less than peak time (weekends, public and school holidays).
Live in Auckland
Adults (15+ years): From $24.00
Children (4 to 14 years): From $14.00
Under 4s: FREE
Students (ID required): From $20.00
Seniors (65+ years): From $20.00
Do not live in Auckland – Domestic and International Visitors
Adults (15+ years): $39.00
Child (4 to 14 years): $22.00
Under 4’s: FREE
Students (ID required): $30.00
Senior (65+ years): $30.00
Tickets are available online: Auckland Zoo Tickets.
Prices are correct as at 4 November 2026.
Location and contact
Address: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland 102, New Zealand
Phone: 09 360 3805
Website: www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
Auckland Zoo is located at Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland 0975, New Zealand.
The Zoo has off-street parking for cars at $3 per hour with a maximum charge of $9 (one by the Zoo entrance, one across the road by TAPAC and one by the MOTAT Aviation Hall.
Accessible car parking is available in the Motions Road car park closest to the main entrance for vehicles displaying a mobility parking permit.
Stay Up to Date
For upcoming events, special family days, and conservation talks, visit Auckland Zoo’s What’s On page.