Rush visit during wait for plane home. I loved everything about this Zoo. The habitats are all well curated, the landscaping gorgeous and the animals in areas related to geography. Guests were so happy, as was I. Easy to get to on public transport from airport to downtown to Zoo. Fun way to say bye to a wonderful Christmas in New Zealand!!! read more

Auckland Zoo - Adorable Tasmanian devil. - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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What an amazing experience! Plenty to see during my trip! They have the zoo broken up into different sections with animals of different regions. I was mostly interested in seeing the animals of Australia and New Zealand. There was a pretty good displayed variety in each section . I spent the whole day at the zoo, and don't regret it one bit ! The only thing I regret was not being able to really see the kiwi. They are nocturnal and the enclosure that they are in is extremely dark and hard to see. I did see one for a short amount of time belong into a bush. I definitely recommend this for families or anybody visiting from outside of the region read more

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This zoo is ahhh-mazing! As a tourist to Auckland, I paid the entrance fee (it's free for New Zealand residents) but it's well worth the price. I spent over three hours here and saw animals I've never seen before. It's huge zoo, and there are five sections divided in geographic locations. There is a schedule of presentations throughout the day and we ended up at a porcupine presentation that was quite entertaining and educational. The zoo is scenic, clean and well kept. There are cafes, toilets and rest stops thoughtfully located and convenient for visitors. The animals are well cared for and I saw abundant staff and volunteers throughout the visit. We ate lunch at Te Puna cafe that overlooked the South East Asia section and surprisingly was quite affordable with hot and cold grab and go selections. Highly recommend to visit. read more

I love zoos so it's hard for me to ever rate them less than 4 stars. Auckland Zoo wasn't bad but it just wasn't that impressive. There seemed to be very little in terms of cool animal offerings. On the other hand, we did get to watch the staff feed a Sumatran tiger. And the grounds are very clean and well kept. read more

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Amazing full day experience at Auckland Zoo! We started the day off early, around 10am, and were able to easily find parking at Lot 2. There were sections dedicated to New Zealand, Australia, South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. While I enjoyed all of them, the highlight for me was the kiwis in the New Zealand section. Each section also had a cafe, so it was easy to take breaks from walking around the zoo. There were talks scheduled every half hour or hour highlighting specific animals, including an impressive bird show in the Australia section and native animal show in the New Zealand section. It was clear the grounds were maintained well, the zoo staff happy, and the animals comfortable in their surroundings. A family friend place, only 10 minutes from CBD. read more

On a recent impromptu trip to Auckland I wasn't sure what I would see and do, but the Auckland Zoo ended up being a highlight of the entire trip. Located west of the CBD, it's a brief train or Uber ride from the main hotel area. It's also a short walk from the Kingsland/Mt Eden area if you're out exploring. The Auckland Zoo is free for Aucklanders or $28NZD for visitors. It was well worth the price as I ended up spending a few hours here. At the entrance is the ticket booth where you can get a map to help you explore. Directly inside the entrance is the Zoo store that I explored and bought some souvenirs at on the way out (a kiwi fridge magnet). Inside is an educational room that was closed. The Zoo is organized by region of the world the animals call home. You can plan a circular route take you through them all, or jump around as you please. There are also a number of cafes, coffee carts, and restaurants throughout, each offering a different menu and view. Restrooms are also convenient and kept very clean. I was here mostly to see the fauna of New Zealand, so I saved that for last. They have an excellent collection of Australian animals as well. Asia, South America, and Africa round out the main attractions. Each features walk-through aviaries and viewing windows for the larger animals. I loved seeing the kea especially, watching it jump around on rocks in its enclosure. It was a quiet and rainy day when I went, with lots of groups of children enjoying exploring. Another highlight was attending one of the live bird shows, where the trainers have them fly over and through the crowd to really see them up close. They had mostly parrots do this, intelligent creatures they are. All the staff throughout was friendly and engaging, especially with the kids. If you're visiting Auckland, this is well worth the visit. read more

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Due to the recent flooding a significant portion of the zoo was closed during this visit. Despite these closures, I spent more than two hours navigating the landscape enjoying the Lush semi-tropical plantings and the animals that were available to see period. The zoo discounted admission given that some of the exhibits were shut down. Many volunteers were working and all were extremely friendly. This is an excellent family-friendly zoo and I would suggest visiting it if time permits read more

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Great diversity of animals and they all seemed to have roomy, well-maintained living space. So many cool areas from the rainforest dome to the kiwi enclosure to the huge orangutan area. Live bird show was really cool, too! read more

Great place for families. Compact with lots of animals. $28 normally, but construction currently knocks the price down to $24 per adult, though purchase online to avoid long lines and get additional discounts. Slim pickings for parking, so recommend to arrive early or take the metro bus lines. Lots of picnic tables, so bring lunch ( and about the high priced concessions), though the food and cocktails at the Elephant House looked good. 2 playgrounds are great for running off excess energy for kids. Highly recommend for a 1/2 day excursion in the city. read more

Auckland Zoo - Rhino - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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Great zoo, big enclosures, almost felt like I was in a Zoo I've been to before. Lions were to hot and did not appreciate the 90% humidity one bit... sad to see them sleeping but it's ok! The kiwi exhibit is cool but done expect to see it... Food at the zoo... Darn good! Cheese burger fries & mango passion shake were a pleasant surprise. I recommend read more

This is an excellent zoo. While it lacks the scope and breadth of the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, it boasts a bevy of fine wild animals in settings that resemble their natural habitats and are devoid of bars. Moats may separate animals from their human admirers, but It is likely that the animals do not feel caged in. The most inventive enclosures include a river that plays host to two bobbing hippopotamuses, and a water-filled outdoor enclosure with a large glass opening near the bottom through which giant sea lions can be observed quickly swimming by. While there are not an overwhelming number of animals on the premises, the ones who are there are fine representatives of their species. While Diane and I were there, a White Rhinoceros bounded about near giraffes and a zebra; three lions peered down majestically from a hill; and an orangutan playfully dragged a swath of colorful fabric through sudsy water inside a small plastic pool. It was disappointing that a red panda never appeared out of hiding; we never found the kiwis; and when we reached the elephant section, a sign informed us that the elephant was out on a walk. But we did see two cheetahs being escorted on their walk on leashes held by zoo attendants. And the meerkats and wallabies were fun to watch cavorting about. A 4-1/2 star experience! read more

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I had a great time here for an entire day. Definitely on par with other zoos I have visited in the United States. I got to see all the animals , although it was very hot when I came. So some of the animals were sleeping like the Tigers and Lions. However the Emu's were very curious almost came up right to my face it was remarkable. I had such a great time exploring the zoo by myself. The food here was good, plenty of seating everywhere as well. Also plenty of water bottle refilling stations throughout which was key for the very hot day it had been. I especially liked the dark exhibit for the Kiwi's. I've never seen an exhibit like that. I spotted a few of the Kiwi's even in the almost pitch black, it was so cool. Definitely recommend to anyone who is in the area. read more

This is a great little zoo! I'm a big fan of zoos, and have been to quite a few all over the world, and I think the enclosures here are definitely very good. The animals seem happy, and everything is clean and spacious and well designed. They have most of the usual animal suspects, with an extensive bird collection (as you'd expect), including the lovable kiwi. There are plenty of encounters you can attend, to see animals being fed and to learn more about them - check the zoo website for times and days. The cafes all looked quite nice and were reasonably priced, for a zoo. One thing I would note is that the children's zoo area seemed a bit more sparse than what I've seen elsewhere - not much to interact with! read more

Auckland Zoo - Otters! - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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The Zoo! A classic attraction in any city! The Auckland Zoo is a fantastic way to spend the day, especially with littlies in tow. I recently took my young cousins who were over from Japan and they absolutely loved it. Actually, so did I! The sealion enclosure is probably my highlight, I love watching them swim and play underwater, and the little penguins are so cute stealing one has crossed my mind... The Zoo offers animal encounters at specified times each day, and are definitely worth attending. During the encounters zookeepers get up close and personal with the animals and also tell you more about each one, so it's both a thrilling and interesting experience. As well as housing countless endangered and revered animals, the Auckland Zoo also has a great cafe in its midst, a children's playground, and a band rotunda where local musicians perform during summer in special zoo concerts. Tip: Season passes to the Auckland Zoo are available, so grab the kids and make the most of New Zealand's biggest zoo. read more

Auckland Zoo - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Great zoo. Our family became 'Friends of the Zoo' late last year. It's great being able to take my preschoolers during the week when the zoo isn't so busy. Auckland zoo has most of the animals you'd expect: elephants, tigers, lions, giraffes, zebras and hippos just to name a few. It's got a great cafe and playground too. Good for a day out in the fresh air with the family. read more

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I love how close to the animals you can get. They are all very curious as well [my favorites were the little meerkats and the kiwi birds]. The animals had lots of room to roam around as well so that was great to see. read more

Auckland Zoo - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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I was a bit underwhelmed by my most recent trip to Auckland Zoo. I was taking my godson, who had never been before but adores animals so I was pretty sure it was going to get a big thumbs up from him. Whilst he did enjoy it, he didn't rave about it like I had expected. I think our main problem was timing. A lot of animals, including my godson's favourite - the lions - were taking an afternoon kip away from the beady eyes of the public. The enclosures also seemed smaller than I remember (perhaps, it is just that I am bigger) and I couldn't help but feel sorry for some of the animals - especially the ones who would normally live in a climate that is substantially different to Auckland. Despite our ho-hum experience, the zoo was absolutely humming when we were there. It's obviously a very popular with young families and I have to admit it is great from an educational perspective. read more

Not sure if it's because I'm an 'Aucklander' but I find it good just for a special occasion. It has definitely steeped in price over the years and every time we have been there, a lot of the enclosures were being cleaned so we missed out on seeing great animals. Love the aviary (I am a bird person though!) and quite an enjoyable day if you go when it's great weather. However, don't go during school holidays if you have to take prams! Very stressful and you end up leaving worse off -_- I think you if really want your money's worth, make the effort to make it an educational outing and take your time. read more

It's a lovely zoo, with lots of nice walks, but I'd suggest that it's not a place to visit in winter. The animals are mostly more sensible than we are, and stay indoors! The African enclosure, which reportedly had things like giraffes, boasted one disgruntled looking ostrich. We did see the back of one giraffe, hiding from the cold. I did love seeing the Kiwi, and some of the other native birdlife, and some spectacular reptiles. My favourite being some stunningly vivid bright green geckos. Tiny things, very pretty. Also, it's not often that you see an orangutan draped in a blanket looking like a grumpy, cold, old man. On the whole, I think we saw more Pokemon than animals though! I guess Pokemon don't feel the cold! read more

Had I not gone here, I wouldn't have know the second longest named place in the world was: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Now try to say THAT; once is enough, much less 3x in a row. Don't know what it means? Even the meaning is SUPER long. I can't help that to say that this zoo is BEAUTIFUL. Lush green surrounding, unique animals we've all seen on TV, but not necessarily in person. Many exhibits or shows to see kangaroos, deer, sea lions, or red pandas. I think we skipped over the lion's exhibit by accident, so definitely check the map. If I lived in New Zealand, I would make a zoo trip at least once if not twice a year since animals differ by the season. The funniest thing I thought was after going to the zoo, I hopped onto the Skyline Gondola to the restaurant at the top of the peak, and ate delicious venison meat. No, the deer aren't from the zoo, but the zoo is a must see! I don't care how old you are, if you go to Auckland as a tourist, you MUST see the zoo! read more

I do love the Zoo, its a family outing and lots of fun times to be spent with the kids. I had a Friends of the Zoo (FoTZ) pass while my son was crazy about animals, but now that he's moved onto Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I don't have a corresponding place to take him. One thing I'd like to mention is that the Zoo Cafe does make some pretty good pizza .. but watch the heat level, as those heat lamps leave a lot to be desired. You can spend anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours at the Zoo easily and keep kids occupied, we tend to go around 3 times a year. read more

I had a really great time, I would recommend this to everyone who visits Auckland as it is something to do. The staff are really nice even if they are not on duty they go to other shows/ feeding and were telling my partner and I about the kiwis. she was so passionate and lovely and totally went out of her way to tell everyone about the animals, when it was clear that she was just here for enjoyment in her own time and loved her job. read more

Always a lovely place to visit by day and now a great place to visit at night. The Finns at the Zoo featuring legends Neil and Tim Finn, their kids Liam, Arthur, Elliot and Neil's wife Sharon filled the rotunda and it's surrounds last night with punters and hits galore from their combined music anthology. While the evening birdsong provided choral accompaniment, the crowd swayed and applauded with greater appreciation than a satisfied sun bear. The atmosphere was family friendly and convivial. Catering included a selection of burgers, hot dogs, pizza, wine, beer, soft drinks and even coffee. If you get the chance to see a concert at the zoo, don't miss your chance. It's a memorable venue for any musical event. read more

Auckland Zoo - Finnus Maximus - Local Flavor Near Me - Auckland, AUK

An otter bit my finger and I was nearly molested by a lion on the up side I now have a half lion half human baby

Wonderful little zoo that is very accessible. Make sure to check out when feeding times and zoo talks are scheduled. We were in a small group during the penguin presentation and were able to talk to the zoo keeper for an extended period of time. She seemed to really enjoy her job! The highlight was (of course) visiting the kiwis! While we were there, one kiwi was dancing and running all around giving us quite a show! One red panda was also very accommodating by letting us observe him while he dined! Easy to walk, lots of interesting and natural-looking enclosures, particularly for the birds. read more

I love Auckland Zoo. Sure it doesn't match up to zoo's overseas like Bronx Zoo and San Diego Zoo but it's perfect for NZ! A wide range of animals, it makes for a great day out. My favourite would have to be the otters, servals and red pandas! Love them! read more

Has the usual line up of animals. Do check the timetables for shows and feeding time and plan around those. My trip to the zoo was not planned and happened to be after feeding time so a lot of the animals had retired to the shade by then and could not be seen or could only be glimpsed. Despite the timing, it was a lovely walk through on a gorgeous day and I did manage to catch the orangutan show. read more

Probably the best zoo I've ever been too and I'm 23. It's not just walking up to glass cages you can actually feel really close to the animals in their exhibits or with a small barricade separating you by a foot. read more

Enjoyed our visit here. My favorite was Pridelands and watching the lions. Spent a good few hours wandering around.

Really nice zoo in the city. It is big and there are plenty of animals, native or not. We had a nice time there. We saw our first kiwi as after 3 months in New Zealand, we did not see any! There were a lot of people but it was nice anyway. There is food, toilets, a store... A place to visit on a nice day! read more