Auckland Zoo

About

Auckland Zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals across 135 species, spread across 17 hectares of award-winning habitats just minutes from central Auckland. One of New Zealand’s most loved family destinations and a genuine full-day out.

The centrepiece is the South East Asia Jungle Track, where the Zoo’s three orangutans — Melur, Charlie and Wanita — roam an extraordinary network of aerial pathways stretching up to 25 metres high. Over 2km of vine-like ropes connect nine massive trunk-like poles, some extending out over the Zoo’s lake, allowing them to move through the canopy exactly as they would in the wild. Siamangs share the habitat, navigating the highest emergent layer of the rainforest canopy. On cooler summer days you’re most likely to spot them active and climbing high — hot days tend to slow them down. The Zoo’s own primate team describe it as the best orangutan and siamang habitat of any zoo in the world, and watching them move is genuinely breathtaking.

Te Wao Nui is home to New Zealand’s most iconic native wildlife, including one of the most special experiences the Zoo has to offer. Step into the darkened kiwi enclosure and give your eyes time to adjust — slowly, the world inside comes into focus, and if you’re patient and quiet, you’ll often find yourself just centimetres from the glass watching the Zoo’s two adult kiwi go about their lives. It’s an intimate, unhurried encounter that stops people in their tracks.

The Africa Safari Track, South America Rainforest, and Australia Bush Track round out a world-class collection. Behind-the-scenes experiences including Giraffe and Red Panda encounters are available to book, alongside keeper talks throughout the day and a Conservation Medicine centre where you can watch the vet team at work.

For families, don’t miss the playground — home to the Zoo’s legendary dragon climbing structure, a rite of passage for Auckland children for over 50 years. Kids climb all over it and perch inside its jaws for photos. Generations of Aucklanders have done exactly the same.

Parking is paid in the Zoo’s two on-site car parks ($3/hour, max $9), but if you arrive early enough there’s free street parking on Motions Road — it fills up fast though, especially on weekends. And one to watch out for: the MOTAT trams run along the entrance area, so keep an eye out when you’re heading in with little ones.

A not-for-profit organisation — every visit directly supports wildlife conservation in New Zealand and beyond.