Auckland Parks & Zoo
Parks
Auckland Domain Wintergarden
The city’s oldest park is also home to an exquisite collection of plants and flowers. The Wintergarden makes its prominent appearance right at the heart of the Domain. It is made up of two Victorian-style glass houses, which are connected by a beautiful courtyard with sculptures and a luscious pond.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
The Auckland Botanic Gardens is home to more than 10,000 plants and flowers from all over the world. Anyone who passes through the garden’s plains will marvel at its 64-hectare showcase of exotic and native plant life. If you’re travelling with kids, make sure to take them to the Dinosaurs in the Garden exhibits.
Kiwi Valley Farm Park
308 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson Valley, Auckland
Phone: 09 837 5952
Website:
Hours Open:
- Wednesday: 10am–4pm
- Thursday: 10am–4pm
- Friday: 10am–4pm
- Closed on Public Holidays
- View more
Venue Types:
Fun & Active, Discovery, Zoos & Wildlife
Amenities:
Carpark, Wheelchair Access, Toilets, Food Available, Guided Tours Available, Playground
Suitable for Ages:
Families
Ticket Information:
- Door Sales Only
- Additional fees may apply
If you’re feeling out of touch with your inner rural kiwi or just looking for a day of fun with the family, Kiwi Valley Farm Park is the place for you. As Kiwi as a packet of pineapple lumps, Kiwi Valley Farm Park is a fantastic experience for kids and families alike. Situated in Henderson, the Auckland rural fun park provides an enjoyable, relaxed, country environment to explore and partake in some ‘choice as’ Kiwi activities. We have included in our entry price horse & pony rides, tractor rides (weather permitting), our maze to explore, feed bag for all children to feed our outside animals with, & lots of farm animals to see.
Waitawa Regional Park
This park is actually far enough from the bustling city life to be a strong contender for a day trip. You could even do some overnight camping, if you wanted to. The Waitawa Regional Park is located in Kawakawa Bay, approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) south-east of central Auckland. It’s a great place for swimming, walking, mountain biking, and taking in those quintessential Kiwi countryside views.
Parnell Rose Gardens
You’ll find this breathtaking mantle of roses right in the midst of Parnell village. The Parnell Rose Gardens is also known as the Dove-Myer Robinson Park, and it houses an incredible variety of flower blooms and native trees. There is also a barbecue area on-site, as well as plenty of places to sit and soak up the surrounding scenery.
Omeru Reserve
Omeru Reserve is a scenic historic marvel right outside of Kaukapakapa, a town 50 kilometres (31 miles) north-west of Auckland city. It’s a great place to explore on any given day – you’ll be exposed to stunning streams, breathtaking waterfalls, and remarkable Maori heritage sites.
Shakespear Regional Park
A pest-free habitat, and a popular wildlife sanctuary. Shakespear Regional Park is renowned for its coastal views, hiking trails, lovely beaches, rich forested plains and remarkable pastures. If you don’t have access to a car, or you simply don’t feel like driving, there are daily buses from downtown Auckland that will take you to the park entrance.
Totara Park
With more than 216 hectares worth of forest and farmland to play with, Totara Park is the ideal getaway for nature lovers. The South Auckland based reserve is filled with biking trails and walking tracks that will appease the most active souls. There are also tennis courts and a playground in its vicinity.
Monte Cecilia Park
Monte Cecilia Park is located on the suburb of Hillsborough. It is home to a disc golf course and the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, which houses a collection of contemporary art. If that wasn’t enough, the park is packed with an array of walking tracks, polished lawns, incredible trees and lovely views.
Ambury Regional Park
The Ambury Regional Park, just over the Mangere Bridge, is another local gem that aptly packs coastal scenery, country life and parkland onto one single location. Visitors can interact with the park’s farm animals, take a stroll along the Kiwi Esplanade, observe the native birds or simply admire the nearby rock formations
Top 10 Auckland Parks
Family Fun Hot List Top 10
Escape the busy streets to the quiet oasis that is Albert Park
It’s a bit of a drive from downtown Auckland, 80 minutes in fact, but it’s worth the effort. Tawharanui Regional Park is a 588 hectare park that features Anchor Bay, one of Auckland’s finest beaches. The secluded park includes rolling green pastures, wetlands and white, sandy beaches that draw the surfing crowd.
Situated on Auckland’s west coast, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is the definition of the great outdoors. The lush woodland forest offers plenty of walking trails, waterfalls, sandy beaches and opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. The visitor centre is a good starting point and has some fantastic viewing platforms with panoramic views of Manukau Harbour, and the Hauraki Gulf. The iconic Piha Beach is a short drive from the visitor centre.
Long Bay Regional Park is a great spot for families to enjoy a BBQ with a number of cooking stations that take advantage of the beach views. The park is close to Torbay on the North Shore and adjacent to the 970 hectare Okura Marine Reserve. Although the beach is the drawcard, there is the historic Vaughan Homestead, a reminder of early New Zealand life, and some great walking trails.
Our oldest park in the list, and the oldest in Auckland. Auckland Domain is also one of biggest parks with 75 hectares. Located in Grafton off the upper end of Queen Street, Auckland Domain is situated on the volcanic remains of Pukekawa volcano. The park features one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. We recommend also checking out the Auckland Wintergardens.
Another park on the North Shore. This time it’s the 36.7 hectare Chelsea Heritage Park. The Birkenhead park’s notable feature is the iconic Chelsea Sugar Refinery. There are a few walking trails that wind their way through the park allowing you to enjoy the views of Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland skyline in the distance. The main entrance to the park is Colonial Road in Birkenhead.
Along with the adjacent One Tree Hill Domain, Cornwall Park forms the largest green space in Auckland. The park features Auckland’s Stardome Observatory, a playground, Acacia Cottage (one of the country’s oldest timber buildings and lots of space for walkers, cyclists and joggers to enjoy. One Tree Hill Domain features a 183 metre volcano and fantasic views from the summit.
During a warm summer day in downtown Auckland, escape the busy streets to the quiet oasis that is Albert Park. With water fountain features, beautifully maintained gardens and statues lined throughout the park, it’s a popular spot for workers during lunchtime. We’d recommend combining a visit with Auckland’s Art Gallery which is located right next to the park.
A small park area which makes our list because of its scenic location. Head out along East Tamaki Drive to the popular beach suburb of Mission Bay. Selwyn Domainfeatures the much photographed water feature, the Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain. The park overlooks the beach and the dominant feature of Rangitoto Island. Grab some fresh fish and chips, relax in the park and soak up those views.
Zoo
Auckland Zoo
Zoological garden in Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland Zoo is a 16.35-hectare zoological garden in Auckland, New Zealand, situated next to Western Springs park not far from Auckland’s central business district.
Address: Motions Rd, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Opened: 17 December 1922
Hours:
| Monday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
| Sunday | 9:30am–5:30pm |
No. of animals: 875+
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
Aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is a public aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand that was opened in 1985. Located at 23 Tamaki Drive, it was the brainchild of New Zealand marine archeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton.
Address: 23 Tamaki Dr, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Opened: 1985
Hours:
| Monday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Sunday | 9:30am–5pm |
Notable animal: Phoebe (Short-tailed river stingray)
Founded: 1985
Exhibits: Antarctic Encounter, Sea Creatures, Stingray Bay, Seahorse Kingdom, Underwater World
Phone: 0800 80 50 50
Websites: Kelly Tarlton’s
Venue Types:
Zoos & Wildlife, Discovery
Suitable for Ages:
Families
Ticket Information:
- Family Passes from: $53.60
- Adults: $31.50
- Students/Seniors: $25.20
- Children (4 – 14 years): $15.80
- Additional fees may apply
Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is a world-class visitor attraction based in Auckland, New Zealand. It combines two fascinating environments – the ocean and the Antarctic – offering a myriad of opportunities to get up close and personal with the wonderful creatures that inhabit these largely unexplored areas of our planet.
The heart of Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World is a 110 metre long transparent waterproof tunnel that allows visitors to view an abundance of marine life whilst travelling on a moving walkway. There are two tanks through which the tunnel passes. Around 2,000 fish, not to mention some rather large sharks, are only centimetres from a curious nose pressed against the acrylic walls.
The Antarctic Encounter offers a journey through a freezing climate of real snow and ice – all viewed from a Snowcat, which is heated to ensure passenger comfort! Visitors first look through a replica of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic hut, complete with authentic memorabilia, and move on to see penguins frolicking only metres away.
Inquire about:
— the highly popular and magical overnight experiences,
— underwater dive in the shark tank,
— Snorkel Safari,
— Stingray Splash
Kahu Creek Ranch
1256 Old North Rd, Helensville, Auckland
Phone:
Website:
Venue Types:
Zoos & Wildlife
Papakura Pony Club
147 Opaheke Road, Papakura, Auckland
Glenfern Sanctuary
Glenfern Rd, Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island, Auckland
Phone:
Website:
Venue Types:
Zoos & Wildlife, Nature reserve
Glenfern Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to experience native wildlife on Great Barrier Island. The Sanctuary is part of 230ha Kotuku Peninsula in the north of Great Barrier Island betwen Port FitzRoy and Port Abercrombie and the result of 15 years hard work. Over 9,000 native trees have been planted and there is an extensive track network. A swing bridge enables visitors to climb into the crown of a 600 year old kauri tree. Ongoing rat and cat control has helped provide a relatively safe habitat for many native species including the black petrel and brown teal which are breeding here, also kaka and chevron skink and the recently introduced North Island robin.
Developed over the last decade, Glenfern Sanctuary walkway has been a labour of love for the owners of the FitzRoy House property. The Glenfern Sanctuary Guided Walk begins in a Unimog (all terrain army vehicle) departing from FitzRoy House to the top of the hill, where from Sunset Rock is a view of the sanctuary and the wealth of flora, fauna and native wildlife.
Enjoy the ‘Kauri Tree Walk’ where the native plants have been identified with descriptive plaques. Climb into the crown of a 600 year old kauri tree accessed by a suspension bridge.
Willow Therapy Farm
610 Monument Rd, Clevedon, Auckland
Phone: 021741887
Website:
Venue Types:
Zoos & Wildlife
Debbie Rowberry started Willow Therapy Farm with a wish to facilitate a Well-being Center for the Community, in a natural setting. With so many people deprived of nature and the healing benefits that Nature provides, Debbie felt that a Nature and Animal based Well-Being Center was needed.
Waitakere Alpacas
107 Monk Road, Helensville, Auckland
Phone: 09-420 2185
Website:
Venue Types:
Retail, Zoos & Wildlife
We do have 240 plus alpacas so not all of our great animals are listed in the site. We have animals to suit all budgets and needs, so please contact us with your enquiries.
Alpacas are lovely, friendly gentle and easy to farm. With a small amount of basic animal husbandry, they can be ideal pets for a lifestyle block or small farm. We have over 200 Alpacas on the farm, many of which are for sale .Our Alpacas are from top blood lines from Australia and Peru.
Hans Roecoert, the Owner/Farmer of Waitakere Alpacas, has a wealth of knowledge about Alpacas, which he is willing to share with prospective purchasers. He sells Alpacas locally within New Zealand, and also to Europe, for which Hans runs an export quarantine facility. Waitakere Alpacas’ Stud males are also available to perform stud services around New Zealand.
Waitakere Alpacas moved to South Head in March 2007. Since then, Hans and his team have worked hard to turn the farm into a show piece for Alpacas.
West Lynn Gardens & Butterfly House
73 Parker Ave, New Lynn, Auckland
Phone: (09)8277045
Website:
Hours Open:
- Weekdays: 10am–4pm
- Weekends: 10am–4pm
- Closed on Public Holidays
Venue Types:
Home & Garden, Zoos & Wildlife, Club & Society
Amenities:
Carpark, Wheelchair Access
Suitable for Ages:
Families
Ticket Information:
- Admission: $3.00
- Additional fees may apply
West Lynn Garden is a public garden covering 4.5 acres, created and run by volunteers.
Formed in 1981 on land originally owned by the Eden Garden Society, the West Lynn Garden Society is now an independent organisation of people with a love of gardening and a commitment to the creation and maintenance of a unique environment for the enjoyment of all.
Anyone can join as a member or as a volunteer and help sustain the vision of providing a wondrous place of beauty and peace for all who visit.
The entry fees and membership subscriptions are used to maintain the plants, trees, butterfly house and the many features which are special to West Lynn Garden.
Butterfly Creek
Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport, Mangere, Auckland
Phone: (09) 275 8880
Website:
Venue Types:
Conference & Function, Discovery, Zoos & Wildlife
Amenities:
Carpark, Wheelchair Access, Toilets, Food Available, Gift Shop, Playground
Suitable for Ages:
Families
Located on Tom Pearce Drive just one minute from Auckland International Airport, Butterfly Creek is Auckland`s hottest attraction hosting Australasia`s premier Tropical Butterfly house with over 700 free flying exotic butterflies, tropical fish, birds and lizards. It hosts Buttermilk farm, a mini train, cafe, playground, crocodiles, monkeys, alligators, bugs and more! Butterfly Creek offers a great family day out in Auckland with things to do for both children and parents, everyone will have a relaxing fun day.
The newest attraction Dinosaur Kingdom opened January 2014 – NZ’s only Dinosaur park! See lots of prehistoric creatures move about and roar as you walk past!
Open every day except Christmas & Boxing days.
Opening Hours:
Summer (Nov – March)
Attractions: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Last entry: 4.30pm
Winter (April – Oct)
Attractions: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Last entry: 4.00pm
Zoos & Wildlife
Amenities:
Carpark, Food Available, Gift Shop, Guided Tours Available, Playground, Toilets, Wheelchair Access, Qualmark
Suitable for Ages:
Families
Ticket Information:
- Family pass 2 (2 adults, 2 children): $72.00
- Family pass 1 (1 adult, 2 children): $47.00
- Adults (15years+): $28.00
- Student & senior (ID required): $23.00
- Children (4 – 14 years): $12.00
- Additional children (added to either family pass) per child: $10.00
- Infants (under 4): $0.00
- Buy Tickets
- Additional fees may apply
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, set in 17 hectares of lush parkland and just minutes from central Auckland.
There is lots to see and do all year, including events, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences and more!
Auckland Zoo plays a key role in many breeding recovery programmes for threatened and endangered native species. Through its Conservation Fund, the Zoo supports field-based conservation projects, locally and overseas.
During summer (1 September to 30 April), Auckland Zoo is open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm (except Christmas Day), with last admissions into the Zoo at 4.15pm. During winter (1 May to 31 August), hours are 9.30am – 5pm, with last admissions into the Zoo at 4.15pm.
The current exhibition areas include:
Aussie Walkabout and Tasmania – See emu, wallabies, Australian birds and Tasmanian devils as you stroll through the Aussie Walkabout and Tasmania.
Elephant Clearing – Meet up with our Asian elephants Burma and Anjalee at Elephant Clearing.
New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine (NZCCM) – Look in to the laboratory, treatment room and operating theatre, and see Auckland Zoo’s vet team in action
Pridelands and African Savannah – Enjoy a mini safari as you explore the Zoo’s African precinct – a place where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa.
The Rainforest – Enter the lush tranquility of a South American rainforest, where monkeys swing just an arm’s length away.
Te Wao Nui – Discover New Zealand’s natural treasures all in one place – at Auckland Zoo’s Te Wao Nui! See the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea, prehistoric tuatara and more!
Tiger Territory – Come check out our Sumatran tigers, Jaka, Molek and Berani as they play and explore Tiger Territory.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland
Website:
Venue Types:
Public space, Zoos & Wildlife