Visit: Auckland Zoo

We’re going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

23 March 2012



There’s nothing quite like a trip to the zoo for kids both big and small, and there is no doubt that Auckland Zoo is one of the best.  With the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, beautifully designed grounds and habitats, Auckland Zoo is the ultimate day out, whether you are visiting once, or on a weekly basis.

By far my own personal favourite part of Auckland Zoo is the Pridelands area.  They say you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Africa, and you really can.  It is beautifully designed, with a gorgeous array of stunning animals (including giraffes, rhinos, zebras and lions).

Of course the kids are more into the primates and the monkeys in the Rainforest area, maybe it’s because they are can relate to their cheekiness!  The cotton top tamarins are a firm favourite, as are the large Bornean orang-utans.

For those that are brave, there are tigers to come face to face with, alligators, bats, tarantulas and more.  There’s a gorgeous array of native birds, flamingos, the hippos to watch move slowly through the river, and impromptu meets and greets with the penguins and the seals if you’re lucky.  There’s also KidZone – a great area for the little ones to spend some time learning to care about pets and exploring life with some of the Zoo’s smallest residents.

And no trip to Auckland Zoo would be complete without seeing Burma, New Zealand’s only asian elephant, up close in person as she takes a leisurely stroll through the zoo grounds. 
The zoo has two main cafes, along with a kiosk, and all cater for the kids.  Of course, with the gorgeous park-like grounds and picnic sites, I’d highly recommend packing a hamper and taking your time to enjoy the ambience.

If you are planning on visiting Auckland Zoo, take the time to visit their website and plan ahead – there’s a regular schedule of encounters where the lovely zookeepers will come and teach you all about the animals, and there are also behind the scene tour options, along with walking and golf cart tours if you are seeking a guided experience. 

Of course, the best thing about Auckland Zoo is that with new animal arrivals (like their gorgeous new baby giraffe!), and new functions and events happening all of the time, it’s an ever-changing space, so each time, you get to experience a little something new.