Auckland Zoo Zoo
Urban zoo in Auckland housing native and exotic animals
Auckland Zoo in the city's western suburb houses native New Zealand species alongside international animals, runs conservation programmes and offers family-oriented enclosures and educational talks.
Auckland Zoo at a Glance#
Address: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm
Admission: Adult NZ$32, Child NZ$17 (approx.; prices subject to change)
About Auckland Zoo#
Auckland Zoo is a major zoological garden in Auckland, New Zealand, opened in 1922 and operated as the city’s principal zoo. It occupies a purpose-built site next to Western Springs and focuses on animal care, conservation and education.
The collection combines native New Zealand species and international mammals, birds and reptiles across outdoor enclosures and themed precincts. The site covers roughly a few dozen hectares and holds well over a hundred species, with walkable paths and educational displays. Interactive and keeper-led talks, plus conservation programmes for threatened species, are regular features.
The zoo began as a municipal collection and expanded through the 20th century with landscaped exhibits and newer themed precincts. Recent developments have emphasised conservation, visitor education and improved animal habitats, including a large native-species precinct.
The grounds sit beside Western Springs Park about 3 to 4 kilometres west of Auckland’s central business district, adjacent to the MOTAT transport museum and bounded by urban residential areas.
- Location detail: Set beside Western Springs Park and the Museum of Transport and Technology, with pedestrian access from Motions Road.
- Native precinct: Contains a large native-animals precinct established as Te Wao Nui, which emphasises New Zealand species and ecosystems.
How to Get to Auckland Zoo#
Auckland Zoo sits beside Western Springs and Auckland’s inner-west neighborhoods. It is reachable by car (ample parking), by several bus routes from the city center, or a 20-30 minute walk from the city’s central area. The nearest train stations connect with local buses and short taxi rides.
Tips for Visiting Auckland Zoo#
- Arrive early (zoo opens at 9:30am) to catch feeding times and the most active animals in cooler hours.
- Head to the nocturnal house and the kiwi enclosure - the zoo's kiwis are best seen in dim conditions when they are active.
- Buy tickets online for small savings and to avoid queues during weekends and school holidays.
Best Time to Visit Auckland Zoo#
Spring through autumn provides the most comfortable visiting conditions; summer is busiest.
Weather & Climate near Auckland Zoo#
Auckland Zoo's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1331 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 90 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 117 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 17° | 14° | 106 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 158 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 14° | 11° | 130 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 122 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 16° | 13° | 113 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 97 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 94 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 14° - 22° | 18° | 97 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |