Auckland Zoological Park product reviews

The Auckland Zoo is a fun place to go, with the family or just by your self or a group of friends. I like when i go with the children from work on a daycare trip as they love it and they talk about it for ages afterwards. the children would bring it up months after going and would tell us if they had gone with their family and would tell us all about the animals they have seen. It becomes a game on what animal they had seen and what they remember is there. We ask them what was their favourite thing to do at the zoo and what favourite animal is. there is enjoyment from going to the Zoo and from afterwards.

The price can hit you if you're just going by yourself as its getting up there a bit but an all year pass is a worthwhile thing to have as it means you get unlimited assess to the zoo and you even get into things like feeding animals and special things like that. Also the location is great as its not quite in town but not out west to much so its easy to get to. But needs more parking as it can get quite full if its a busy day. They have done a lot of work on the Zoo to keep it nice for both the animals as well as people.

I also enjoy from the Zoo is when they have music nights at the zoo as you get to enjoy looking round the zoo before hand then you get to enjoy the music in a nice place. They always have different people come and some of the same so you get a chance and seeing new things. Its a great place.

We decided to go to the Auckland Zoo for a family outing and what an experience! We had been looking forward to the new Te Wao Nui enclosures and we were not dissapointed!

These enclosures were incredible and there was always a zookeeper nearby for any questions we had. They were so patient and seemed to have all the time in the world for us and our questions, they were so informative and spoke with the children and helped them spot animals that they might have missed. We were even privileged enough that a kiwi kept saying hello (Banging it's beak on the glass). I wonder if it knew we would be writing a review here and just wanted a mention. (Relative of your icon's perhaps?). The baby meerkat was adorable, and those tunnels under their enclosure were a lot of fun for the kids and some adventurous adults (I count myself among them).

Pricing has gone up since we were last there but it is still competitive at $22.00 per adult $11.00 per child and $60.00 for a family pass of 2 adults and 2 children (extra children are $9.00 each). We usually take a picnic with us to avoid the extra cost of food and drinks, so I can't say what the Food or Cafes are like nor the costs, but found the gift shop very welcoming and prices were reasonable and they had some very good specials. All in all a fabulous day out and it didn't break the bank. Educational and fun! We will be going back as often as we can. :)

I have visited the Zoo on several different occasions but it was my first time last week with my own child. He is only 1.5 years old so thought he wouldn't be interested in the slightest but I was surprised by how much they have to entertain a 1 year old. From their interactive center, playground to the aussie walkabout he was so enthralled by all the 'manimals' (animals) that he could touch and listen too. The big picnic area was fantastic to eat and let the kids run riot.

The food at the canteen is way too steep however and I will definately be taking my own food next time!

However will definitely be back again for a visit soon!

I didn't get to see too much of the zoo, and the fault there was mine alone. I really should have arrived earlier. There really is way too much to see, and much more than can be crammed into less than three hours. The gift shop and the play park alone would have occupied the kids in our group for half of the day - and that is without seeing the other attractions the zoo has to offer.

On arrival, we were informed by the helpful staff that if we hurried 'thataway' (staff pointing the direction to run), we would catch the tiger being fed. We did, and we saw the tiger about to be fed and actually being fed. The commentary the staff gave was as much fun as seeing the kids reaction when the tiger came rushing out (after staff had retreated) to find where they had hidden the food.

Next, after a meander, we came to the bird house. After entering through the 'bird lock' doors, we spent a couple of minutes marvelling at the birds before the zoo employees came to feed them, handing us chunks of corn cobs and other fruit for us to entice the birds down from their perches.
There were plenty of photo opportunities to be found, even if your face is obscured by hordes of flapping birds trying to get at the food. The zoo keepers themselves were extremely helpful and were answering ALL my questions (I had lots to ask) and were extremely patient with my spanish inquisition!

By that time, it was close to closing time, but we did get to wander to the African animals, but we really had to go. We were holding up people who were keen to get home, though they never made us feel like we were holding them up.

Naturally, with the price, it does get to be a rather expensive day out for a family, but the pleasure gained is worth the expense - and to be able to put a smile on your kid's dial as they gaze at the wonderful animals is priceless (though much cheaper than a safari!)

All in all, it is a great day out with your kids - but remember to make it just that - a DAY out. You don't want to be rushed. Take your food and have a picnic in the grounds, gaze in awe at the animals, and listen in wonder to what the helpful keepers have to say about their charges.

Oh, and most of all - HAVE FUN!

All things change in time... in my youth I lived a mere 10 minute drive away from this fine venue, and used to be a semi-regular visitor... but that was over 2 decades ago, so this visit was more than a nostalgic walk in old footsteps, it was a chance to see what progress had happened.

As we entered, I was immediately struck by the clean look and feel of the grounds, and the well stocked gift shop. I chatted to some of the staff, had a good look around, and then shot off to arrange entry. As we walked through the gate, we were informed that if we hurried we could go and see a chat by one of the staff as they prepared the tiger enclosure for Oz's playtime. Highly informative, the staffmember was clearly enthusiastic about his job, which always makes for good care of the animals.

After that we proceeded to wander around, trying to decypher the icons on the map. Some of them were a bit hard to recognise, however we eventually worked them out. Some better colour-coding, or a numbering system might have been more practical, if less pretty. However, this rambling around put us in the right place... the bird sanctuary... at the right time... feeding time! It was quite an experience to hold a piece of corn on the cobb and have a dozen rainbow lorikeets climbing all over you eating the corn out of your hand! We got some great photos, and the kids in our party thought it was just the neatest experience.

More wandering, but alas we had arrived a bit late and missed most of the day's events, and by the time we got half way around it was time for the zoo to close, leaving us keen to return again. We were planning to return a few days later, but our time was short and we couldn't squeeze it in, much to the disappointment of more than one of our party.

Overall, though a wonderful way to share time with the family, you need to dedicate an entire day to this venture. There is just too much to see in a half day. Also, be sure to keep your maps handy, and keep an eye out for staff wandering around... if you see one, ask them what events are due... you could be pleasantly surprised. This is also an excellent venue for school trips, as there are a lot of educational points scattered around.

I visited Auckland Zoo in March for the first time in several years (not being an Aucklander). We spent quite a few hours there and had a great time. It was a school day so it was quite quiet other than a few class groups.
I love photographing animals and birds and with my zoom lenses had ample opportunities to take some brilliant photos. The cafe seemed huge and well stocked even at the end of the day when we visited. Very clean too. Loved the flamingos and the savannah area with all the African animals. The only thing that was disappointing was the 5.30pm closing. I would have thought that such a wonderful facility would have been open until 7 or 8pm during daylight savings. Perhaps though the early closing time is for the benefit of the animals, which is good. They are way more important than the tourists who want a bit more time to marvel at nature's creations.