Top Zoos & Sanctuaries in New Zealand

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1

Auckland Zoo rating icon 6.3

Auckland Zoo, 99, Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland, Waitematā, Auckland, 1022, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 148 of 490
Popularity in Category: 96 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 10439 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
2

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve rating icon 5.4

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 193 of 490
Popularity in Category: 121 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 13379 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
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Patricia March 11, 2025

My advice is to grab a combo ticket if you’re thinking about doing the café too; you’ll save a few bucks rather than paying separately. I spent too much last time on food

3

Kaikoura Dolphin Encounters rating icon 3.9

96 Esplanade, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 285 of 490
Popularity in Category: 162 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 17834 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
4

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony rating icon 3.3

17 Waterfront Road, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 317 of 490
Popularity in Category: 171 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 19124 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
5

Pohatu Penguins rating icon 2.7

3/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 368 of 490
Popularity in Category: 195 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 21275 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
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Zachary February 23, 2025

I recommend booking your tickets online in advance to save a few bucks and skip the line. It was way easier for me compared to waiting on-site. Trust me, you'll want to get straight to the penguins!

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James January 21, 2025

My advice is to time your visit for around 6 PM. That’s when the little penguins come back from their day at sea, and it’s such a cute sight! Just make sure to bring a warm jacket – it gets chilly!

6

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary rating icon 2.1

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary 651 Brook Street, The Brook, Nelson 7010, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 407 of 490
Popularity in Category: 209 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 22973 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
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Kevin March 22, 2025

My advice is to bring snacks and water. There are some areas to relax, but food options can be limited. I ended up spending more at the café than I planned. Pack a little picnic

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Mary January 27, 2025

I suggest wearing good shoes! The trails can be a bit muddy and uneven, so comfy footwear will make your walk way more enjoyable. I got a bit sore after slipping in my sandals, haha.

7

Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo rating icon 1.6

R.D 10/32 East Road, Haumoana 4180, New Zealand copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 435 of 490
Popularity in Category: 223 of 264
Popularity Worldwide: 24598 of 29086
Zoos & Sanctuaries
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Susan March 9, 2025

my advice is to bring a picnic. they have lovely seating areas where you can relax with food and it saves you money instead of buying overpriced snacks at the cafe

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Christopher January 26, 2025

I suggest getting there around 10 AM when they open. It gets busy later, and you'll have the animals mostly to yourself for better photos and experiences. Plus, the staff is super friendly and eager to share info in the morning!

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