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Wellington Zoo Guide 2026: Tickets, Hours, Encounters And A Te Aro Stay
Wellington Zoo (Te Nukuao) is open 9.30am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day, with last entry at 4.15pm. The Zoo's booking page lists adult entry at NZ$28, international adults at NZ$35, children at NZ$14, and under-3s go free. It sits in Newtown, which the Zoo says is under 10 minutes by car from the city, and the No. 23 bus stops outside. This guide covers tickets, keeper talks, Close Encounters, food, prams and a two-night plan from a Te Aro apartment.
On this page ▾
- Wellington Zoo At A Glance
- Wellington Zoo Tickets And Prices For 2026
- Is Wellington Zoo Worth Visiting?
- Getting To Wellington Zoo From Te Aro
- Which Animals You Can See At Wellington Zoo
- Wellington Zoo Keeper Talk Times
- Wellington Zoo Close Encounters: Prices, Ages And Rules
- The Nest Te Kōhanga: The Zoo's Animal Hospital
- Food, Picnics And Coffee At The Zoo
- Prams, Wheelchairs And The Hills
- Visiting Wellington Zoo In Late Spring And Early Summer
- What A Day At Wellington Zoo Costs: Worked Examples
- After The Zoo: An Early Dinner In Newtown
- Why City Tree Hutt A Suits A Wellington Zoo Weekend
- Who This Zoo Weekend Stay Suits
- A Two-Night Wellington Zoo Weekend From Te Aro
- What To Pack And Book Before You Go
- Plan Your Wellington Zoo Stay
- FAQs About Wellington Zoo
Key Takeaway
Wellington Zoo is an easy half day from central Wellington. Entry is NZ$28 for an adult, NZ$35 for an international adult and NZ$14 for a child, and Close Encounters start at NZ$129 with Zoo entry included. Prices checked 27 October 2026 on the Zoo's own pages.
In This Guide
Quick Answers
Wellington Zoo At A Glance
Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is at 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, on the hills just south of the central city. The Zoo describes itself as "New Zealand's first Zoo" and says it has been "caring for animals since 1906". In April 2026 Wellington City Council marked its 120th year and noted it became "the first municipally controlled zoo in Australasia". It covers 13 hectares and is home to more than 500 animals, according to WellingtonNZ, the city's official tourism site.
| What you need | Detail (checked 27 October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021 |
| Hours | 9.30am to 5pm, last entry 4.15pm |
| Closed | Christmas Day only ("open 364 days a year") |
| Adult | NZ$28 |
| International adult | NZ$35 |
| Child (14 and under) | NZ$14 |
| Under 3 | Free |
| Bus | No. 23 stops outside the Zoo |
| Phone | 04 381 6755 |
Opening hours and prices can change, so check the Zoo's Plan your day page before you go.
Wellington Zoo Tickets And Prices For 2026
Tickets are sold online through the Zoo's booking page, and the Zoo's ticket page says they are valid for 90 days. These are the prices shown on 27 October 2026.
| Ticket | Price (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Adult | $28 |
| International Adult | $35 |
| Child | $14 |
| Concession: Student, Senior, Community Card or Leisure Card | $22 |
| Family Pass, 1 adult and 2 children | $49 |
| Family Pass, 1 adult and 3 children | $59 |
| Family Pass, 2 adults and 1 child | $65 |
| Family Pass, 2 adults and 2 children | $69 |
| Family Pass, 2 adults and 3 children | $79 |
| Under 3 | Free |
Bring ID if you are claiming a student, Gold Card or Community Services Card discount. Caregivers of disabled visitors get free entry with suitable documentation. Tourism New Zealand's listing for the Zoo adds that "any child under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult".
Visiting from Australia or overseas? The booking page shows a separate International Adult ticket at NZ$35, NZ$7 more than the standard adult ticket. Choose the ticket that matches you, and check the Zoo's conditions of entry if you are unsure.
If you plan to come back several times in a year, the Zoo also sells Zoo Crew annual memberships, starting at NZ$89 for one adult and NZ$39 for one child.
Is Wellington Zoo Worth Visiting?
Yes, if you like animals, conservation stories or an easy outdoor half day close to the city. At 13 hectares it is compact, which is part of its appeal: you can see most of it in a morning.
History
Opened in 1906. Its first animal was King Dick, a lion, who is now on display at Wellington Museum.
Conservation
In 2013 it became the world's first Toitū carboNZero certified zoo, and it runs The Nest Te Kōhanga animal hospital.
Coming next
A 20-year masterplan announced in its 120th year. The first major project is a new lion habitat, expected in five to six years.
The Zoo is a charitable trust and a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. If your trip is mostly about native birds in the wild, pair the Zoo with Zealandia. For the animals of other continents up close, plus native species you rarely see in the bush, the Zoo is the better choice.
Getting To Wellington Zoo From Te Aro
Te Aro is the inner-city neighbourhood around Cuba Street and Courtenay Place, so you are already on the right side of town for Newtown.
By bus
The Zoo says: "The No. 23 buses stop right outside the Zoo." The route runs from Wellington Station to the Zoo, and the Zoo's contact page describes it as running "every hour on weekdays and weekends". You can also catch a bus to Wellington Hospital (the Zoo suggests the No. 1 or No. 3) and transfer at the Wellington Hospital hub, stop C. Check the live timetable on Metlink before you leave, because services change.
By car or taxi
"From the city, your car trip will take less than 10 minutes," says the Zoo. Follow the brown Zoo signs or signs to Newtown. A taxi or rideshare is the simplest option if you are staying in Te Aro without a car.
Parking
The Zoo says: "There is limited free car parking around the Zoo so it's a case of early bird catches the worm." Spaces are on the streets around the Zoo and in the Newtown Park car park next door, which also has four mobility car parks.
By bike
There is a bike rack at the front of the Zoo.
Tip: arrive close to 9.30am opening. You get the easiest parking, cooler paths for the hill and time to plan your day around the first keeper talk at 10am.
Which Animals You Can See At Wellington Zoo
The Zoo's daily talk list is a good guide to who is on show right now. It currently includes kororā (little penguins), tigers, snow leopards, chimpanzees, giraffes, sun bears, ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats. WellingtonNZ also mentions native birds such as kea soaring overhead in a free-flight habitat, and an Australian precinct where kangaroos roam. Red pandas have one of the newer habitats, according to Wellington City Council.
Snow leopards
Asha and Manju live in a habitat built during the Zoo's major redevelopments, along with new homes for giraffes, red pandas and chimpanzees.
Native species
Kea, kororā and other taonga species. Tourism New Zealand's listing also mentions tuatara and Wellington green geckos.
From further afield
Tigers, sun bears, giraffes, chimpanzees, lemurs and meerkats have daily talks, and otters are on the encounter list. Tourism New Zealand's listing also names capybaras.
Animals choose where they spend their time, so some habitats can look empty at certain hours. Recent reviews on Tripadvisor mention this. The keeper talks are a good chance to see an animal active and close to the viewing area.
The Zoo is built on a hill. Wear comfortable shoes, and grab the Zoo map so you can plan a loop that saves the steepest paths for when you are fresh.
Wellington Zoo Keeper Talk Times
These talk times are listed on the Zoo's Plan your day and What's On pages. They are free with entry. Build your morning around two or three of them to see the animals while their keepers are with them.
| Time | Talk |
|---|---|
| 10.00am | Penguin Talk |
| 10.30am | Tiger Talk |
| 11.00am | Snow Leopard Talk |
| 11.15am | Vets in The Nest Te Kōhanga |
| 11.45am | Cool Creatures at Hero HQ |
| 12.45pm | Chimpanzee Talk |
| 1.15pm | Giraffe Talk |
| 2.00pm | Sun Bear Talk |
| 2.30pm | Ring-tailed Lemur Talk |
| 3.30pm | Meerkat Talk |
The pages do not say whether every talk runs every day, so check the board at the entrance when you arrive. A simple plan is penguins at 10am, tigers at 10.30am and snow leopards at 11am, then lunch before the chimpanzees and giraffes.
Wellington Zoo Close Encounters: Prices, Ages And Rules
Close Encounters take you behind the scenes with a keeper for about 30 minutes. The Zoo's booking catalogue lists 12 of them on 27 October 2026.
| Close Encounter | Price (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Red Panda | $159 |
| Black and White Ruffed Lemur, Meerkat, Giraffe, Sun Bear, Minibeasts, Tiger, Lion, Snow Leopard, Ring-tailed Lemur, Otter, Kororā Little Penguin | $129 each |
What the booking pages say
- Zoo entry is included in the price ("$129 per person including free Zoo entry" on the giraffe page).
- Minimum age 6 on the giraffe and red panda encounters. On the red panda page, children aged 6 to 13 must come with a paying adult.
- Small groups: a maximum of 4 people on the giraffe and red panda encounters.
- Dress code: long pants and fully closed-toe shoes. No Crocs.
- Animal-led: "it is up to the animals whether they choose to participate and how long they will stay."
Two to know about
The Giraffe Close Encounter runs at 2.45pm every day. You watch the giraffes' daily training and hand-feed them treats. It is "hands off", so you won't touch them. The Red Panda Close Encounter runs at 11.45am, but on 27 October 2026 its page said: "We are currently not accepting new bookings for the Red Panda Close Encounter." The red panda page also says it is not suitable for people with mobility issues and asks guests to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Book ahead. With four places per session, popular encounters can fill up on summer weekends. Book online before you arrive in Wellington, and check that session's age and clothing rules.
The Nest Te Kōhanga: The Zoo's Animal Hospital
The Nest Te Kōhanga is the Zoo's veterinary hospital. Wellington City Council says it opened in 2009 and has treated more than 5,000 native animals.
The 11.15am "Vets in The Nest Te Kōhanga" talk is the time to see it at work, and it helps explain why the Zoo calls itself "Wellington's oldest conservation organisation".
Food, Picnics And Coffee At The Zoo
There are two places to eat inside. REX tremendous is by the entrance, with "great coffee" and "a wide range of tasty food and drinks". The banana bar is in the centre of the Zoo. The Zoo doesn't list their hours online, so don't rely on a late lunch.
You can also bring your own food: "You're welcome to bring your own food and snacks to enjoy during your day at the Zoo," and there are picnic tables throughout. There are a few water fountains, but the Zoo suggests bringing a water bottle.
From City Tree Hutt A, Moore Wilson's is a 2-minute walk (from the listing). Pick up picnic food the evening before, keep it in the apartment's fridge and pack it in the morning.
Prams, Wheelchairs And The Hills
The Zoo's accessibility page says: "The Zoo is on a hill, and our Visitor Advisors can show you which pathways are more accessible." An accessibility map shows the steeper gradients.
- Wheelchairs: "available free of charge". Ask the Visitor Advisors when you arrive.
- Pushchair hire: NZ$20 for the day, with NZ$10 back if it is returned in good condition.
- Toilets: toilets and accessible toilets throughout, plus parent rooms with baby-changing facilities.
- Assistance dogs: welcome with proof of vaccination. Some areas are off-limits to them.
- Mobility parking: four mobility car parks in the Newtown Park car park next to the Zoo.
- Bags: there are no lockers. Staff may be able to hold large bags in the front office.
For access questions, the Zoo suggests calling 04 381 6755 before you visit.
Visiting Wellington Zoo In Late Spring And Early Summer
November and December are a good time for an outdoor day in Wellington. The days are longer, and the Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. A few things make the day easier at this time of year:
- Pack for wind and sun. Wellington weather turns quickly. Bring a windproof layer, a hat and sunscreen, because the hillside paths are exposed in places.
- Watch the calendar. Weekends and the school summer holidays are usually busier. If you can, choose a weekday morning.
- Plan around 4.15pm. That is last entry. Aim to arrive by early afternoon at the latest if you want to see the meerkats at 3.30pm.
Your stay may also line up with a big event at Hnry Stadium. The stadium lists BLACKCAPS v India (ODI) on 7 November and Wellington Phoenix home games on 22 November, 6 December and 19 December. Book Close Encounters and accommodation early on those weekends.
What A Day At Wellington Zoo Costs: Worked Examples
These examples use the prices on the Zoo's booking page on 27 October 2026.
| Who is going | Tickets | Total (NZ$) |
|---|---|---|
| Two international adults | 2 x $35 | $70 |
| Two adults on standard tickets | 2 x $28 | $56 |
| One international adult and one child aged 3 to 14 | $35 + $14 | $49 |
| One international adult does the Giraffe Close Encounter, the other has general entry | $129 (entry included) + $35 | $164 |
| One standard adult and a toddler under 3, with pushchair hire returned in good condition | $28 + $0 + $20 - $10 refund | $38 |
Bringing a picnic keeps food costs down. Add bus fares or a short taxi each way if you are not driving.
After The Zoo: An Early Dinner In Newtown
You don't have to rush back to the city. Newtown, the suburb around the Zoo, has a busy main street (Riddiford Street) and some well-regarded places to eat.
Margot
A 26-seat restaurant and wine bar at 3 Wilson Street, Newtown, serving "rustic, European-inspired share plates" from a menu that changes often. WellingtonNZ describes it as sitting "down a side street in Newtown" behind a bright red door.
Cicio Cacio Osteria
An Italian osteria with its entrance on Wilson Street, around the corner from its Riddiford Street address. WellingtonNZ describes it as "an Italian restaurant serving regional wines and a no-fuss rotating menu".
Opening hours are not listed on the tourism pages, so check each venue's own site and book on weekends. If you would rather eat back in Te Aro, our Te Aro food and coffee guide covers Cuba Street, markets and late dinners.
Why City Tree Hutt A Suits A Wellington Zoo Weekend
City Tree Hutt A is a one-bedroom apartment in Te Aro for up to two guests, rated 5.0 from 17 guest reviews. It is a short ride from the Zoo and a 10-minute walk from the waterfront, so a zoo morning and a waterfront afternoon fit into the same day.
Food sorted
A fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven, two-element cooktop, microwave, dishwasher and coffee machine. Moore Wilson's is a 2-minute walk away and Prefab cafe is across the road.
Easy evenings
The waterfront and Te Papa are a 10-minute walk, and theatres, bars and restaurants are about 5 minutes away on foot.
Rest well
"The Paddington" private bedroom with a queen bed looks out to a plant courtyard, with high-grade linen, heating and air conditioning.
For families, the listing offers a porta cot on request (subject to availability) and a child's highchair. Stays of three nights or more come with a free NZ$50 voucher for Ernesto's Cafe and Bar. There are no cleaning fees, and Wi-Fi is listed at 500mbs.
Who This Zoo Weekend Stay Suits
The apartment sleeps two, so it works best for:
- Couples who want a relaxed city break with one animal-focused day, perhaps a Close Encounter as a treat.
- A parent and one child on a short Wellington trip. Children are welcome, and the highchair and porta cot help with little ones.
- Solo travellers combining work and a day out. The listing has a laptop-friendly workspace.
Maximum occupancy is two guests. If you are travelling with a baby who needs the porta cot, ask the team before booking so they can confirm it for your dates. The apartment has no parking of its own. The listing says council street parking nearby costs $5 an hour on weekdays and $3 an hour on weekends, with a 3-hour limit, and is free from 8pm to 8am. Many guests will find the bus or a short taxi to the Zoo easier.
A Two-Night Wellington Zoo Weekend From Te Aro
Day 1: Arrive and settle in
Check in from 3pm with the lockbox. Walk 2 minutes to Moore Wilson's for picnic supplies and breakfast food. Spend the evening among the theatres, bars and restaurants of the city's entertainment area, which the listing puts about 5 minutes away on foot.
Day 2: Zoo day
Leave around 9am by bus or taxi and arrive for the 9.30am opening. Catch the Penguin Talk at 10am, the Tiger Talk at 10.30am and the Snow Leopard Talk at 11am, then see the vets at 11.15am. Have your picnic, then see the chimpanzees at 12.45pm and the giraffes at 1.15pm. If you have booked the Giraffe Close Encounter, it starts at 2.45pm. Finish with the meerkats at 3.30pm, then have an early dinner in Newtown or head back to Te Aro.
Day 3: Waterfront and museum
Check out by 10am, then walk 10 minutes to the waterfront. Our Te Papa museum guide covers tickets and the exhibits not to miss, and our Wellington waterfront walks guide maps out an easy stroll to Oriental Bay, 20 minutes on foot from the apartment. Take Zealandia, the cable car and the botanic garden as a separate half day if you have time.
What To Pack And Book Before You Go
Flying in? The listing says Wellington International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the apartment, so a Friday-evening arrival still leaves a full Saturday for the Zoo.
Plan Your Wellington Zoo Stay
Wellington Zoo is an easy day out in the capital: a short ride from the city, open nearly every day of the year, and good for both couples and families. Pair it with a Te Aro base and the rest of Wellington is on your doorstep.
Check dates and a live price for City Tree Hutt A in Te Aro, or see every WTP Holiday Homes property on Book your stay. Planning around the cricket? Our India cricket in Wellington guide has the match details.
Prices, hours, talk times and encounter details were checked on the Zoo's own pages and booking site on 27 October 2026 and can change. Confirm with Wellington Zoo before you travel.
FAQs About Wellington Zoo
How much is Wellington Zoo entry in 2026?
The Zoo's booking page lists adult entry at NZ$28, international adults at NZ$35, children at NZ$14, and concessions for students, seniors and card holders at NZ$22. Under-3s are free. Family passes run from NZ$49 for one adult and two children to NZ$79 for two adults and three children.
What are Wellington Zoo's opening hours?
Wellington Zoo is open from 9.30am to 5pm, and Tourism New Zealand's listing gives last entry as 4.15pm. The Zoo says it is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day. Check the Zoo's Plan your day page before you go, as hours can change for events.
How do I get to Wellington Zoo from the city?
Take the No. 23 bus, which the Zoo says stops right outside and runs from Wellington Station, or catch any bus to Wellington Hospital and go on from there. By car, the Zoo says the trip from the city takes less than 10 minutes. There is a bike rack at the entrance.
Is there parking at Wellington Zoo?
Yes, but it is limited. The Zoo says there is limited free car parking around the Zoo and in the Newtown Park car park next door, which also has four mobility car parks. Arrive near the 9.30am opening for the best chance of a space, especially on weekends and in the school holidays.
How long should I spend at Wellington Zoo?
Family Action's listing suggests about two hours to see most of the Zoo. Allow three to four hours if you want several keeper talks, a picnic lunch and an easy pace on the hill, plus time for any 30-minute Close Encounter. Arriving at 9.30am lets you catch the morning talks.
How much is a Close Encounter at Wellington Zoo?
On 27 October 2026, most Close Encounters were NZ$129 per person and the red panda encounter was NZ$159, with Zoo entry included. Each lasts about 30 minutes, the giraffe and red panda encounters have a minimum age of 6, and long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. The red panda encounter was not taking new bookings.
Can you feed the giraffes at Wellington Zoo?
Yes, on the Giraffe Close Encounter. It runs at 2.45pm daily for up to four people aged 6 and over, costs NZ$129 including Zoo entry, and lets you hand-feed the giraffes treats while watching their training. It is hands off, so you won't touch them. Otherwise, catch the free 1.15pm Giraffe Talk.
Can I bring my own food into Wellington Zoo?
Yes. The Zoo says you are welcome to bring your own food and snacks, and there are picnic tables throughout. If you would rather buy lunch, REX tremendous is by the entrance and the banana bar is in the centre of the Zoo. Bring a water bottle, as there are only a few fountains.
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Can I hire a pram or wheelchair at Wellington Zoo?
Yes. Pushchair hire costs NZ$20 for the day, with NZ$10 refunded when it is returned in good condition. Wheelchairs are free; ask the Visitor Advisors. The Zoo is on a hill, so staff can point out the more accessible paths, and there is an accessibility map.
How long are Wellington Zoo tickets valid?
The Zoo's ticket page says tickets are valid for 90 days, so you can buy them before your trip without locking in a single day. If you plan to come back often within a year, compare the price with a Zoo Crew annual membership, which starts at NZ$89 for one adult.
Is Wellington Zoo good for adults without kids?
Yes. Adults without children get plenty from the keeper talks, the vets at The Nest Te Kōhanga, the snow leopards and the Close Encounters. Its conservation work, including being the world's first carboNZero certified zoo, makes the visit more than a kids' outing. Pair it with dinner in Newtown.
Where should I stay to visit Wellington Zoo?
Staying in Te Aro puts you a short ride from the Zoo and within walking distance of Cuba Street, Courtenay Place, the waterfront and Te Papa. City Tree Hutt A is a one-bedroom Te Aro apartment for two, with a full kitchen and no cleaning fees.
