Get up close to cuddly big cats, playful pandas, elegant giraffes and cheeky gibbons at the country's oldest zoo.
Dating back to 1906, Wellington Zoo has always been a big hit with visitors, who come to see more than 500 animals from over 100 different species. The animals originate from across Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas as well as New Zealand itself. Among them you'll find endangered Sumatran tigers and Campbell Island teals.
Follow the paths around the zoo, which will take you past native species including kiwi and the lizard-like tuatara, whose ancestors walked alongside the dinosaurs long ago. Visit The Roost to learn about the fascinating life of the zoo’s birds and how their keepers look after and care for them. Move on to the Asia Precinct, where you’ll find the resident Malayan sun bears and the Sumatran tigers.
The zoo also has its own animal hospital at The Nest. This is where sick and injured animals are checked over and nursed back to health. There are surgical rooms, several enclosures and even a saltwater pool. There’s also a viewing gallery overlooking each surgical room, where visitors are welcome to view the vets examining the animals and performing operations. During the procedures, the veterinary team gives a commentary on what's happening throughout.
If you want to learn more about the animals, there are around 10 talks held here every day and visitors are welcome to ask questions of the keepers. The talks are held at different locations around the zoo, so it’s best to check online beforehand for details of the day’s schedule.
Last but not least, visit the Close Encounters section to see some of the most interesting – and most dangerous – animals in the zoo. It costs extra on top of the admission fee to get into this section, but you'll be able to feed the lions, pet the cheetahs and even greet the meerkats.
Located to the south of the city, Wellington Zoo is open daily except on Christmas Day. It’s a short 10 minute drive by car from the city centre and limited free parking is available. Alternatively, the zoo is also served by two bus routes.
