National Aquarium of New Zealand
Discover marine wonders and native wildlife at New Zealand's National Aquarium, featuring an underwater tunnel and unique kiwi encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Big tank feeding time
National Aquarium of New Zealand
Best Time
Big tank feeding time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover marine wonders and native wildlife at New Zealand's National Aquarium, featuring an underwater tunnel and unique kiwi encounters.
"A well-kept and satisfying place to visit, loved seeing fish in their natural habitat. "
🎯 Book Penguin Feeding Early
Limited to 4 people daily! Book this popular experience well in advance. :ticket:
⏰ Check Daily Feeding Times
Don't miss diver feeds, seahorse snacks, and more! Schedules vary daily.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Feeding
An intimate experience feeding the resident penguins, often a visitor favorite. Limited spots available.
Underwater Tunnel
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by stingrays, diverse fish, and other marine life.
Kiwi Exhibition
See New Zealand's iconic native bird, the kiwi, in a dedicated, active exhibition.
Seahorse Feeding
Witness these unique creatures 'slurp' their food like tiny underwater vacuums.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Penguin Feeding in Advance
Check Feeding Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Penguin Feeding Early
Limited to 4 people daily! Book this popular experience well in advance. :ticket:
⏰ Check Daily Feeding Times
Don't miss diver feeds, seahorse snacks, and more! Schedules vary daily.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo ops, especially in the underwater tunnel and with the penguins.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Penguin Feeding Early
Limited to 4 people daily! Book this popular experience well in advance. :ticket:
⏰ Check Daily Feeding Times
Don't miss diver feeds, seahorse snacks, and more! Schedules vary daily.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
Plenty of photo ops, especially in the underwater tunnel and with the penguins.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Families
Kids love the interactive feeds and seeing diverse marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the National Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the penguin feeding and underwater tunnel. While some note it's a smaller aquarium, the personal feel and informative staff are frequently highlighted. Occasional disappointment arises from the absence of certain expected species like sharks in the tunnel.
"Loved the experience! We were able to see the penguin being fed and fishes being fed by divers. It was a small aquarium and not complete. We were expecting octopus, squid or baby sharks but maybe the ecosystem of the water is not suitable for those. I'm prolly just dreaming. Lol. But I was happy with the stingrays! Too bad we were not able to see kiwis 😭"
Katherine Rose Huizo
"Exceptional visit here as we booked very early in advance to do the penguin feeding which is limited to a group of 4 a day only.
Staff at penguin feeding were very informative and friendly and great hosts to help us feed the penguins.
Penguins were our favourite exhibition.
The big turtle was great.
Kiwi Exhibition was great to see them walking around active.
2pm feeding time in the big tank was also a great watch especially the stingrays."
Travis McAllan
"A very well maintained aquarium near to Napier CBD, there are some shows for the audience which is great to watch and the one for penguin feeding was very informative. Kids love it and will be revising in the future..."
Indrajit Nandy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Aquarium of New Zealand is located on Marine Parade in Napier. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options also serve the area, making it a convenient destination within Napier.
Yes, the aquarium is generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide pathways to accommodate visitors.
There is parking available along Marine Parade and in nearby streets. It can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The aquarium is situated along Napier's scenic Marine Parade, making it a pleasant walk from the city center.
Yes, it's a prominent attraction on Marine Parade, a well-known street in Napier, and is clearly signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing. Some social media posts mention prices around $50 per person, but free entry events have also occurred.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for special events or the limited penguin feeding sessions.
The aquarium typically opens daily, but hours can change seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.
Keep an eye out for special promotions or events, as the aquarium has offered free entry nights in the past. Family passes or group discounts might also be available.
Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the aquarium directly for their specific policy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the penguin feeding, the underwater tunnel with stingrays and fish, and the Kiwi exhibition. The large turtle is also a popular sight.
Yes, the aquarium hosts daily feeding sessions, including divers feeding the main tank and seahorse feeding. Check the schedule upon arrival.
Yes, a highlight is the underwater tunnel where you can walk through and be surrounded by marine life like stingrays and various fish.
Limited interaction is possible through scheduled feeding sessions, like the penguin feeding, which offers a unique opportunity to get up close.
You can see a wide variety of saltwater and freshwater fish, stingrays, turtles, penguins, frogs, lizards, and New Zealand's native kiwi.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium, but it's always good to check their specific policy.
Being on Marine Parade, there are several cafes and restaurants in Napier's CBD within walking distance, offering various cuisines.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is not widely available, but typical cafe fare is usually offered.
Prices at aquarium cafes can be slightly higher than average, but it offers convenience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The underwater tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities with marine life. The penguin enclosure and the kiwi exhibit are also great for pictures.
Video recording is usually permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules regarding commercial use.
While personal use is fine, check with the aquarium if you plan to use photos or videos for commercial purposes or extensive social media campaigns.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively, especially with the ambient lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, the aquarium features a variety of exhibits including freshwater and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, and the elusive kiwi. The daily feeding shows, like the diver feeding the main tank, are also a hit with younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially avoid the highest crowds. To maximize value, focus on the key exhibits like the underwater tunnel and the penguin feeding (if you can book it). Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on cafe purchases, though check their policy on outside food.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the feeding times, as these moments often present dynamic action shots. The kiwi exhibition can be challenging due to low light, but with a good camera or smartphone, you can capture memorable images of New Zealand's iconic bird.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Kiwi
Seeing a kiwi is often a bucket-list item for visitors to New Zealand. The aquarium's efforts to create a suitable environment mean you have a good chance of witnessing these fascinating creatures moving around, especially during their active periods. Remember that flash photography is usually prohibited to avoid disturbing them.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the kiwis are often more active before the main crowds arrive.
Feeding Frenzy: A Spectacle of Marine Life
Beyond the main tank, the penguin feeding is a particularly popular and intimate event. Due to its popularity and limited capacity (often only 4 people per session), booking this experience well in advance is crucial.
These feeding sessions are not just for entertainment; they provide valuable insights into the animals' diets, behaviors, and the challenges of conservation. The staff are often on hand to share informative details, making it an engaging learning opportunity for all ages.
Exploring Napier's Marine Parade
Strolling along Marine Parade allows you to enjoy the coastal breeze, admire the Art Deco architecture Napier is renowned for, and access other attractions. The aquarium is perfectly situated within this lively stretch, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk, a picnic, or exploring other nearby points of interest.
Pro-Tip: Many visitors enjoy exploring Marine Parade before or after their aquarium visit, taking advantage of the beautiful coastal setting and the proximity to Napier's city center.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit