Wellington Zoo - a meerkat looking up into the sky
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Wellington Zoo

4.5
·6k reviews·Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand's first zoo, offering diverse animal encounters, conservation education, and themed playgrounds in a hilly, engaging landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Wellington Zoo - a meerkat looking up into the sky

Wellington Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

New Zealand's first zoo, offering diverse animal encounters, conservation education, and themed playgrounds in a hilly, engaging landscape.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"A well-maintained and engaging environment focused on conservation and education."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Prioritize comfort for exploring all the exhibits.

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Maximize your visit by knowing when animals are most active and fed.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Capybara Close Encounter

Capybara Close Encounter

Animal Encounters Area

Get up close and personal with the world's largest rodents in an unforgettable experience. Pure capybara joy!

TikTok
Snow Leopard Habitat

Snow Leopard Habitat

Himalayan Highlands

Marvel at these elusive big cats in their specially designed, steep habitat. A truly breathtaking sight.

TikTok
Giraffe Viewing

Giraffe Viewing

African Savannah

Stand tall with these gentle giants and enjoy their impressive presence. A favorite for all ages.

Reddit
Lemur Encounters

Lemur Encounters

Madagascar

Meet playful lemurs, and if you're lucky, you might even see the new babies!

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Hills

Wellington Zoo is known for its hilly terrain, so wear comfortable shoes! Arriving early or later in the day can help avoid peak crowds and the midday heat. Consider booking 'close encounter' experiences in advance, as they are popular and have limited spots. Instagram

Plan Your Visit Wisely

Check the zoo's website for daily feeding times and keeper talks to maximize your experience. Some exhibits might be closed or have limited animal visibility at certain times, so plan accordingly. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Quieter, cooler for animals
Crowd
Medium
When
During keeper talks
Why
Engaging insights from staff
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Three reasons to do a capybara close encounter at @wellington.zoo: 1. Capybara 2. Capybara 3. Caapybaaara If you didn’t have 19 seconds to watch our previous video, this pretty much sums up the experience 😂 #Wellington #WellingtonNZ #WellingtonZoo #NZ #NewZealand #Capybara #CapybaraMemes #CapybaraLove #CapybaraTikTok #CapybaraTok
@wellingtonnz
51.2K likes • 473.5K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Prioritize comfort for exploring all the exhibits. Instagram

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Maximize your visit by knowing when animals are most active and fed. Reddit

Wellington's newest residents are ready to make their big debut this week at Wellington Zoo 🐆 Visitors can see Asha & Manju up close in their brand new, expertly designed habitat at Wellington Zoo. Filled with rocks, plants, and lots of steep faces, the space is perfect for these mountain climbers. School up on these siblings before you visit: ❄️😸 Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable in the w...
@wellingtonnz
26.4K likes • 242K views
Thanks Wellington Zoo for keeping these two entertained for the day ☺️ I think the Mums enjoyed it more than the kids thou 🤣 Our inner child bursting every time we see an animal 🤣 Hated those killer hills but worth the views and cute animals we saw 🥰
lamatumanuvao
41 likes • 0 views

🎟️ Book Encounters Early

Popular close encounters sell out fast, book online in advance! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles; there are refill stations available. TikTok

What a morning exploring Wellington Zoo with the Melvilles as well as Char having a close encounter with the Meerkats on a beautiful blue sky sunny ☀️ day. So much excitement, so many facts, so much fun.
esther.molloy
40 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is hilly! Prioritize comfort for exploring all the exhibits. Instagram

⏰ Check Feeding Times

Maximize your visit by knowing when animals are most active and fed. Reddit

🎟️ Book Encounters Early

Popular close encounters sell out fast, book online in advance! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water bottles; there are refill stations available. TikTok

📱 Use the Zoo Map

Navigate the grounds easily with the provided map or app. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Wellington Zoo for its well-maintained grounds, diverse animal collection, and engaging staff. The conservation focus and unique close encounter experiences are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some visitors note the zoo's hilly terrain and occasional animal unavailability as minor drawbacks.

"Wellington Zoo is a must-visit! Perfect for nature lovers and kids. Loved the variety of animals, beautiful surroundings, and informative rangers. Ticketing was smooth, and the facilities (restrooms, food options) were great. Highly recommend!"

Sharanya rameshan.r

"We did a Close Encounter with the ring tailed Lemurs and it was fantastic. Zoo entry was included with the close encounter which made it good value and gave that something special to the zoo. We also really enjoyed talking to one of the volunteers at the zoo. She was full of stories and fun facts about the animals."

Nicole Monaghan

"Always nice to visit when in Wellington, ashame this time there where no big cats/bear visible and some things closed. Possibly due to time/date of visit. Had some amazing animals to see, huge giraffes. A nice place to take the kids."

Sebastiaan Verplanke

What People Like

Variety of animals
Informative staff
Close encounters

What People Dislike

Hilly terrain
Some animals not visible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wellington Zoo is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the Wellington Cable Car offers a scenic route with a connection to the zoo. TikTok Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly on busy days. Reddit

Yes, Wellington Zoo offers on-site parking. However, it can be limited, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive. Reddit

Absolutely! Several local bus routes service the area around Wellington Zoo, making it a convenient option for visitors. Check the Metlink website for specific route information. TikTok

The zoo is generally accessible, but be aware that it is quite hilly. Many paths are paved, but some inclines can be challenging. Instagram Accessible restrooms are available. Reddit

You can take a bus directly to the zoo or combine the Wellington Cable Car with a short walk. The Cable Car offers great views and a unique start to your visit. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and concessions. It's best to check the official Wellington Zoo website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential deals or discounts. Reddit

Yes, purchasing Wellington Zoo tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This often saves time at the entrance and guarantees your entry, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Wellington Zoo typically opens daily, but hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official website for the most current Wellington Zoo opening hours and times before your visit. Reddit

Generally, Wellington Zoo requires admission fees for entry. However, they may offer special promotions or free entry days occasionally. Keep an eye on their website or social media for announcements. Reddit

Look out for Wellington Zoo deals on their website, especially during off-peak seasons or for special events. Membership options can also offer cost savings for frequent visitors. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

Wellington Zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including snow leopards, giraffes, lions, sun bears, lemurs, and capybaras. You can find a full list of animals at Wellington Zoo on their website. TikTokReddit

Yes, Wellington Zoo schedules various animal feeding times and keeper talks throughout the day. These are excellent opportunities to learn more about the animals and see them at their most active. Reddit

Wellington Zoo offers special 'Close Encounters' where you can get up close with certain animals like capybaras or lemurs. These are paid experiences and often include zoo admission. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Wellington Zoo has themed playgrounds and offers engaging experiences like close encounters and keeper talks that children love. InstagramReddit

The zoo provides restrooms, picnic areas, and a cafe. Many visitors appreciate the multiple toilet access points throughout the grounds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining

Yes, Wellington Zoo has a cafe offering a range of food and drink options for visitors. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas. Reddit

Picnic areas are available, so you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at Wellington Zoo. This can be a great way to save money. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages. Menu items can vary, so it's best to check on the day of your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for elevated viewpoints for animals like giraffes and try to capture candid moments during feeding times. The diverse habitats also offer great backdrops. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, always be mindful of the animals' welfare and avoid using flash photography, especially in sensitive areas. Instagram

While general photography is allowed, some areas or specific animal encounters might have restrictions. Always follow the guidance of zoo staff and signage. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals, making them ideal for photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wellington Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The themed playgrounds are a hit with younger visitors, providing spaces for them to burn off energy. Reddit Don't miss the chance to see the giraffes and the capybaras, which are often favorites among children. TikTok Consider booking a close encounter like the lemurs for an extra special treat, but be sure to book ahead as these are popular. InstagramReddit

Remember that the zoo is hilly, so strollers are recommended, and be prepared for some walking. Checking the daily schedule for keeper talks and feeding times will keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the visit. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

To make your visit more budget-friendly, consider packing your own picnic to enjoy in the designated areas, rather than relying solely on the zoo cafe. Reddit Look for online ticket deals or discounts before you go, as purchasing in advance can sometimes be cheaper. Reddit While close encounters are a splurge, they can offer great value if you consider the included zoo admission. Reddit Alternatively, focus on enjoying the diverse animal exhibits and free keeper talks to get the most out of your admission fee. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Day-Trippers

Wellington Zoo offers a charming and engaging experience for couples and day-trippers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the diverse habitats, perhaps opting for a late afternoon visit when crowds thin out. Instagram Consider a close encounter for a unique shared experience, like the snow leopard or capybara encounters, for a memorable outing. TikTokReddit The zoo's location also makes it an easy addition to a day exploring Wellington, with convenient access via bus or the scenic Cable Car. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Wellington Zoo's Unique Terrain

Wellington Zoo is renowned for its challenging yet rewarding terrain. Many visitors note the significant hills, making comfortable footwear an absolute must. Instagram This unique topography, however, contributes to the immersive habitats designed for the animals, offering varied viewing perspectives for visitors. Planning your route to tackle inclines strategically can make the experience more enjoyable. Consider starting at the top and working your way down, or vice versa, depending on your energy levels. Reddit

The zoo's design encourages a sense of discovery as you navigate its slopes. While it can be a workout, the payoff is often stunning views and the chance to see animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats. The zoo staff are also a great resource for navigating the terrain and finding the best paths to specific exhibits. Reddit

Wellington Zoo's Conservation Efforts

Wellington Zoo is deeply committed to conservation and education, playing a vital role in protecting endangered species. They actively participate in breeding programs for animals like the snow leopard and are involved in conservation initiatives both locally and internationally. TikTok Visitors can learn about these efforts through informative signage and keeper talks, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges wildlife faces.

Beyond breeding programs, the zoo also supports conservation projects in the wild. This includes efforts to protect native New Zealand wildlife, as highlighted by their involvement in programs like the Wellington Cable Car Bird Strike Prevention initiative. TikTok By visiting Wellington Zoo, you're not just enjoying a day out; you're contributing to crucial conservation work that helps safeguard biodiversity for future generations. Reddit

Unforgettable Animal Encounters

Wellington Zoo offers more than just traditional viewing; they provide special animal encounters that create lasting memories. Experiences like the capybara close encounter allow visitors to interact directly with these gentle giants, offering a unique perspective and photo opportunities. TikTok Similarly, the lemur encounters provide a chance to get up close with these charismatic primates, often including insights from the keepers. InstagramReddit

These encounters are a significant draw for many visitors and are often cited as a highlight of their trip. It's important to note that these experiences are typically an additional cost to general admission and have limited availability, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Reddit The value often comes from the intimate interaction and the educational component, making it a truly special part of a zoo visit. Instagram

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