Hamilton Zoo
Hamilton Zoo
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The North Island's largest Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
854 reviews
Excellent
468
Very good
301
Average
68
Poor
11
Terrible
6
Annie A
Hamilton, New Zealand7 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Beautiful, well laid out and accessible zoo. Great range of animals within walking distance.
Zoo is always being uodated/improved and yet these seldom impinge on a day out there.
Great knowledge from friendly keepers and staff, lovely new cafe abd playground
Zoo is always being uodated/improved and yet these seldom impinge on a day out there.
Great knowledge from friendly keepers and staff, lovely new cafe abd playground
Written 26 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar29358142536
Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand2 contributions
Nov 2022
This a great visit for the family. The zoo staff are friendly. I love the layout -of the zoo. it is interesting. You wander around excited about what could be around the next corner. The children were very excited and loved the close encounters with the animals.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernadette M
Hastings, New Zealand30 contributions
Feb 2023
Only went to the restaurant service excellent lovely staff very helpfull food deliciousW.
found prices for seniors a little steep. Bikes are available for seniors at no cost.
found prices for seniors a little steep. Bikes are available for seniors at no cost.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trendonz
New Zealand82 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
There is heaps of parking. The staff were really friendly. When our kids asked one of the rangers a question when he was working, he took the time to answer and then answered more and explained the animals we were looking at. The animals are quite close in this zoo when compared to others, which is great. The map is handy. There’s toilets and a place to refill drink bottles about half way into the zoo.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Afghanlion
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
One of least enjoyable experience with kids, the layout is not good for kids. Most animals were out of sight or not easily seen especially for younger children. Bad layout , even in long days NZ were sun sits at 11pm they close at 4:30 pm but keep warning you to move at 4pm. Waste of money if coming in afternoon. Very disappointed-
Written 14 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kara G
Auckland, New Zealand77 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Hadn't been for a few years.. used to be really good.
Few changes brand new entrance and cafe.. though why they didn't make use of nearby rhino enclosure for cafe view I'll never know.. no animals seen from cafe. Cafe was great though.. first few enclosures quite over grown and windows need a clean.. viewing for kids not well thought out. Chimp enclosure is changed with no bridge so viewing though dirty glass. No chimps and was a beautiful sunny day.
So many areas now dead ends.. unlike old circular paths.. such a pain to have to back track. Random enclosures with nothing in them and no signage.. rhino enclosure split up and crampt now.
Just looking tired over all. Sad.
Few changes brand new entrance and cafe.. though why they didn't make use of nearby rhino enclosure for cafe view I'll never know.. no animals seen from cafe. Cafe was great though.. first few enclosures quite over grown and windows need a clean.. viewing for kids not well thought out. Chimp enclosure is changed with no bridge so viewing though dirty glass. No chimps and was a beautiful sunny day.
So many areas now dead ends.. unlike old circular paths.. such a pain to have to back track. Random enclosures with nothing in them and no signage.. rhino enclosure split up and crampt now.
Just looking tired over all. Sad.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiks74
Cairns, Australia97 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Recently visited the zoo. The carpark is under construction and it is a nightmare. There are traffic controllers present but they too dont seem too knowledgeable. As Car 1 was told to park 1 place and Car 2 told to park another.
There is a carpark down the hill, however there is no safe way to walk up the hill to the zoo if there is traffic.
The zoo itself was okay. Quite a few animals missing or unable to be seen.
Id recommend the Auckland Zoo over Hamilton, however if only near Hamiliton Id still suggest going.
There is a carpark down the hill, however there is no safe way to walk up the hill to the zoo if there is traffic.
The zoo itself was okay. Quite a few animals missing or unable to be seen.
Id recommend the Auckland Zoo over Hamilton, however if only near Hamiliton Id still suggest going.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meinjean
5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
What a disappointment . Not much to see and animals looked unwell.
Kids there looked happier playing on swings rather than trying to spot an animal.
Kids there looked happier playing on swings rather than trying to spot an animal.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand766 contributions
Apr 2022
The car park is under maintenance and will be great when finished, but an absolute shambles at the moment. A nice zoo and looks really natural which mean you have to look for the animals which I prefer, as seems much kinder for the animals and they have a decent amount of space. The set up was a bit weird and quite hilly, but I liked the feel of the place and think it will only get better as they finish the projects. A really nice cafe and playground area. Kids loved the slide by the chimps, though we didnt see the chimps which was a bit disappointing, but we did go later in the day. Think it be a better experience early in the day. Price is a bit expensive for what is currently available.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen A
Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand28 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Really disappointed
We were told it was an international level zoo. There were lots of animals not available. It’s really hilly so if you had an older person with you they would struggle. Very expensive much more expensive then the Auckland zoo. Certainly won’t go back
We were told it was an international level zoo. There were lots of animals not available. It’s really hilly so if you had an older person with you they would struggle. Very expensive much more expensive then the Auckland zoo. Certainly won’t go back
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Jensen
Rotorua, New Zealand1 contribution
Is hamilton zoo dog friendly?
Susan T
Tauranga, New Zealand82 contributions
I'm sorry, but I really don't know. Perhaps you could phone them.
Hi for a 1st birthday, are you able to bring chairs tables and a gazebo? for a few hours.
dianne b
Hamilton, New Zealand27 contributions
don't think so but there are picnic areas around the zoo
Beenie10
2 contributions
How long do you need to get round whole zoo?
StaycationersNZ
Hamilton, New Zealand45 contributions
Totally agree with all those comments. Twoish hours. Mind you twenty minutes with a kaka parrot on your shoulder sniffing your perfume on your neck, under your chin and down your shirt front just can't be missed. It also wiped its head and beak over its body and wings, the keeper said it probably helps with their water proofing. What a privilege that was.(Btw it doesn't have to be a n expensive perfume either)
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Claim your listingHAMILTON ZOO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hamilton Zoo
- Hamilton Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Hamilton Zoo:
- (3.23 km) Quantum Lodge Motor Inn
- (4.29 km) Atrium on Ulster
- (6.83 km) Argent Motor Lodge
- (4.68 km) Arena Court Motel
- (7.20 km) Albert Court Motor Lodge
- Restaurants near Hamilton Zoo:
- (5.82 km) Palate
- (6.33 km) Gothenburg
- (6.97 km) Duck Island Ice Cream
- (5.80 km) Adriana's Restaurant
- (6.14 km) The Kirk Cafe