National Aquarium of New Zealand
National Aquarium of New Zealand
National Aquarium of New Zealand
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover an exciting world above and below the water at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Visit Penguin Cove and watch the world famous Little Penguins feed and play. See stingrays, kingfish, hapuku, snapper, kahawai and other majestic native species swimming over you in the 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel.
Spot New Zealand’s native wildlife – the Tuatara and Kiwi. If you’d like to get up close to our Little Penguins, book a Close Encounter! You'll get to experience what goes on behind the scenes, discovering all about the day-to-day care of these character-filled birds and feed them in their enclosure. Terrapin Encounters can also be booked for a unique experience for the whole family.
Daily feeding times are 10.00am for the reef fish, 2pm oceanarium diver hand feeding, and the little penguins at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. For the best way to experience the aquarium book a guided tour which run daily at 10.30am.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Kathryn SSydney, Australia21 contributionsNot good value for money.Not a lot to see for the $25 entrance fee. A few fish and turtles swimming overhead and a couple of small sharks. A small penguin enclosure pool. The cafe is expensive and souvenirs exhorbitant.Kia ora! Thankyou for taking the time in giving your feedback. We have advertised feeding times on our website and helpful staff to answer any questions you may have about the displays as you walk around. We are sorry you didn't feel the experience was worth your while.Written 23 December 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Written 14 December 2022
- heatheremWigan, United Kingdom556 contributionspoorlooked forward to this visit, was a little disappointed really, the penguins were cute but difficult to see as we had missed feeding time. Poor Terry the turtle bless him must be lonely in that small tank, he's a beautiful specimen. The walk through shark experience was ok although people stopping to take photos and not moving on did hamper it somewhat.Kia Ora, thankyou for your visit. Our penguin feeding times are 9:30, 1;30 and 3:30 pm daily and your ticket is an all day pass to the venue. Our animal welfare practices are based on the 5 domains of animal welfare model and you can read more about this on the Zoological and Aquariums Association of Australasia website of which we are an accredited member. Thankyou for your feedback.Written 5 February 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2022Written 14 January 2023
- nadinealianePeebles, United Kingdom32 contributionsSo sad for the large animals.So sad to see the Turtle, they name Terry, so confined and clearly not happy. The aquarium itself is small and looks sadly inadequate for the needs of the larger inhabitants particularly. I was really upset watching Terry. He is only a few years younger than me and looks like he is very unhappy. I watched him for over 20 minutes in his very small enclosure area. The whole time was spent with him flipping over between two of the glass viewing areas, in a sad constant movement. I’ve been to several other Aquariums but this spectacle brought a tear to my eye. The penguins were also in a very small area. I left feeling sad for the amazing animals but especially Terry.Kia Ora, we are sorry for your experience at the aquarium recently. Any of our staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about our animals on the day of your visit. As we are an accredited member organisation of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA) their website has information about the five domains of animal welfare for your reference. Thank you again.Written 12 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten 6 February 2023
- Sunshine614501342172 contributionsDisappointed and sadThis was really disappointing, seeing tbe penguin feeding was cute but overall there is little to see. I felt sad and horrified by the conditions tbe sea turtle is kept in. There is no enrichment snd he looks bored and trapped. I am sure they are meeting standards but surely they can do better than minimum requirements. Overall heart breakingVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- anonymous moose2 contributionsBoring place just to waste your money to see fishTerrible trip, would never go back. They call it the national aquarium of New Zealand which makes me think "so all aquariums are bad". Considering New Zealand is a country with many seas and oceans and the national aquarium is still bad. I would never go backVisited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,457 reviews
Excellent
547
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550
Average
274
Poor
56
Terrible
30
anonymous moose
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Terrible trip, would never go back. They call it the national aquarium of New Zealand which makes me think "so all aquariums are bad". Considering New Zealand is a country with many seas and oceans and the national aquarium is still bad. I would never go back
Written 3 December 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.
Sunshine61450134217
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was really disappointing, seeing tbe penguin feeding was cute but overall there is little to see. I felt sad and horrified by the conditions tbe sea turtle is kept in. There is no enrichment snd he looks bored and trapped. I am sure they are meeting standards but surely they can do better than minimum requirements. Overall heart breaking
Written 19 November 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.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia4,811 contributions
Feb 2023
We went here as part of a tour off the ship .
Not very big but well set out so easy to see everything .
Plenty of different type of fish as well as turtles, frogs. lizards, penguins and a Kiwi bird, as far as I can remember that is the first time I have seen a Kiwi Bird , after that we bought a Kiwi Bird key chain for one of the Grandsons to put on his school bag.
Well worth a visit if you like that sort of thing .
Not very big but well set out so easy to see everything .
Plenty of different type of fish as well as turtles, frogs. lizards, penguins and a Kiwi bird, as far as I can remember that is the first time I have seen a Kiwi Bird , after that we bought a Kiwi Bird key chain for one of the Grandsons to put on his school bag.
Well worth a visit if you like that sort of thing .
Written 23 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.
Kia ora, thank you for your visit and your feedback. Ngā mihi. Mā te wā.
Written 12 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nadinealiane
Peebles, UK32 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
So sad to see the Turtle, they name Terry, so confined and clearly not happy.
The aquarium itself is small and looks sadly inadequate for the needs of the larger inhabitants particularly.
I was really upset watching Terry. He is only a few years younger than me and looks like he is very unhappy. I watched him for over 20 minutes in his very small enclosure area. The whole time was spent with him flipping over between two of the glass viewing areas, in a sad constant movement.
I’ve been to several other Aquariums but this spectacle brought a tear to my eye.
The penguins were also in a very small area.
I left feeling sad for the amazing animals but especially Terry.
The aquarium itself is small and looks sadly inadequate for the needs of the larger inhabitants particularly.
I was really upset watching Terry. He is only a few years younger than me and looks like he is very unhappy. I watched him for over 20 minutes in his very small enclosure area. The whole time was spent with him flipping over between two of the glass viewing areas, in a sad constant movement.
I’ve been to several other Aquariums but this spectacle brought a tear to my eye.
The penguins were also in a very small area.
I left feeling sad for the amazing animals but especially Terry.
Written 7 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.
Kia Ora, we are sorry for your experience at the aquarium recently. Any of our staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about our animals on the day of your visit. As we are an accredited member organisation of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA) their website has information about the five domains of animal welfare for your reference. Thank you again.
Written 12 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melinda A
10 contributions
Jan 2023
The staff were very friendly and the aquarium is nicely laid out with a clear path to follow but there isn’t much to see. It’s very basic. The kiwi and penguins were worthwhile but everything else was standard stuff you’d see anywhere.
Written 4 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.
Thankyou for your feedback.
Written 5 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FJB774
Singapore, Singapore497 contributions
Jan 2023
Nice well thought out and well maintained
There just seemed quite a little of it for the price
The people seemed to interact with but animals and customers well
There just seemed quite a little of it for the price
The people seemed to interact with but animals and customers well
Written 25 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.
Thankyou for your feedback.
Written 5 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KiwiCat1234
Auckland Central, New Zealand309 contributions
Jan 2023
It’s a great aquarium on two levels. It was quite busy with loads of kids and families and we couldn’t see the penguins being fed for the crowds. We agree that the poor sea turtle needs a much bigger tank he looked so sad and miserable. The sharks were small.
Written 18 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.
Kia Ora, thank you for your response. Our animal welfare is of the utmost priority to us both as an organisation and also as an accredited member organisation of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA). You can read more about the five domains of animal welfare on their website. Our little penguins are fed three times a day at 9:30, 1:30 and 3:30 and you ticket is an all day pass. We are sorry your visit didn't meet your expectations.
Written 5 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
heatherem
Wigan, UK556 contributions
Dec 2022
looked forward to this visit, was a little disappointed really, the penguins were cute but difficult to see as we had missed feeding time. Poor Terry the turtle bless him must be lonely in that small tank, he's a beautiful specimen. The walk through shark experience was ok although people stopping to take photos and not moving on did hamper it somewhat.
Written 14 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.
Kia Ora, thankyou for your visit. Our penguin feeding times are 9:30, 1;30 and 3:30 pm daily and your ticket is an all day pass to the venue. Our animal welfare practices are based on the 5 domains of animal welfare model and you can read more about this on the Zoological and Aquariums Association of Australasia website of which we are an accredited member. Thankyou for your feedback.
Written 5 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen S
1 contribution
Dec 2022
Very upsetting experience. Poor Terry the turtle. His tank is far to small and needs to be much bigger.
Written 5 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.
Kia Ora, we are sorry you you had an upsetting experience. As an accredited member of the Zoos and Aquariums Association of Australasia (ZAA) we take our animal welfare very seriously and are always pleased to answer any of your questions on the day of your visit. You are welcome to visit the association website to learn more about the five domains of animal welfare. Thankyou for your feedback.
Written 23 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathryn S
Sydney, Australia21 contributions
Dec 2022
Not a lot to see for the $25 entrance fee. A few fish and turtles swimming overhead and a couple of small sharks. A small penguin enclosure pool. The cafe is expensive and souvenirs exhorbitant.
Written 15 December 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.
Kia ora! Thankyou for taking the time in giving your feedback. We have advertised feeding times on our website and helpful staff to answer any questions you may have about the displays as you walk around. We are sorry you didn't feel the experience was worth your while.
Written 23 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amc18082017
Perth, Australia
Hi, what range of sizes do you have for wetsuits, i.e. is there an upper/lower size/weight limit that will impact who can/can't participate in the swim with the sharks?
We have a group of 5 adults that range from 50-120kgs that would like to do this swim in December.
Thanks
thanks
Braesidedave
Somerset, UK48 contributions
Hi, we had no problems with size, group ranging from 110kgs to 80kgs. Very accommodating instructor ensuring we were comfortable and well briefed. Take a camera for some great close ups of the sharks. Enjoy!
nurunet
Toulouse, France126 contributions
I was wondering if the kiwi encounters can be booked for February, and what exactly they encompass?
NationalAquariumNZ
Napier, New Zealand
Thank you for your question. This Encounter involves Kiwi and Tuatara, a native reptile. You will help the keeper prepare food for both animals. You will get a one on one overview of both species and what makes them so unique.
You can book a Kiwi & Tuatara Encounter in February.
Time: Tuesday, Thursday at 10:30am.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
Participants: Maximum of 2 people. Minimum age 6 years. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Bookings: Bookings are essential and subject to availability/confirmation.
As this forum does not allow email or web links, please visit our website to make a booking
Huan F
New Zealand
Hello, I saw there is a "dive in main tank" function listed in the price page of National Aquarium's website, but there is no more detailed info about it. Is it still running? How much is it and how can I book?
NationalAquariumNZ
Napier, New Zealand
Hi, Thanks for your question. We do not currently have a public option to Scuba Dive at the National Aquarium. The reason it is listed in the price page on our website is for dive schools who sometimes use the Aquarium to teach students.
carlosRedKoyote
Japan41 contributions
Hello! How can I get to the Aquarium from Rotorua?
NationalAquariumNZ
Napier, New Zealand
From Rotorua, travel to Taupo along state highway 5 and then from Taupo to Napier along state highway 1. The National Aquarium can be found along the marine parade in Napier. This is a two and a half to three hour trip by car. Hope this helps
Mattlateer
Bethesda, MD2 contributions
Approximately how many sharks are in the tank for the swim? I would love to do this if there are quite a few...
NationalAquariumNZ
Napier, New Zealand
Thank you for your question. We have 5 Species of Shark – Seven Gill Sharks, Carpet Sharks, Spiny Dogs, Rig and School Sharks. There are around 30 individual sharks, ranging from less than a metre up to almost 3 metres in size. There are also Short Tailed Stingrays and up to 20 species of fish.
AltheaTasmania
Tasmania15 contributions
what is the entrance price?
NationalAquariumNZ
Napier, New Zealand
Thanks for your enquiry. Entrance price is $20 for an adult 15yrs and older, $10 for a child 14yrs and younger and under threes are free. There is a family concession price of $54.00 for two adults and two children.
Rangashaz
Port Stephens, Australia3 contributions
how to get there from the cruise ship with one older passenger.
NationalAquariumNZ
Napier, New Zealand
There is a shuttle/bus service that operates during cruise ship visits. This runs from the ship and into the city and then loops back around to the ship. Stops include the information centre and the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Hope this helps.
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