Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo: Hours, Address, Wellington Zoo Reviews: 4.5/5
Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Wellington Zoo is New Zealand’s first Zoo, and Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation, caring for animals since 1906. The Zoo is a not for profit charitable trust and we're proud to be the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo. We are guided by our kaupapa Me Tiaki, Kia Ora! We must look after our environment, so all things will flourish. It is up to us collectively to make a difference for animals and the wild places they call home. See our website for entry prices and to plan your visit. If you have accessibility needs, you can find more visitor information on our website.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Wellington Zoo and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
845 within 5 kms
Cicio Cacio Osteria Newtown
195
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Tuscan
Domino's Pizza Newtown
10
0.4 km$ • Italian • Pizza
Rainbow Fish & Chips
2
0.4 km
Mediterranean Foods - Newtown -Trattoria & Deli
203
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
The Ramen Shop
94
0.7 km$ • Japanese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
People's Coffee
27
0.7 km$ • Cafe
Baobab Cafe
98
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Contemporary • New Zealand
Planet Spice
112
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Sprig & Fern Berhampore
10
0.6 kmCafe • Pub • Beer restaurants
Beijing Restaurant
46
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Szechuan
Attractions
167 within 10 kms
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
14,080
3.2 kmSpeciality Museums
Newtown Park Play Area
2
0.5 kmParks • Playgrounds
Government House
99
1.4 kmHistoric Sites • Government Buildings
Newtown Poetry Wall
1
0.6 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
National War Memorial
345
2.3 kmMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums
Mount Victoria
3,018
2.7 kmLookouts
Lyall Bay
136
1.5 kmBeaches
Vice Regal Park Playground
1
0.8 kmParks • Playgrounds
Wellington Masjid
1
0.8 kmReligious Sites
ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary
2,765
4.1 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,508 reviews
Excellent
863
Very good
455
Average
145
Poor
28
Terrible
17
PamelaC
New Zealand8 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
The interactive experiences. Te Kohanga....the nest; which shares information about animal health and welfare. The Atua and inclusiveness of Reo. Ways in which the Zoo's collaborate to support the survival of critically endangered species, made me rethink my take on all that a Zoo IS.
Written 28 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Scenic42057163007
4 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We had a great day at the zoo, I highly recommend. Staff very friendly and helpful.
We especially loved the little blue penguins.
We especially loved the little blue penguins.
Written 29 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kaikalkoe
Arrowtown, New Zealand40 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
You cannot go wrong visiting Wellington Zoo. Visiting with 3 children was a day full of entertainment. Spent a good 4 hours walking around, seeing the animals and watching the live shows.
Staff are excellent, very good customers service and cannot do enough to help, very impressed.
Rest day out and value for money! Highly recommend.
Staff are excellent, very good customers service and cannot do enough to help, very impressed.
Rest day out and value for money! Highly recommend.
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thefamilytraveller
Whangarei, New Zealand104 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
The zoo was busy being just after Christmas, but we didn’t have to queue too long to get in and the staff got everyone through as quickly as possible. The zoo isn’t bad but there are definitely better zoos around, the kids enjoyed themselves but at the same time wanted to leave as quickly as possible. I probably wouldn’t go back but it doesn’t hurt to go once
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ProudasJAFA
66 contributions
Jan 2021
I have been to Wellington Zoo several times and have always had an excellent experience. Auckland and Wellington Zoos use as little metal as possible, which makes them feel less like zoos, especially when some animals roam freely.
The talks are nice and very informative, I've been to the Sun Bear one and the Tiger one, maybe even the Giraffe and Lion one.
(Visits were pre-covid-19)
The talks are nice and very informative, I've been to the Sun Bear one and the Tiger one, maybe even the Giraffe and Lion one.
(Visits were pre-covid-19)
Written 23 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Antemo
Christchurch, New Zealand71 contributions
Oct 2021
The lady at the gate noticed I was walking with a stick and advised me the easier options to make sure I could see everything. There were a few exhibits closed and these happened to be right at the start of the zoo. Really good information panels around about the animals. Covid restrictions did mean the cafe wasn’t fully operational. Great day out
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rachelmB5647WI
Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates39 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Understanding because of Covid the Lemur Close Encounters, Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Animal Talks weren't happening.
Because it is outdoors, most adults weren't wearing masks.
My 2yr old walked for the 2 hours we were there. Loving the giraffes, tigers and sunbears.
There are many spots for picnics. Lots of the walkways are shaded.
Because it is outdoors, most adults weren't wearing masks.
My 2yr old walked for the 2 hours we were there. Loving the giraffes, tigers and sunbears.
There are many spots for picnics. Lots of the walkways are shaded.
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Caroline R
7 contributions
Jul 2021
Whether you are an adult or a child you will love this zoo! The animals are beautifully cared for and the staff are helpful, engaging and no doubt happy with their environment. Smiles all round.
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jonesy
Palmerston North, New Zealand119 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
The zoo is in dire need of maintaining, upgrading and general housekeeping. I hadn't visited in many years and it now very run down. I wouldn't bother going here again. The only plus is that the animals sll seem to be of fairly good condition
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BecsGNZ
Auckland, New Zealand85 contributions
Feb 2021
Wellington Zoo is amazing. The layout, the enclosures, just everything about this zoo was awesome. Seeing the sun bear was a highlight.
Written 3 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
enthusejohn
Christchurch, New Zealand7 contributions
What’s it like on a wet day? Thinking of going today.. first time with 5 & 6 year olds on a wet day?
Ella
Paraparaumu, New Zealand18 contributions
There isn’t much shade or shelter, so you will end up getting wet and due to the poor weather most of the animals will be hiding
Good afternoon,
For a famous Dutch YouTube channels were looking for activities to do and companies that want to help us. Smoare is a Dutch YouTube channel with over more than five hundred thousand subscribers and daily 117 thousand views on a video. They’re going to make a new travel video. And this year it’s going to be Indonesia and New Zealand. For this video we need things to do. We have found your amazing activity to do! Is there a way we can compromise? We will show your company and it’s name in the video. This video is going to be a worldwide video in English. So we reach a lot of people and a lot of people will see your company.
I hope you want to help us and that we will hear of you soon.
With great regards,
Nandie de Visser
OA Productions.
Do you have hedgehogs/can I organise an encounter with them?
RachaelBNZ
Dunedin, New Zealand15 contributions
No, Wellington Zoo doesn't have hedgehogs on display. Hedgehogs can be seen from time to time around our house in Dunedin.
chrissy19512015
Palmerston North, New Zealand12 contributions
do you have a mobility scooter that my husband a stroke survivor can get around on
Bob and Di H
Nelson62 contributions
The answer is no they don't, and it would be quite a challenge for someone to have to push a wheelchair
Mobility is clearly a fault with his Zoo, and something needs to be done about it.
The zoo is on quite steep terrain and I found it quite taxing in some places.
It definitely needs some mechanized facility like most other city zoos have.
It's just not good enough for them to say "hire one".
chrissy19512015
Palmerston North, New Zealand12 contributions
Do you have a mobility scooter for a stroke survivor to get around the zoo
WellingtonZooNZ
Wellington, New Zealand
Hi Chrissy. We don’t have a mobility scooter on site, but you can hire one for free from the nearby Newtown New World - give them a call on 04 389 7015 to make a booking. Alternatively we have wheelchairs at the Zoo for complimentary use. Give us a ring if you need further information!
Frequently Asked Questions about Wellington Zoo
- Wellington Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Wellington Zoo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Wellington Zoo tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Wellington Zoo:
- (1.32 km) Sojourn Apartment Hotel
- (0.61 km) Apple Tree Apartment
- (2.66 km) Wellington City Cottages
- (1.09 km) Southgate Motor Inn
- (2.48 km) Rydges Wellington Airport
- Restaurants near Wellington Zoo:
- (0.05 km) Rex Tremendous
- (0.77 km) Cicio Cacio Osteria Newtown
- (0.42 km) Domino's Pizza Newtown
- (0.45 km) Rainbow Fish & Chips
- (1.46 km) Maranui Surf Lifesaving Cafe
- Attractions near Wellington Zoo:
- (3.22 km) Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- (0.45 km) Newtown Park Play Area
- (1.44 km) Government House
- (0.63 km) Newtown Poetry Wall
- (2.27 km) National War Memorial