Auckland Zoo, Auckland

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Yes you must bring the family along to this attraction, see the Kiwis in their nataural habitat, the monkey enclosure is very well done and marvel at all the different animals. Two adults and two students NZ $72.00

The Auckland Zoo is an okay way to spend a couple of hours checking out the animals - big and small - from all over the planet. A look will cost you $15 and you can see everything from a Hippo to a Tiger within 50 metres of each other. The zoo is not NZ's best (that's Orana Park near Christchurch) though it's not too bad.

Compared to other international zoos, Auckland Zoo is tiny. It may be small, but its personal and absolutely fantastic! The tropical rainforest walk through is great, as is 'The Pride Lands' walk through.

I have been to a few Zoos and I must say this is at the bottom of the my list. Although I have been here a few times mainly for my daughter. So not a must see in Auckland unless you are with a group of kiddies.

The unique feature of the Zoo is showcase of the African plains with Pridelands. You can watch the giraffe and see zebra, rhino and springbok quietly grazing. There is also a unique showcase of NZ's coastal habitat where can little blue penguins, sealions and shore birds.

Just next to the Park to the right is Western Springs Park. There is a very good children playground and facilty under shady trees where you can spent a relaxing day.

There is also a lot of white and blacks swans here, ducks, goose and pukekos. ( you can see pics of this blue pukekos in my intro page)

Auckland Zoo makes for a great day out, and I recommend you get there early in order to have the full day available to you. I arrived at lunchtime, and the afternoon wasn't long enough to see all that I wanted to without rushing.
The zoo is well laid out, with lots of educational and informative signs telling you about the animals, their habitats and ways we can help protect them. You get the impression of being close to the animals while at the same time you can see that every effort is made to give the animals room and to not feel threatened.
I enjoyed watching the giraffes and the big cats, as well as the meerkats and the birds in the aviaries ~ especially the colourful lorakeet from Australia that was settling on the childrens arms, much to everyones surprise! There is also a kiwi house, where you can, if you're lucky, get to see New Zealands flightless icon (your eyes will need to adjust to the dark, as these birds are nocturnal and very shy). The blue penguins and the sealions were also great fun.

The Auckland Zoo isn't as big as other ones that I have visited overseas and probably not on the 'must see' for visitors to Auckland but if you have additional time you might like to check it out. The zoo has all the main African animals, although the main attraction for most visitors are the native animals such as the kiwi and tuatara. I have fond memories as a child going for elephant rides there.

These animals come mainly from the southwestern part of the Island of Madagascar and on some small neighboring islands but have also found a home in the Auckland Zoo.

The adults have bright yellow eyes which are surrounded by black diamond-shaped markings, which resemble a raccoon's mask. They have long tails, which are marked with bold black and white. They are very social animals - see if you can visit them at feeding time.

Animals are a particular favourite of mine and as well as travelling through Africa I make a point of visiting zoos in cities that I visit. When in Auckland its hard to go past the Auckland Zoo. Over the years they have been rebuilding the enclosures so that its more like the animals surroundings and for the viewing public, less like looking at caged animals.

If you are going in the weekend its best to go early before the place fills up. The cooler temperatures also ensure that alot of the animals are more active. It pays to check on the notice board at the entrance and take a note of animal activities and feeding times.