Zoos & Wildlife in New Zealand
New Zealand's zoos and wildlife parks showcase unique native species alongside animals from around the world. Kids love the interactive feeding sessions, nocturnal houses, and close-up encounters with kiwi birds that you simply can't experience anywhere else. Many parks are set in beautiful natural surroundings with picnic areas and playgrounds. Find the best ones with family ratings.
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Zoos & Wildlife across New Zealand
Showing 24 of 68 activities
Heartland Cottage
📍 Foxton Beach, Manawatu-Wanganui
Animal sanctuary at Foxton Beach — guided tours by appointment only.
Real New Zealand Farm Tours
📍 Christchurch Central City, Canterbury
Full-day Christchurch tour — working sheep farm, lunch, and Waipara wines.
Pony Tales Petting Farm
📍 Ngaumu, Wellington
Petting farm with quiet ponies, hosting kids' parties in the Wairarapa.
Trickle Creek
📍 Horokiwi, Wellington
Pony parties and farm experiences for young kids in Horokiwi.
Country Magic Ltd
📍 Waiau Pa, Auckland
Private farm with pony rides and birthday parties in Waiau Pa.
Tussock Ridge Farm Tours
📍 Ohariu, Wellington
Small-group 4WD farm tour with wild horses and wind turbines.
Farmyard @ Rock Creek
📍 Little River, Canterbury
Petting farm at Little River — pony rides, animal feeding, hosted by Karen.
Warwickz Farm
📍 Dunsandel, Canterbury
Rare-breeds farm 30 minutes south of Christchurch — guided tours.
Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo
📍 Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
Petting zoo in central Lake Tekapo — merino sheep, alpacas, kunekune pigs.
Sherlin Alpaca Stud
📍 West Melton, Canterbury
Walk-in alpaca farm tours 15 minutes from Christchurch.
Shamarra Alpacas
📍 Akaroa, Canterbury
Award-winning alpaca farm tours on the Banks Peninsula above Akaroa.
Pony Parties & Farmyard Friends
📍 Christchurch, Canterbury
Mobile pony party service in Christchurch, plus indoor party venue.
Wild Oats Farm
📍 Nelson, Nelson
Horse trekking and farm parties at Pretty Bridge Valley, Nelson.
Rotoroa Island Wildlife Sanctuary
📍 Auckland
Predator-free island sanctuary an hour from Auckland by ferry.
Glenlothian Farm
📍 West Melton, Canterbury
Rare breed farm with 20+ species — feed wallabies and baby goats.
Silverstream Alpaca Farm Stay & Farm Tour
📍 Kaiapoi, Canterbury
Intimate alpaca tours led by passionate owner Kit near Christchurch.
Orana Wildlife Trust
📍 McLeans Island, Canterbury
NZ's only open-range zoo — animals roam free paddocks near Christchurch.
Blue Penguins Pukekura
📍 Harington Point, Otago South
Evening tours to see blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
📍 Dunedin, Otago South
307-hectare biodiversity sanctuary near Dunedin — takahē, tūī, and tuatara.
Ambury Farm
📍 Māngere Bridge, Auckland
Free working Auckland Council farm with coastal walkway access.
Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society
📍 Tāwharanui Peninsula, Auckland
Predator-free open sanctuary with free-roaming kākā, bellbirds and kiwi.
Brookby Barn
📍 Brookby, Auckland
Rustic barn venue with animal feeding and hands-on event coordination.
Kiwi Valley Farm Park
📍 Henderson Valley, Auckland
Pony rides, tractor trailer and lap-animal petting — all included in entry.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
📍 The Gardens, Auckland
Free 64-hectare botanic gardens in Manurewa with the Potter Children's Garden.