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Hamilton Zoo is one of New Zealand’s premier wildlife destinations, located in the western part of Hamilton City. Spanning over 25 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds, the zoo is home to more than 600 native and exotic animals. It offers a relaxing, family-friendly environment where visitors can connect with nature and learn about wildlife conservation. From majestic Sumatran tigers to native birds, the zoo provides an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Hamilton Zoo is located at 183 Brymer Road, Rotokauri, about 7 km from the city center.
By Car: The easiest way to get to the zoo is by driving. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes from central Hamilton. Free parking is available at the entrance.
By Bus: Hamilton’s local bus service, the Orbiter and Route 9 (Brymer Road), offers service to nearby stops. From there, it's a short walk to the zoo.
By Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis and services like Uber are widely available in Hamilton and offer a convenient way to reach the zoo.
Hamilton has a temperate oceanic climate, which makes visiting the zoo enjoyable year-round.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm and pleasant, with average temperatures between 20°C and 28°C.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler and sometimes rainy, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 14°C.
While the zoo operates in all seasons, spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with mild temperatures and active animals. Raincoats or umbrellas are recommended on wet days, as many areas are outdoors.
Opening Hours:
Hamilton Zoo is known for its large open enclosures, commitment to animal welfare, and conservation efforts. It is home to the largest free-flight aviary for native birds in New Zealand and one of the most spacious enclosures for great apes like chimpanzees.
The zoo is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) and participates in global breeding programs for endangered species. Educational programs, keeper talks, and close encounters make it popular with school groups, families, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Entry Fees:
Hamilton Zoo began in 1969 as a small wildlife park known as Hilldale Game Farm. In 1987, it was taken over by Hamilton City Council and officially became Hamilton Zoo. Since then, it has undergone significant upgrades and development to improve animal habitats and visitor experiences.
The zoo’s design emphasizes open spaces and naturalistic enclosures. Rather than traditional cages, many animals live in expansive, lush environments that mimic their natural habitats. The chimpanzee enclosure and the walk-through aviary are prime examples of the zoo’s innovative and welfare-oriented approach to animal housing.
1. Explore Animal Exhibits: Visit over 600 animals, including Sumatran tigers, red pandas, giraffes, lemurs, meerkats, reptiles, and native New Zealand birds.
2. Keeper Talks: Daily scheduled talks by zookeepers provide insight into animal behavior, feeding routines, and conservation work.
3. Free-Flight Aviary: Wander through New Zealand’s largest aviary dedicated to native bird species like kea, kaka, tui, and kererū.
4. Picnic and Play: Relax in shaded picnic spots and let kids enjoy the playground area.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Book special experiences such as tiger or giraffe encounters, available for an extra fee.
6. Photography: The open settings and natural light make it a great spot for wildlife photography.
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