Had enough of the pigeons of Queen Street? We don’t blame you. If you’re in the mood for a little (or a lot of) amazing animal action, we’ve got you covered. From the cuddly-wuddly that lay on your lap to the downright exotic that you’re better off admiring from afar, you’ll find it all (and then some) in and around Auckland’s concrete jungle.
Here are 15 of the most amazing places to see animals in Auckland.
Clevedon Animal Farm
Clevedon
Pack a picnic, assemble the clan and head down to Clevedon Animal Farm for some good, ol’ fashioned family farm fun (now try and say that fast). Owner Lynn at the team hosts regular farm tours, giving guests the chance to feed donkeys, groom horses, spot the sheep AND ride ponies! Sorry parents, you’ll have to sit this one out. Whether your little ones are sitting high on the saddle or gallivanting with the goats, there’s so much to do at Clevedon Animal Park that’ll keep the youngins and young-at-heart entertained for hours.
Auckland Zoo
Western Springs
It’s not every day you can take a world tour and visit heaps of global habitats in the space of a few hours, but Auckland Zoo gives animal lovers the chance to do just that—and the best part, it’s perfectly placed in the heart of the city. Home to New Zealand’s largest assortment of animals (135 species and 1,400+ animals to be exact), Auckland Zoo recently celebrated 100 years of animal action and in perfect timing, also unveiled the latest additions to their diverse habitat map. From aerial tiger tunnels to tropical rainforest domes, the zoo has had an impressive makeover and welcomed an array of exciting new residents, including three Sumatran tigers and Sunda gharial crocodiles. A special birthday shoutout goes to baby Bornean orangutan Bahmi, who just celebrated his 1st birthday! Stop by the swinging aerial ropeway and try to catch a glimpse of the orangutan fam overhead—just don’t stand underneath for too long…
Animates
Various Locations
If you’re looking for a more permanent furry fix, Animates is the place to be. This one-stop-pet-shop hosts regular adoption days as part of their Saving Lives Programme which helps give dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets a new, fur-ever home. Whether you’re looking for a new buddy to binge-watch Netflix with or a pouncing pup to play with on the beach, the team at Animates and their various rescue centre partners will happily play cupid to help you find the perfect match. Not only can you leave with your lifelong cuddly companion, but you can also grab everything your pet needs from Animates to keep their bellies and toy box full!
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Leigh
While you won’t find any bleating farm animals in this spot, visitors to Goat Island will instead get the chance to mingle with the marvellous array of marine life that resides in the surrounding waters of this protected nature reserve. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on your snorkel and awkwardly waddle down to the water in those flippers. Before you know it, you’ll find a fishy friend or two, or 20, swimming alongside. If you’d rather keep your blow wave intact, hop on board a guided glass-bottom boat tour so you won’t miss out on the action.
Butterfly Creek
Auckland Airport
Red and yellow and pink and green… you know how the rest goes and you can bet your Apple Pay dollar that you can see all colours of the rainbow in Butterfly Creek’s Butterfly House. Set to a balmy 28 degrees Celsius and full of mesmerising patterns and shades, you’ll find it hard to drag yourself from this insect haven. But once you’ve captured the perfect butterfly-perched-on-nose pic, head outside and find Aotearoa’s only pair of giant saltwater crocs, Goldie and Scar, nosy meerkats, elusive Kiwi and playful otters—not in the same enclosure, of course.
Kiwi Valley Park Farm
Henderson
In the heart of Henderson Valley, amongst the hay bales and pens, you’ll find the raucous residents of Kiwi Valley Park Farm (roosters, we’re looking at you). Owners Ben and Krystal are passionate about giving city-dwellers a true hands-on farm experience so be prepared to get a little mucky as you spend time patting the piglets. They’ve just announced the arrival of two miniature Belted Galloway calves pictured above, so get ready to ‘aww’ until the cows come home.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Ōrākei
Ariel was right, under the sea is where we want to be, especially if it’s a rainy day in Auckland. Built underground AND underwater you’ll find Auckland’s one and only SEA LIFE Aquarium—more commonly known as Kelly Tarlton’s. From sharks to sea anemones (don’t worry Nemo, we struggle with this one too), there are so many sea creatures and habitats to see as you meander through the tunnels and tanks. Stop by the dapper colony of King penguins, dressed to impress in their fabulously feathered tuxedos and watch as they waddle, dive and snooze in the Antarctic Ice Adventure habitat.
Ti Point Reptile Park
Ti Point
At Ti Point Reptile Park, the scaly and slithery rule the roost. This north Auckland animal sanctuary is home to one of the coolest (see what we did there) collections of local and exotic amphibians, lizards, insects and American alligators you can find in Tāmaki Makaurau. Amongst the snapping jaws and wondering if that ‘stick’ has legs, Ti Point Reptile Park makes for an entertaining picnic spot with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf- the perfect accompaniment to your egg salad sammie.
Lavender Hill
Coatesville
As the name so rightly suggests, Lavender Hill is Auckland’s secret slice of lavender-filled heaven. Not only does this beautiful Coatesville retreat boast 7 acres of perfectly parallel lavender, olive and lemon groves (Insta-pic impending) and B&B barn stays, but it’s also home to a pack of ever-so-fluffy and friendly alpacas that you can visit and feed during the summer months. Cute, curious and always up for a good scratch behind the ears (we feel seen), you’ll find it hard to leave without wanting to take one home. Animates, do you cater for alpacas? Asking for a friend…
Western Springs
There’s nowhere that keeps you on your toes quite like a stroll around Auckland’s lush central lake park, Western Springs. The abundance of feathered friends that call this inner-city haven home is on track to give the actors at Spookers a run for their money—what with random bush jump scares and sandwich tug-of-war battles. Amongst the animal antics, you’ll find plenty of native NZ fauna, including pūkeko, eels and sometimes, even an elusive tortoise! There are also a few sneaky spots where you can sometimes spy on the elephants at the neighbouring Auckland Zoo.
Purrs & Beans
Birkenhead
Whilst we’d love to give the lions at Auckland Zoo a scratch behind the ears, we’ll settle for some cuddles from their smaller, more domesticated feline friends at Purrs & Beans. Formally Barista Cats in Auckland CBD, you’ll find Purrs & Beans and its clan of cute cats now in Birkenhead. Order up a coffee and sweet treat, and settle in amongst the scratching poles and beanbags. Armed with irresistible mice-shaped toys, watch as you become ever-so-popular with the cats (your muffin has nothing to do with it, promise). Stroke and coo at your heart's content.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Hauraki Gulf
Fancy experiencing an island wildlife sanctuary and one of the most successful conservation projects in the world? Silly question, of course, you do. Hop on a 75-minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland and immerse yourself in the thriving native flora and fauna of Tiritiri Matangi Island. This protected slice of paradise is completely pest-free, meaning visitors are lucky enough to find animals rarely seen on the mainland, including kōkako, tīeke and tuatara. Take a breather from wildlife-watching on dry land, don your snorkel and take a dip in the surrounding waters to see what underwater creatures you can spot.
Ambury Regional Park Farm
Māngere Bridge
Pack a picnic, don your overalls and make like Old McDonald himself ‘cos we’re off to Ambury Regional Park Farm. Just 15km south of the city, perched off the shores of Manukau Harbour, is a working farm home to furry and feathered residents. From pigs to sheep, goats to peacocks, there’s plenty to see (and stroke) whilst wandering through the pens and paddocks. There’s even the opportunity, depending on the season, to feed spring lambs, milk the cows and groom the horses. With plenty of walking trails, picnic spots and adorable animals, Ambury Regional Park Farm is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. See ya there.
Muriwai Beach Horse Treks
If you like long walks along the beach then we’ve got an ideal date for you! Unlike Chad from Hinge, these four-legged steeds guarantee a fun time. At Muriwai Beach Horse Treks, see the wild west coast of Auckland like never before. Spend time trailing up the velvet black sands of Muriwai Beach on horseback, stopping to splash in the water and snapping selfies with your four-legged beach buddy before exploring Woodhill Forest and beyond. This is an Auckland animal encounter you’ll never forget.
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
All aboard! Hop on deck one of Auckland’s Whale & Dolphin Safari boats and get ready to have a whale of a time (sorry, couldn’t resist) as you search for a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With 4.5 hours onboard, there’s plenty of time to maximise your chances of spotting elusive orcas, curious dolphins and even blue whales. Of course, every tour differs so don’t quote us. However, the helpful team have been running these tours for 20 years so they’ll be on hand to point you and your camera in the right direction.
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Image credit: Auckland Zoo, Clevedon Animal Farm, Auckland Zoo, Goat Island by Camilla Rutherford, Butterfly Creek, Kiwi Valley Farm, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, Ti Point Reptile Park, Lavender Hill, Purrs & Beans, Jonathan Mower for Tiritiri Matangi, Muriwai Horse Treks, Auckland Whale And Dolphin Safari.