What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Hamilton Zoo

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Hamilton Zoo

Home to native and exotic species set amongst lush, natural and tranquil surrounds. Pop up playgrounds around the zoo, with exciting playground at top of zoo.
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Open 364 days a year (closed only Christmas Day) we are the largest zoo in New Zealand’s North Island! Home to over 500 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the ideal destination for a relaxing and memorable day out. Boasting the largest walk-through aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants, take a stroll through and a c

heeky kaka may land close by. Everyday Eatery available from both sides of the Zoo and the Cafe kiosk within the Zoo (grab and go hot food, ice creams, drinks coffee). Besides being a tourism and recreation park, Hamilton Zoo is committed to the conservation of animals and the environment by participating in various conservation and research projects, and by contributing to breeding programmes for endangered species. We openly welcome your comments and encourage discussion. We ask that you are polite and respectful with your comments and views. We reserve the right to remove comments which are disrespectful, rude, abusive, contain offensive language, misinformation or are considered spam.

25/08/2026

Meet the Ring-Tailed Lemur!

🌿They're vocal chatterboxes, clever problem-solvers. Their famous striped tails are just the beginning of what makes these primates so remarkable.

These highly social primates live in family groups and spend much of their day exploring, grooming, and communicating with one another. In fact, Ring-Tailed Lemurs are highly vocal animals and use a wide range of calls to communicate with one another.

One of the most interesting things about these lemurs is that females lead the group, making all the important decisions and often winning disputes with males.

Native to Madagascar, Ring-Tailed Lemurs play an important role in helping us learn about wildlife, conservation, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

19/08/2026

Birthday treats, keeper chats, and a very special giraffe. 🦒🎂 Happy 4th Birthday, Jabali! 💚

18/08/2026

One of our ice hockey-playing Grounds Team member scored big with this lemur enrichment! 💚✨

04/08/2026

🦗➡️🦎 Snack attack!
A keeper-offered insect makes the perfect snack for this tuatara.
Blink and you'll miss it!

30/07/2026

Saying goodbye to Peanut 💚

One of the greatest responsibilities we have as animal carers is knowing when it's time to let go.

As many of you will have seen in a recent update, Peanut had been receiving intensive ongoing treatment for lameness issues. Despite these efforts, his condition worsened.

This week, Peanut told us it was time.

Surrounded by the people who loved him, Peanut was peacefully euthanised early this morning.

While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing his final chapter was guided by compassion, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to his wellbeing.

Thank you, Peanut. You will be deeply missed by your zoo whānau. 🐾💚

29/07/2026

Peggy's kind of perfect morning. ☀️💕

27/07/2026

A Rare Visitor Returns to the Ocean

On 9 July, a juvenile Buller’s albatross was found inland in Cambridge - an unusual sight for a species typically seen soaring above New Zealand’s coastal waters. Also known Toroa or Buller’s mollymawk, this remarkable seabird is one of the smallest members of the albatross family.

The young bird had most likely become disoriented during its travels and found itself far from its natural habitat. Upon arrival our dedicated veterinary and animal care teams carried out a thorough health assessment. Fortunately, the albatross was in good condition overall, with only a minor bruise on its right leg.

After several days of supportive care and monitoring, the bird regained its strength and was ready to return home. Working together with the Coastguard, we were delighted to release the albatross back into the wild off the coast of Raglan.

This successful outcome highlights the importance of collaboration in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Every animal deserves the opportunity to thrive in its natural environment, and we are proud to play a role in supporting New Zealand’s unique wildlife when they need our help.

23/07/2026

Caring for animals means supporting them through health challenges, and that's where Peanut is right now.

Peanut, our Nubian goat, has been living with severe arthritis in his right front leg for the past two years. Over time, putting extra weight on his other leg has led to additional strain and ligament damage.

Over the last six months, our veterinary and animal care teams have explored every available option to keep him comfortable, including cold laser therapy, pain medication, and Arthramid Vet joint injections.

Unfortunately, these treatments are no longer providing the relief they once did, and Peanut is showing increasing signs of discomfort. He is still having good days, but also bad days. While we continue to monitor him closely and support him with the best care possible, there are now very few treatment options remaining, so we fear we will need to let him go soon.

We know many of you care deeply about our animals, and we wanted to share this update as we focus on what matters most: Peanut's comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life.

18/07/2026

Today! Conservation day.

Only today enjoy 25% off Zoo entry, annual passes, and selected retail items at Hamilton Zoo. Use code NATURE25OFF

This special day supports our Conservation Fund, meaning your purchases help protect wildlife and their habitats. 💚

✨Use code NATURE25OFF

16/07/2026

🌿 Conservation Day - 19 July

On 19 July, enjoy 25% off Zoo entry, annual passes, and selected retail items at Hamilton Zoo.

This special day supports our Conservation Fund, meaning your purchases help protect wildlife and their habitats. 💚

✨Use code NATURE25OFF

Address

183 Brymer Road, RD9
Hamilton
3289

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday	9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday	9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+6478386720

Website

http://hamiltonzoo.co.nz/

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