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National Aquarium of New Zealand

Discover an exciting world above and below the water at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Visit Penguin Cove and watch the Little Penguins feed and play. See stingrays, kingfish, hapuku, snapper, kahawai and other majestic native species swimming over you in the 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel. Spot New Zealand’s native wildlife – the Tuatara and Kiwi.

If you’d like to get up close to our Little Penguins, book a Close Encounter! You'll get to experience what goes on behind the scenes, discovering all about the day-to-day care of these character-filled birds and feed them in their enclosure. Terrapin Encounters can also be booked for a unique experience for the whole family.

Daily feeding times are 10.00am for the reef fish, 2pm for the oceanarium diver hand feeding, and the little penguins at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. For the best way to experience the aquarium book a guided tour which run daily at 10.30am.

Allow one hour for a quick glimpse or longer if you are in the mood for adventure, before finishing at the marine-themed gift shop or with refreshments at the cafe.

Adults (15 years +) - $28.50

Children (3 to 14 years) - $14.50

Babies & Toddlers (under 3 years) - no charge

Student (ID Required) - $26.00

Family (2 adults & 2 children) - $79.00

Seniors (ID required) - $21.00

$150.00 per person. Strictly non refundable. 

Experience what happens behind the scenes with a Little Penguin Close Encounter.  Learn about their rescue and rehabilitation, and day-to-day care of these character-filled little birds.  You will also take part in hand-feeding them.  This is a popular encounter and bookings are essential.

  • Time: Available daily at 1 pm
  • Duration: Approx 45 minutes
  • Maximum of 4 persons (same booking). Anyone under 12 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult with a minimum participation age of 6 years old.

Participants may not be able to take part in this encounter if:They have been in contact with birds in the 72 hours before their encounter

They have suffered from any symptoms of illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) in the 48 hours before their encounter
They have any physical access requirements that mean they cannot access stairs
Bookings: Bookings are essential and subject to availability / confirmation.

Please note: All participants must wear covered shoes if taking part in the encounter. All encounters must be pre-paid before your booking is confirmed. Tickets are strictly non-refundable.

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Cost $60 NZD per adult, $40 NZD per child. 1pm daily. Duration 30 minutes. Bookings essential, Maximum of 4 people. 

Come out of your shell, step into our keeper's shoes and head behind the scenes into the terrapin habitat.

Get up close with this impressive squad of tiny turtles - you’ll be surprised at how quickly they can move. After helping our keeper collate some offi-shell records, you will need a steady hand to dish up some nutritious morsels for their lunch.

You’ll have a shell of a good time with the terrapins at the National Aquarium.

Please note: All participants must wear covered shoes if taking part in the encounter. All encounters must be pre-paid before your booking is confirmed. Tickets are strictly non-refundable.

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Private group tours $60pp includes General Admission after the tour.

Focusing on New Zealand's native icons, including the Kiwi and Tuatara, plus behind the scenes experience, we think a Native Icons Guided Tour is the best way to truly experience the Aquarium.

Join our expert guides to learn about the weird, wacky, and wonderful stories of New Zealand's native icons including kiwi, little penguins/korora, and tuatara.

Our guides will share insider knowledge about our animal's unique characteristics and the role they play in their ecosystem. You'll hear stories about many of our other special residents. Additionally, you'll get the chance to go through a restricted access area and see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

Come and explore the National Aquarium and learn about New Zealand's fascinating native icons.

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Open daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm. Closed Christmas Day

Close Encounter - Please enquire and book at least 24 hours prior to your encounter

Contact us

Phone +64 6 8341911
Freephone 0800 847488
Email info@napiernz.com
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Visit us

100 Marine Parade, Napier South, Napier 4110
Open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm

Napier isite Visitor
Information Centre

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