The National Aquarium of New Zealand is a public aquarium in Napier, founded in 1957. The day is shaped by the keeper talks: reef fish feeding at 10am, little penguin feedings at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and a diver hand-feeding in the Oceanarium at 2pm.
On top of general admission there are three paid add-ons: the Native Icons Guided Tour, which goes behind the scenes to kiwi, tuatara and little penguins; the Scales & Tails Feeding Tour; and the Little Penguin Close Encounter. The penguin encounter must be booked ahead and is subject to availability, its tickets are strictly non-refundable, and its feeding takes place outdoors, so bring a rain jacket if the weather is poor.
The aquarium has two levels, with a lift to level one in the main foyer, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the front desk. Accessible toilets are at ground level in the café and retail space and in the Our Oceans education area. The café serves coffee, hot and cold counter food, homemade cookies and ice creams.
The trade-off is that each add-on has its own minimum age, and the kiwi tour’s is the highest of the three, so the behind-the-scenes visit to the kiwi is the one most likely to be out of reach for younger children.
Family FAQ
How much does National Aquarium of New Zealand cost?
Adults (15+) NZ$31.50, children 3-14 NZ$17, family pass (2 adults, 2 children) NZ$90.
What are the opening hours of National Aquarium of New Zealand?
Open daily 9:00am-5:00pm, except Christmas Day.
Is there baby changing at National Aquarium of New Zealand?
Toilets and baby-changing facilities are located throughout the aquarium.
Is there parking at National Aquarium of New Zealand?
Free off-street parking at the aquarium, with two accessible spaces by the main entrance.