Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, at 200 Daniell Street in Newtown, Wellington. The website says it is the world's first carboNZero certified zoo, and it is run by a charitable trust. It is open all year except Christmas Day, and it is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Visitors can see the animals on a map, join daily animal talks, and book a close encounter, a tour, a holiday programme, a birthday party or a sleepover. Annual memberships and gift cards are also offered. Students, Community Services card holders and Gold Card holders get discounts, and caregivers of disabled people get complimentary entry with supporting documents. Visitors can bring their own food, and there are picnic tables. REX tremendous, by the entrance, serves coffee and meals, and banana bar, in the middle of the zoo, serves pizza, doughnuts and chips. Pushchairs can be hired for $20 for the day as at October 2026, with $10 back if they are returned in good condition. There are no lockers, but large bags can be stored at the front office.
Visitors say it was easy to park, that pre-booked tickets meant no queue, and that the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and child-friendly. Meerkats, the red panda encounter, the sun bear and the snow leopards are mentioned most often. One visitor warns that some of the paths are steep.