Auckland Zoo: Te Wao Nui

Experience Te Wao Nui, the Zoo’s Aotearoa New Zealand track, as it explores the past, showcases the present, and focuses on the future. Te Wao Nui is home to over 100 Aotearoa native plant species and around 30 different animal species.

  • Hours Hāora

    • Monday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Tuesday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Wednesday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Thursday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Friday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Saturday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Sunday9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  • More info He pārongo atu anō

    Visit website
  • Words by Jenn Berthier
  • Last updated 10 Jun 2025

Explore New Zealand’s amazing fauna and flora in Te Wao Nui and the important role it plays in Te Ao Māori. Showcasing over 100 native plants and 60 native species, in six stunning habitats, Te Wao Nui is home to some of the rarest and most threatened wildlife – inviting us all to play a role as kaitiaki (guardians) for our taiao (natural environment).   
  
From the iconic kiwi to tuna, to tuatara and takahē, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for New Zealand’s precious taonga. The taiao has been the source of inspiration for Māori for thousands of years.   
  
Te Wao Nui provides a hub to connect in nature together and encourage future generations to treasure and protect our natural world. Te Wao Nui was blessed by local Iwi, Ngāti Whātua o Orākei in 2012, and has become a must-see destination for all visitors to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Location Te wāhi
Motions Rd, Western Springs
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira
Approximately 15 min drive from Downtown Auckland to Motions Road, Western Springs by taking the western motorway.  Paid parking in the Zoo carparks will begin from Wednesday 8th March 2023, with a charge of $2/hour with a maximum charge of $8, regardless of how long you stay in our car parks. Parking charges will apply from 9am to 5pm every day. On-street parking along Motions Road and Old Mill Road will remain free and, in some areas will be time-restricted to 3 hours.
Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide for an in-depth experience of Te Wao Nui.