Tips for hosting your event at Auckland Zoo

Having worked across ACVE venues, if I must pick a favourite one to work in, it’d have to be Auckland Zoo. Why? Because where else can I surround myself with nature and wildlife (which I love) and get to have lunch with the lions every day?

Within a twenty-minute drive from the CBD, Auckland Zoo is a popular attraction for families. It’s also popular for corporate functions, end-of-year family days, and even weddings.

Unique events spaces

There are several events spaces in Auckland Zoo, each with their own distinctive characters and elements of surprise.

• The Domes - a visually striking and spacious structure that transports visitors to another world. The Domes is the largest function space at Auckland Zoo.
• The Old Elephant House – a cosy, character restaurant that really did use to house the elephants.
• The Lion Viewing Shelter – a rustic, semi-covered area in which to dine with the pride.
• Te Puna – the newly-opened café with outstanding views of swinging orangutans above.
• The Classrooms – a block of three rooms equipped for seminars and presentations.
• The Cotton Top Tamarin Shelter - a favourite for wedding ceremonies, where you can say ‘I do’ with squirrel-sized monkeys as witnesses!

Zoo event tips

Holding events in the animals’ backyard comes with extra layers of care and responsibility. Here are some tips for hosting your event at Auckland Zoo.

• Limit sound from your event to under 70 decibels. Seventy decibels have a similar intensity as a noisy office or busy traffic.
• Leave party poppers, fireworks, whistles or any other noisemakers at home. Enjoy the sound of nature and wildlife instead!
• Refrain from wearing animal-themed hats or head decorations.
• Think of alternatives to confetti, which is banned from the zoo.
• Discuss sustainable theming and catering options with an Auckland Zoo-approved provider.
• Be aware loudspeaker announcements will take place throughout the day.
• Understand the Zoo is a strictly smoke-free venue. 

Sustainability

As the first venue in our portfolio to gain Toitū carbonzero certification, Auckland Zoo is ideal if you’re looking to align your organisation’s sustainability objectives with the Zoo’s conservation focus.

Fantastic family days

The Zoo is a place for children and big kids alike, and a great place for corporate family days. You can set The Domes up as a base, with catering and activity stations spread out in each of the four domes. Think face painting, colouring stations, moon hoppers on one side, and bar leaners with canapés on the other. With their special biodegradable event wristbands, your guests can wander the Zoo during its opening hours.

Animal encounters

One way to make your event extra memorable is to include a visit by one of the Zoo’s residents and their keepers. Think getting up close with cockatoos and bearded dragons; ask the Keepers questions about the lions or flamingos they look after; or discover that the native weta is the world’s heaviest insect!

Easy access and parking

Being close to the motorway and with over 420 free car parks nearby, getting to Auckland Zoo is easy for your guests.

Want to give your guests a unique experience they’ll be talking about for years? Let’s have a chat and find a wildly spectacular backdrop to your next event at Auckland Zoo.

Click here for capacities, floorplans and location of Auckland Zoo’s events spaces.

Since 2017, Vipul Vetal has worked in various roles that have given him in-depth knowledge of how to successfully run events across ACVE venues. As a Business Development Executive, helping clients find the right events space that ticks all the boxes always makes Vipul’s day.