Venue Spotlight: Auckland Zoo

With Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest collection of native and exotic wildlife as your backdrop, Auckland Zoo offers a venue experience like no other. Located in the heart of Western Springs and just 15 minutes from Auckland’s city centre along the western motorway, this award-winning destination combines sustainability, conservation, and unforgettable settings to create events that truly stand out. 

A Venue with a Story 

John James Boyd, a determined and visionary entrepreneur, founded what could be considered New Zealand’s first ‘zoo’, initially in Whanganui in 1905, followed by another in Auckland’s Onehunga in 1911. Despite facing numerous challenges and ongoing disputes with local councils, his pioneering efforts ultimately paved the way for the establishment of Auckland Zoo in 1922, which has since grown into one of the most respected zoos in the Asia-Pacific region.  

Since opening its gates on 16 December 1922, Auckland Zoo has welcomed more than 35 million visitors and grown into a leading wildlife conservation organisation, recognised with numerous national and international awards. 

Fun fact: While the Zoo was officially opened on 16 December 1922, a large commemorative stone sign was created and installed over the zoo’s then-front entrance in 1924 with the opening date of 17 December. It is unknown how this oversight occurred, but it has meant that the Zoo has celebrated its birthday on 17 December ever since. Visitors to the Zoo today can see the original entrance plaque commemorating the Zoo’s 1922 opening, just inside the front entrance area. 

Over the decades, Auckland Zoo has transformed from a traditional zoo into a modern conservation hub, winning national and international awards for its innovative habitats and research. Learn more about the history by visiting the Auckland Zoo Timeline.

Hosting your event at Auckland Zoo means becoming part of a century-long story of care, connection, and commitment to wildlife. 

Experiences That Elevate Your Event 

Auckland Zoo offers more than a venue, it delivers an exceptional setting for conferences, networking functions, and corporate celebrations. Flexible spaces cater to cocktail receptions, gala dinners, and product launches, all within a unique environment that inspires connection. 

Guests can visit and explore the Zoo during the day prior to your evening event, adding an extra dimension to their experience. Enhance your event even further with exclusive experiences such as animal encounters, designed to spark engagement and leave a lasting impression. 

Sustainability at the Heart 

As the first venue in our portfolio to achieve Toitū carbonzero certification, Auckland Zoo is ideal for organisations looking to align their events with environmental responsibility.

Auckland Zoo’s work is guided by seven key commitments:

• Excellence in animal care
• Community well-being
• Nurturing lifelong connections with nature
• Conserving wildlife in the wild
• Science and learning
• Strengthening relationships with te ao Māori
• And operating sustainably.

Distinctive Event Spaces 

Te Puna Café

Located in the heart of the Zoo, Te Puna (meaning the spring) offers a true wildlife dining experience. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the lake and wetlands, with orangutans and Siamang gibbons navigating treetop pathways right above you. Available for evening hire only, Te Puna hosts 150 guests for seated dinners or 250 for cocktails on its expansive balcony. Arrive early and enjoy a stroll through the Zoo, visiting the animals. 

Old Elephant House

Once home to Auckland Zoo’s elephants, this iconic venue blends heritage charm with modern functionality. High ceilings, wooden and tile finishes, and a private courtyard make it ideal for wedding receptions, cocktail parties, and intimate dinners. Full venue hire of the Old Elephant House and courtyard are available for evening functions, accommodating up to 160 guests' cocktail-style.

The courtyard, available for hire both during the day and evening serves as a versatile space, ideal for smaller business gatherings during the day for a lunch or a meeting point before exploring the Zoo, and as an intimate venue at night for receptions or dinners. It can host 50 guests' banquet-style or 80 cocktail-style. 

Tips for your next event at Auckland Zoo 

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 noise-makers 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. 
• Understand the Zoo is a strictly smoke-free venue. 
• In line with the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability there are no disposable cups for hot drinks. Please bring your own keep cup. 

A Venue That Inspires 

Whether it’s a leadership retreat, gala dinner, or corporate family day, Auckland Zoo transforms business events into experiences that resonate. With stunning landscapes, distinctive spaces, and a mission-driven approach, this is more than a venue, it’s a statement. 

Ready to create an event your guests will talk about for years? 
Let Auckland Zoo provide a wildly spectacular backdrop for your next occasion. 

Contact us now for a site visit at events@aucklandconventions.co.nz or find out more about hosting your next business event at Auckland Zoo here.