Zealandia and Wellington Zoo opening to locals for just $2 on May 18-19

The proceeds from the $2 donations will go towards ZEALANDIA’s conservation programme to bring nature back to the city and to Wellington Zoo’s Conservation Fund to support local and international field conservation projects that are saving animals in the wild.

This weekend two of Wellington's top nature attractions are opening their doors to locals for just a couple of dollars! During Open Weekend, 18-19th May, people will be able to visit ZEALANDIA and Wellington Zoo for a $2 donation per person at each location.

The proceeds from the $2 donations will go towards ZEALANDIA’s conservation programme to bring nature back to the city and to Wellington Zoo’s Conservation Fund to support local and international field conservation projects that are saving animals in the wild.

“Open Weekend is when we open our doors and make ZEALANDIA accessible to everyone,” said ZEALANDIA Chief Executive Paul Atkins. “It’s always so exciting to see the smiles on people’s faces as they experience our native wildlife and learn more about how we are bringing it back to Wellington.”

“Open Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for our Wellington community to explore the Zoo, connect with animals and learn about how we can save wild animals and wild places,” says Karen Fifield MNZM, Wellington Zoo Chief Executive. “We strive to be accessible to our whole community and we are looking forward to welcoming many families through our doors this weekend.”

2019 is the fifth year that the event will be held over two days instead of one. This provides more opportunity for families to visit both iconic nature attractions over the weekend.

Visitors can get the most out of their trip to Wellington Zoo by planning their day around the animal talks – a great way to get up close to animals like endangered Red Pandas, Tigers, Kororā Little Blue Penguins and to learn more about these amazing animals. Visitors may get to see Sunny the giraffe, Wellington Zoo’s newest arrival in the African Savannah.

Mojo Café and The Grazing Post will both be open at Wellington Zoo for visitors to enjoy a delicious lunch, Mojo coffee or a snack. There will be an additional Mojo coffee cart within the Zoo.

At ZEALANDIA, visitors can explore Wellington’s 225ha wildlife sanctuary, see New Zealand’s unique native wildlife and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect our flora and fauna. Visitors may be able to see the takahē family, including the six-month-old chick, and the recently re-introduced tītipounamu (rifleman). The award-winning Rātā Cafe will also be open, and there will be a sausage sizzle.