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Usitour
Zoo & Aquarium

National Aquarium of New Zealand

📍 546 Marine Parade, Napier, New Zealand
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4.5/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
New Zealand
Category
Zoo & Aquarium
Duration
2 hours
Address
546 Marine Parade, Napier, New Zealand
Coordinates
-39.4900, 176.9200

Introduction

The National Aquarium of New Zealand sits on Marine Parade in Napier and is one of Hawke's Bay's main indoor marine attractions. Its galleries cover ocean, freshwater and native species, with the walk-through underwater tunnel the highlight — sharks, eagle rays and schools of reef fish glide overhead. There are also displays of little blue penguins and kiwi, and the facility takes part in rescuing and breeding injured wildlife. Being indoors, it is especially good for families when the weather turns. It sits right beside Napier's waterfront, so it pairs well with the Marine Parade walkway, fountains and the Art Deco quarter.

✨ Highlights

01
Walk-through tunnel
Sharks, eagle rays and schools of reef fish pass overhead in the aquarium's most immersive display.
02
Little blue penguins
See New Zealand's native little blue penguins up close, some from rescue and breeding programmes.
03
Kiwi and native species
Low-light indoor enclosures showcase kiwi and other native New Zealand wildlife.
04
On Marine Parade
Right on Napier's waterfront, easy to combine with the walkway, fountains and Art Deco quarter.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 1.5–2 hours
→Notes：An indoor venue, good on rainy days; please turn off flash when photographing
→Opening Hours：Open year-round; hours vary by season, please confirm before visiting
→Ticket Information：Ticketed entry, with child and family rates available
→Transportation：On Marine Parade, walkable from central Napier, with street parking nearby

💡 Tips

• Feeding and talk sessions run at set times — check the day's schedule on arrival.
• The penguin and kiwi areas are dimly lit; turn off your flash so as not to disturb the animals.
• A good fallback on rainy or windy days.
• Combine with the Marine Parade walkway and Napier's Art Deco quarter in one day.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of National Aquarium of New Zealand?

Open year-round; hours vary by season, please confirm before visiting

How much is the admission for National Aquarium of New Zealand?

Ticketed entry, with child and family rates available

Any practical tips for visiting National Aquarium of New Zealand?

Feeding and talk sessions run at set times — check the day's schedule on arrival. The penguin and kiwi areas are dimly lit; turn off your flash so as not to disturb the animals.

How long should I spend at National Aquarium of New Zealand?

A typical visit takes 2 hours.