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The 2 Largest Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is an incredible city with a world-class waterfront and a myriad of activities to offer visitors. Among its attractions are two remarkable aquariums that showcase the beauty and diversity of the local marine life.

These top-rated aquariums not only entertain visitors but also educate them about the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem. With their interactive exhibits, informative displays, and dedicated conservation efforts, these aquariums offer a captivating and educational experience for people of all ages.

Top Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand

Napier ( NAY-pee-ər; Māori: Ahuriri) is a city on the eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Hawke's Bay region. It is a beachside city with a seaport, known for its sunny climate, esplanade lined with Norfolk pines, and extensive Art Deco architecture. Napier is sometimes referred to as the "Nice of the Pacific", although that is largely outdated and a more common nickname is 'The Art Deco Capital of the world'.
The population of Napier is about 67,500 as of June 2023. About 18 km (11 mi) south of Napier is the inland city of Hastings. These two neighbouring cities are often called "The Bay Cities" or "The Twin Cities" of New Zealand, with the two cities and the surrounding towns of Havelock North and Clive having a combined population of 136,290. The City of Napier has a land area of 106 km2 (41 sq mi) and a population density of 540.0 per square kilometre.
Napier is the nexus of the largest wool centre in the Southern Hemisphere, and it has the primary export seaport for northeastern New Zealand – which is the largest producer of apples, pears, and stone fruit in New Zealand. The Hawke's Bay wine region is now the second largest in New Zealand after Marlborough, and grapes grown around Hastings and Napier are sent through the Port of Napier for export. Large amounts of sheep's wool, frozen meat, wood pulp, and timber also pass through Napier annually for export. Smaller amounts of these materials are shipped via road and railway to the large metropolitan areas of New Zealand itself, such as Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton.
Napier is a popular tourist city, with a unique concentration of 1930s Art Deco, and to a lesser extent Spanish Mission, architecture, built after much of the city was razed in the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake. It also has one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country, a statue of the figure in local Ngāti Kahungunu mythology, Pania, on Marine Parade, Pania of the Reef. Thousands of people flock to Napier every February for the Tremains Art Deco Weekend event, a celebration of its Art Deco heritage and history. Other notable tourist events attracting many outsiders to the region annually include F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic events, and the Mission Estate Concert at Mission Estate Winery in the suburb of Taradale.

Top Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington Zoo

  • Address: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (5382)
  • Phone: +64 4 381 6755
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand
Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Aquarium in cities like Auckland, Wodonga and Gladstone across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

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The 2 Best Aquarium near Wellington, New Zealand

Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand
Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand

Island Bay Marine Education Centre-Bait House Aquarium

  • Address: On the seaside 213 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (323)
  • Phone: +64 4 383 8285
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Closed
    Tuesday: Closed
    Wednesday: Closed
    Thursday: Closed
    Friday: Closed
    Saturday: Closed
    Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Milly Cherie✭✭✭
    4 months ago
    The staff are nice but I personally thought the tanks were too small for the large fish and lobsters. Even the octopus tank looked too small for such a big, intelligent creature. There’s no toilet and they don’t accept foreign cards or even have pay wave option.
    Sam Pineda✭✭✭
    3 years ago
    If you want to get up close and personal with some of the amazing sea creatures, then check this place. Located along the seashore of Island bay, Wellington. The staff were amazing and accommodating. Kids and Kids at heart will surely enjoy this place. If you are lucky, you might witness the Octopus feeding session. The entrance fee is cheaper than your coffee.
    Lauren✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    Fantastic place to look at some wonderful marine life. Cheap as chips and the touch pool is a brilliant way for kids and kids at heart to see things up close and personal. The octopus talk was brilliant and I definitely learned some things and walked away with a greater appreciation for our marine life!
    Psyckers DO✭✭✭✭✭
    5 years ago
    Fantastic place to get up close and touch some sea creatures. The kids love it especially when they saw the octopus have paddle crab for lunch. Outside of course is the beach and rockery so the kids continue their investigations there. The staff are very knowledge and very friendly. Always willing to answer your questions about what you are seeing.
    Sergei✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    Absolutely worth visiting at least once. 5 stars if you have proper age kids (5-10y.o.). Small fee at entrance. Cool thing is open pool with all kind of sea creatures that you can touch.

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

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5 Replies to The 2 Largest Aquarium in Wellington, New Zealand

  1. Clean and enjoyable zoo walk. You will be able to do a whole tour in under 4 hours since it is a small zoo, there are also nice places to sit and eat. The meerkats and snow leopard are always nice to see, especially the meerkats because they are always out looking for the sun. (except on rainy days) The sun bear seemed happy that day and even came up closer than normal!

  2. A must do if you have the time in wellington, it’s a lovely setting with lots of space. We went in the morning and got a lot of the animals before the heat of the day. We managed to see most of the animals and got to see the new baby giraffe ?

  3. I went in and straight of there was some otters that were very social and then I saw a bunch of other fasanating animals like the monkeys,lions, giraffes, kangaroos and so many more cool animals. The red pandas were very cute also but in the kiwis habitat was a bit bright but I still think they lived good. Very nice zoo. I recommend to go here.

  4. Gorgeous enclosures, you can truly tell the care they give these animals is excellent. Many nice eating spots throughout, and opportunities to actually interact with the animals. Great place to bring your family, and see animals from all across the globe.

  5. Although rather hot Weather wise, my grandson and I had an amazing experience at the zoo. He’s still raving about the snow leopard, otters, penguin and the baby giraffe as well as the baby chimpanzee

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