Journey under the sea and immerse yourself in the Aquarium’s largest exhibit. Experience the wonders of the ocean as you witness the stingrays gliding through the water and the grace and beauty of the sea life.
Feeding Times
Reef Fish – 10.00am
Diver Hand Feeding - 2.00pm
Come and meet our spirited little penguins at Penguin Cove! Watch them waddle across the beach then dart through the water as they go about their penguin business. See if you can pick who's been naughty and who's been good! Visit at 9.30am, 1.30pm or 3.30pm for feeding time and listen to the keeper’s talk to learn more about these amazing birds.
Feeding Times
9.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm
View our taonga (treasures) – species that are unique to New Zealand. See our national icon the Kiwi close up and watch the slippery Tuna Kuwharuwharu (long-finned eel) slide thorough the water. And don't forget to visit our 'living fossils' to try and spot a shy Tuatara hiding in the foliage!
Take a seat, sit back, relax and discover the vibrant colors and natural splendor of our coral reef as it comes alive with beautiful reef fish and amazing corals.
The rocky shore is a border between two worlds, a harsh place where the water advances and retreats with the rhythm of the tides. See if you can spot a reclusive crayfish hiding in the rocks or watch a magical seahorse float through the water.
Explore our amazing freshwater fish from around the world. See how many colours you can spot in our Cichlid tank, have a staring competition with one of the large South American Pacu, or learn how high the amazing Asian Arowana can jump!
Meet our slimy, scaly, spectacular superstars! Watch on as the super agile Water Dragons climb to great heights, see Japanese Fire-Bellied Newts wiggle around in their tank, and find the sneaky Southern Bell Frogs that like to blend in!
A replica of the reef 500m north of Napier Port, the Pania Reef Tank is the largest exhibit in the Aquarium at 24m long, 30m wide and 3m deep. Take time to stop, relax and watch this exhibit come alive, you may even spot a crayfish hiding in the rocks!
Diver Feeding Time – 10am
Please Note At times some of our animals may not be visible for reasons such as habitat maintenance, veterinary checks or care, or they're simply taking refuge in their enclosure. We try to let our customers know in advance of any planned work when possible, or at the front desk on arrival.
Throughout most of the National Aquarium of New Zealand you’re welcome to use your camera to take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use.
Flash photography is not permitted in any part of the venue.
This includes photos of:
Look out for signage indicating exhibits that cannot be filmed or photographed. This may be for reasons to protect the wildlife.
Selfie sticks are permitted in the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Other equipment such as tripods, monopods, and lighting require prior permission from Management. Please contact us for permission.
Unless you’ve received prior permission from us, you must not sell or profit from the photography, film, or video or any other form of reproduction you take at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, or use it for commercial purposes.
Daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm
(including public holidays)
last entry 4:30pm
Marine Parade, Napier
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accurate and up to date, National Aquarium of New Zealand shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith.
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