Butterfly Creek Auckland
A unique Auckland attraction featuring a butterfly house, roaring dinosaurs, a petting zoo, and a kiwi encounter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Butterfly Creek Auckland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Auckland attraction featuring a butterfly house, roaring dinosaurs, a petting zoo, and a kiwi encounter.
"So much more than butterflies, this quirky mini zoo has something for everyone!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online. Check for family passes for better value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the different zones, so wear comfortable footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Butterfly House
Tropical indoor garden
Wander through a lush paradise filled with thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering around you.
Dinosaur Valley
Themed exhibit
Come face-to-face with life-sized, roaring dinosaur models that will thrill kids and adults alike.
Petting Zoo & Farm Animals
Farm area
Get up close with friendly farm animals, with opportunities for hand-feeding some of the younger residents.
Kiwi House
Nocturnal exhibit
Catch a glimpse of New Zealand's iconic national treasure, the kiwi, in a specially designed nocturnal habitat.
Planning Your Visit
Beyond the Butterflies
Timing is Key for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online. Check for family passes for better value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the different zones, so wear comfortable footwear.
🚂 Don't Miss the Train Ride
The train ride offers a fun loop around the park and is a hit with kids. Consider purchasing tickets for this extra experience.
☀️ Utilize Shade Covers
The park has thoughtfully added shade covers in many areas, making it more comfortable on sunny days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online. Check for family passes for better value.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the different zones, so wear comfortable footwear.
🚂 Don't Miss the Train Ride
The train ride offers a fun loop around the park and is a hit with kids. Consider purchasing tickets for this extra experience.
☀️ Utilize Shade Covers
The park has thoughtfully added shade covers in many areas, making it more comfortable on sunny days.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
From dinosaurs to butterflies, there are numerous opportunities to capture memorable family photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Butterfly Creek is a surprisingly diverse attraction, praised for its unique blend of a butterfly house, dinosaur valley, and animal encounters. Visitors appreciate the interactive elements, especially for families, and its convenient airport location. Some reviews suggest certain enclosures could be more engaging and that the entry price might be a bit high for the duration of the visit.
"My 3 yr old liked it. The farm route was more of a hit for him as he got to feed some baby animals.
The Dinosaur route was also great. The water where the massive octopus is in is very dirty. The train ride is also okay for the price. Crocodile enclosure was very quiet. Reckon a bit more excitement could be amended. For entry price I'd say the price could be adjusted less as it takes a very short time to go through the entire place even while taking your time.
Overall, a good experience if you want to spend little time for max experience in that time frame. Good place for visitors to the country try to hang out at while waiting for their departures."
Moira
"We had our wedding at Butterfly Creek and it was absolutely perfect. The venue was gorgeous, the team was incredible and it was the best day ever! Massive thank you to Khush and the staff for being great hosts and being supportive throughout the entire journey. From start to end, the communication was great and they listened to our ideas and provided their expert advice too! All the decor and set up was super easy and looked gorgeous on the day. It was more than we could have ever imagined. Highly recommend for anyone looking to host an event!!"
Samantha Noelle Cuenca
"We went to Butterfly Creek with the family, and it was amazing. We saw dinosaurs and lots of animals and The two big alligators was probably a highlight for many, the kids were both scared and thrilled to see it up close,was it just a viewing and the kids loved all the fun activities. The butterfly garden was beautiful, too. We all had a huge blast together."
Moushmi Nath
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Butterfly Creek is conveniently located at Auckland Airport, making it an ideal stop for travelers. You can easily reach it by car, taxi, or rideshare. If you're using public transport, check the local bus routes that service the airport area.
Yes, ample parking is available at Butterfly Creek, which is particularly helpful if you're arriving by car. Parking is generally free for visitors.
While it's closest to the airport, public transport options might involve bus routes that connect to the airport terminals. It's advisable to check the Auckland Transport website for the most current bus schedules and routes.
Absolutely! Its proximity to the airport makes Butterfly Creek a fantastic option for a layover activity. You can easily spend a few hours here before your next flight.
From the CBD, you can take a bus towards the airport. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare service will be the most direct and convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and families. Children under 2 often get in free. It's recommended to check their official website or booking platforms for the most up-to-date pricing and potential discounts.
Yes, Butterfly Creek offers family passes, which can be a cost-effective option for groups. These passes typically cover two adults and a set number of children.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance, but booking online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to avoid queues and ensure entry.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, some attractions offer annual passes for frequent visitors. It's best to check their website for any membership options.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact Butterfly Creek directly for specific information regarding refunds or exchanges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Butterfly Creek boasts a diverse range of animals including butterflies, crocodiles, lizards, monkeys, otters, meerkats, and of course, kiwis. They also have farm animals like goats and lambs.
Yes, Butterfly Creek is very family-friendly. Toddlers and young children often enjoy the petting zoo, train ride, and the interactive elements.
Indeed, Butterfly Creek features a playground area, which is a great spot for kids to burn off energy. Some reviews mention recent upgrades to this area.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Butterfly Creek website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Butterfly Creek offers a mix of both indoor and outdoor attractions. The butterfly house and some animal enclosures are indoors, making it a good option for rainy days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Butterfly Creek has a cafe that offers food and drinks. Some visitors have noted that the cafe menu has changed over time, so it's worth checking recent reviews for current offerings.
While specific policies can change, many attractions allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, especially in designated areas. It's advisable to confirm this with Butterfly Creek directly.
The cafe typically offers a range of snacks, light meals, and beverages suitable for families. Expect options like sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
Information on specific dietary options can be limited. It's best to inquire at the cafe upon arrival or check their menu online if available.
Pricing at attraction cafes can sometimes be higher than average. Visitors have mentioned that the cafe experience has varied, so it's good to manage expectations.
📸 📸 Photography
The butterfly house offers vibrant, colorful backdrops. The dinosaur valley provides dramatic shots, and the various animal enclosures offer unique photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Butterfly House, but be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the delicate butterflies.
Photography rules for the kiwi enclosure might be stricter to protect the nocturnal birds. Check for signage or ask staff for guidance.
Most attractions prohibit the use of drones for safety and privacy reasons. It's highly unlikely drones are permitted within Butterfly Creek.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for the kiwi house and indoor exhibits. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
While the butterflies might be fascinating, toddlers often gravitate towards the dinosaurs and the farm animals. The interactive nature of the exhibits ensures that even the youngest visitors remain engaged. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and allow for a more relaxed pace.
✈️ Travelers with Layovers
It offers a unique way to break up a long journey, providing a dose of New Zealand wildlife and fun before your next flight. The combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits means it's a viable option regardless of the weather.
💖 Couples and Adults
Consider it for a unique date idea or a fun afternoon exploring something a bit different. The variety of animals and the themed exhibits offer a refreshing change from typical city attractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Animal Encounters
For a glimpse of New Zealand's unique wildlife, the Kiwi House is a must-visit. These nocturnal birds are a national icon, and seeing one up close in a specially designed habitat is a memorable experience. The park also houses other native species, contributing to conservation awareness.
While some reviews mention enclosures could be more engaging, the variety of species and the interactive elements, like hand-feeding, aim to provide a rich experience for animal lovers of all ages.
Beyond the Zoo: Dinosaurs and Trains
+1Adding to the fun is the miniature train ride, which circles the park. This is a popular attraction, especially for families, offering a relaxed way to see parts of the park and enjoy the scenery. The train ride often includes multiple loops, providing good value for the extra ticket price.
These attractions, combined with a playground, offer a well-rounded family day out, ensuring that even those who might not be captivated by butterflies or farm animals find something to enjoy.
Community Perspectives: Zoo vs. Butterfly Creek
However, Butterfly Creek is frequently described as a 'pleasant surprise' and a unique experience that shouldn't be underestimated. Visitors highlight its distinctiveness from typical zoos, particularly the immersive butterfly house and the dinosaur exhibits. For families with younger children, the interactive farm animals and the more manageable size of Butterfly Creek are often cited as advantages.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a comprehensive zoo experience with many different species, the Auckland Zoo might be the better fit. If you seek a more unique, themed attraction with a focus on interactive elements and a manageable size for younger kids, Butterfly Creek is a strong contender.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit