National Aquarium of New Zealand
Hawke's Bay
The National Aquarium of New Zealand, located on Marine Parade in Napier, is a premier public aquarium showcasing a wide array of aquatic species from New Zealand and around the world. Established in 1957 and relocated to its current site in 1976, the aquarium offers diverse exhibits including native kiwi birds, tuatara reptiles, little penguins, sea turtles, and various fish species. A highlight is the 1.5 million litre oceanarium featuring a 50-meter acrylic tunnel that immerses visitors in underwater environments. The aquarium also hosts temporary exhibitions, a souvenir shop, and a cafe, making it a comprehensive visitor destination. Its interactive programs such as keeper talks and close encounters with little penguins enrich the educational experience. The aquarium has undergone significant expansions and renovations, notably in 2002, enhancing both its facilities and marine life displays. It emphasizes conservation and environmental education, inviting visitors to engage with New Zealand's unique biodiversity. The aquarium is owned by the Napier City Council and remains a key attraction in Hawke's Bay, drawing thousands annually with its blend of natural history, marine biology, and interactive experiences.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid peak crowds and enjoy keeper talks scheduled throughout the day. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended for convenience and to secure entry, especially for special tours like the Little Penguin Close Encounter. Locals can benefit from discounted rates. The aquarium offers guided tours and feeding sessions that provide deeper insights into marine life and native species. Check the official website for current exhibits and seasonal events to maximize your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The aquarium's oceanarium contains 1.5 million litres of water with a 50-meter acrylic tunnel for immersive viewing.
- •Inky the octopus famously escaped from the aquarium in 2016 and was never found, attracting worldwide media coverage.
- •The aquarium once housed piranhas acquired from Cleveland, Ohio, but they were euthanased in 2019 due to new government regulations.
- •Since 2017, staff and the public vote annually for the best behaved and naughtiest Penguin of the Month and Penguin of the Year among the resident little penguins.
- •Following damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, the aquarium released its remaining sharks and decided not to house sharks anymore.
History
The National Aquarium of New Zealand began in 1957 in the basement of Napier's War Memorial Hall, initiated by local community groups.
It moved to its current Marine Parade location in 1976, quickly becoming a major regional attraction.
In 2002, a significant $8 million renovation introduced a large oceanarium and modernized exhibits, prompting its renaming to the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
Over the decades, the aquarium has evolved to focus on native species conservation and education, adapting to changing regulations such as the removal of piranhas in 2019.
It has also experienced notable events like the escape of an octopus named Inky in 2016, which gained international attention.
Place Guide
Oceanarium and Acrylic Tunnel2002
A massive 1.5 million litre oceanarium featuring a 50-meter long acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through and observe marine life from all angles, simulating an underwater experience.
Kiwi Enclosure
A dedicated enclosure housing New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird, allowing visitors to see this nocturnal and elusive species up close in a naturalistic setting.
Little Penguins Exhibit
Home to a colony of little penguins, this exhibit offers opportunities for close encounters and features interactive programs including Penguin of the Month voting by staff and public.
Tuatara and Reptile Displays
Exhibits featuring tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand and often referred to as a 'living fossil', alongside other reptiles like turtles and lizards native to the region.
Temporary Exhibit Halls
Two temporary exhibit halls provide space for rotating exhibitions that highlight various aquatic themes, conservation issues, and educational displays.
Contact
Phone: 06 834 1404
