AUCKLAND ZOO Take a look at Auckland Zoo's new $58 million South East Asia redevelopment. (Video first published July 2019) Get up close to some of the world's most fascinating creatures. Auckland Zoo Does bigger mean better? It does in this case. Auckland Zoo is New Zealand’s biggest zoo, home to more than 120 different species of animals. Sprawling across 17ha next to Western Springs Park, Auckland Zoo has welcomed more than 28 million visitors since opening in 1922. It’s no surprise because who can resist the tigers, elephants and cute red pandas? Auckland Zoo/Supplied Wellington Zoo The Capital’s zoo was New Zealand’s first zoo, founded way back in 1906. It’s also the world’s first carbon zero certified zoo. Tucked into Wellington’s hilly green belt, the zoo features more than 100 species from four continents. Sign up for a close encounter experience where it’s just you, the zookeeper and a giraffe, cheetah, red panda, meerkat or lemur. Magic.