VISITOR INFORMATION FOR PRE-SCHOOLS
Hamilton Zoo is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm; last admissions at 3.30pm. The zoo is closed on Christmas Day.
COST
We offer a discounted rate of $7 per person (children, teachers and accompanying adults) for pre school groups, available Monday to Friday during the school term. Children under 3 years are free. Please note: prices are subject to change.
Group concession applies to groups of 10 or more outside of school term. To receive concession rates, the group total cost has to be paid in one amount; if not, the standard admission cost will apply. Group concession rates are available here.
Annual memberships, special offers or promotions can not be used in conjunction with a pre-school visit.
BOOKING FORM
Once the reception team has received your booking form then we will be able to confirm your booking.
PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT
We provide free maps at Hamilton Zoo, but we encourage people to use and recycle these. There are also maps situated around the zoo and we suggest that you print off maps if you feel adults require these.
Children under 14 must be supervised at all times. Please ensure there will be adequate supervision; refer to your school's guidelines for appropriate adult/child ratio. The larger the group, the more important it is to ensure there will be adequate supervision for children.
Be familiar with Hamilton Zoo RAMS. Prior to your visit please discuss with the children and accompanying adults behaviour expectations and organisation while at Hamilton Zoo.
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What do you expect them to do on arrival? We do not have the space outside the zoo for groups to meet safely. We therefore encourage groups to immediately gather inside the zoo grounds on arrival. If the teacher could please stop at reception with a break down of your numbers (children) in each year level, adults and teachers.
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Stay on public paths and boardwalks. These may be slippery or steep.
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Stay behind the barriers provided for your safety. Animals do bite!
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Do not climb or sit on fences or barriers.
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No banging on exhibit windows, or shouting at the animals to get their attention as this may frighten the animal.
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No feeding the animals – they are on special diets to keep them in good health.
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If any object is accidentally dropped into an enclosure, please report this to reception staff (e.g. a drink bottle or umbrella). The keeper will be requested to retrieve it where possible.
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Whistles, balls, balloons, scooters, skateboards, roller-blades, etc., are not permitted in the Zoo. Whistles are used by Zoo staff in emergencies.
First aid supplies are available at Reception. Most Zoo staff are trained to assist with minor medical problems. If someone has an accident or near-miss a zoo accident pack needs to be completed.
Please have a list of all the adults and children in the group as this will be essential in an emergency (e.g. evacuation of the Zoo) in marking everyone off at the assembly point in the car park. We recommend that you also have noted each adult supervisor’s mobile phone number.
Please encourage children to move quietly at a walking pace around the zoo, keeping together and being considerate of other patrons. Running may frighten the animals, and they may hide.
ON ARRIVAL
Let reception know how your group is made up. Please provide how many:
- children under 3 years
- children 3 years and over
- adults
This information helps the zoo to compile accurate visitor statistics. Payment should be made in one amount to cover all members of the group - by cash, cheque or credit card.
It takes about 2 hours to get around the zoo.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Food
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You are welcome to bring your own food into the Zoo or you may choose to purchase from the Zoo on-site cafe. Only food and drink purchased in the café may be consumed inside the cafe. If you require food for your group from the cafe please contact us for a suggested menu.
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Picnic tables: There are a number of picnic tables situated around the zoo. Please ensure that these areas are left tidy and that rubbish and recycling bins are used. These spaces are not bookable, and are on a first come first served basis.
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Drinking fountains can be found in the upper zoo and lower zoo picnic areas.
Toilets
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Some toilets are located in the cafe's outside eating area (Located outside of Zoo premises).
- There are also toilets located in the playground/kiosk area, including a accessibly friendly bathroom.
- Finally there are toilets located at the Oasis Lawn at the bottom of the Zoo near the Oasis Kiosks and prior to the Tigers.