Parking
The zoo car park offers free off-street parking for cars and a coach drop-off point. Please follow the car park signs upon arrival. There are accessible parking spaces in each car park. We have two EV charging parks available on a first come first served basis. On busy days, all car parks tend to fill up quickly, we encourage visitors, where possible, to take public transport or carpool.
Public transport
We encourage visitors to make the most of the Dinsdale (Number 3) bus that stops at Hamilton Zoo. With frequent drop-offs and pick-ups on both weekdays and weekends, the bus is a hassle-free way to get to and from the zoo without worrying about finding a park. You can find out more by visiting the BUSIT website: www.busit.co.nz.
Playground
A large playground can be found at the top of the zoo, next to the entrance building and toilets. There are additional playground items located around the zoo, including two slides by the chimpanzees, a climbing frame near the meerkats, and swings by the Oasis Lawn.
Picnic areas
Multiple picnic areas are located around the zoo. Areas and tables cannot be reserved, first in, first served. We are unable to store your food/drinks for you during your visit. There is also space for eating and picnics next to the playground at the top of the zoo and outside of the zoo beside the entrance building.
Toilets
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available for visitors and situated in the upper zoo next to the playground, and outside the zoo next to the cafe. A second set of toilets are found in the lower part of the zoo, near the Oasis Lawn.
Wheelchair access
Most of our paths are paved and accessible, though there are some slopes on which assistance may be required. We recommend having a chat with our team at reception upon arrival, who can advise the best accessible routes.
Wheelchairs
We have two wheelchairs available to book for up to three hours. A driver’s license or car keys will be required as bond. We recommend contacting us to book in advance.
Mobility scooters
We have three mobility scooters available to book for up to three hours for visitors with limited mobility or injuries. A driver’s license or car keys will be required as bond. A waiver form will need to be signed before use. We recommend contacting us to book in advance.
Push chairs
We have three pushchairs are available to hire for up to three hours for $10. A driver’s license or car keys will be required as bond. We recommend contacting us to book in advance.
Caregivers
One caregiver will receive free entry when accompanying disabled persons aged three years or older (children under three years are free) who are requiring assistance. We do ask that you bring with you suitable supporting documentation or identification e.g., Community Services Card, High Use Health card, or a letter from a health practitioner. Please let our reception team know on arrival and they will process this request.
Assistance dogs
To accompany their owner into the Zoo, disability assist dogs must be certified*, fully vaccinated and trained. Proof of certification must be provided prior to entering the Zoo. Disability assist dogs must remain leashed and under control of their owner at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog. We ask that you please contact us prior to your visit.
*Disability assist dogs certified by the following eight organisations are permitted entry to the Zoo
- Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust
- Blind Low Vision NZ
- K9 Medical Detection New Zealand
- Hearing Dogs NZ
- NZ Epilepsy Assist Dog Trust
- Mobility Dog
- Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust
- K9SEARCH Medical Detection NZ
Please note, the native bird free-flight aviary is closed to service dogs. If any issues arise with other zoo animal residents, we may need to ask for the service dog to move on or even depart zoo grounds. We thank guests in advance for their understanding. No other animals are permitted to be brought into the zoo including domestic pets