Travellers to Hamilton should make it a point to see the fascinating local wildlife. That is why a visit to the Hamilton Zoo will prove to be truly worthwhile. Popular for its generous habitats and tranquil surroundings, the zoo sprawls across 25 hectares and is home to more than 600 exotic native reptiles, birds and mammals.
Featuring the largest walk-through aviary in the country, the zoo is an ideal oasis in which to relax. Many species who are endangered due to illegal hunting, disease, climate change and habitat loss can be seen at this zoo and you can expect to see mammal species such as cheetah, giraffe, red panda, bobcat, fallow deer, spider monkey, Sumatra tiger and more here.
The native reptile corner and the Tuatara house are where you will get to see a range of reptiles including common gecko, red-eared slider, shore skink, tuatara, forest gecko and more. Visitors are advised to move quietly and slowly near reptile enclosures so as to make sure that the species do not hide out of fear.
The free flight aviary at the Hamilton Zoo houses native bird and plant species and features an extensive pond and stream system. Several conservation programmes are carried out here to help save the country’s endangered bird life. Some of the native bird species you will find here include morepork, kea, grey duck, banded rail, white-faced heron, sacred kingfisher and more. Birds such as blue peafowl, brolga, little owl, ostrich, princess parrot, mute swan, galah, caroline wood duck, sun conure and plum-headed parakeet are among the exotics you can see.
As an organisation focussed on conservation the zoo aims to provide visitors with information regarding conservation issues and carries out onsite breeding programmes. A number of research projects are also carried out by the zoo.
To make the most of your holiday experience in this part of New Zealand, choose one of the centrally positioned New Zealand hotels such as Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ which ranks among the finest Hamilton hotels. Offering a comprehensive selection of modern facilities coupled with attentive service, the hotel is within easy reach of various regional attractions and is an ideal base for your adventures.