Gold coin entry to Wellington Zoo & Zealandia on 16–17 May

This weekend Wellington Zoo and Zealandia are opening their doors to visitors for less than the price of a cup of coffee. That’s right, Open Day is upon us again, only this time it’s Open Weekend. On the 16th and 17th of May entry to these two unique Wellington wildlife attractions is just a gold coin donation.

Open Day is a popular event with Wellingtonians, with thousands of people visiting Wellington Zoo and Zealandia in the last couple of years. The proceeds from gold coin entry will go towards Zealandia’s ongoing conservation efforts, as well as local and international conservation projects supported by Wellington Zoo.

“I think Open Weekend is a wonderful initiative,” said Hilary Beaton, CEO of Zealandia. “It’s an opportunity to share our conservation stories with a whole new audience and to show how people can change the tide of history”

“It's vital to us that Wellington Zoo remains accessible to our community,” says Karen Fifield, CEO of Wellington Zoo. “Open Weekend is a fantastic event and we hope to see many Wellingtonians embracing the chance to explore their Zoo.”

2015 marks the first year that gold coin entry will run over two days instead of one. Part of this is to ensure a better visitor experience and also to make the event available to more people.

Visitors can get the most out of their trip to Wellington Zoo by planning their day around the animal talks – a great way to get up close to animals like critically endangered Sumatran Tigers, Chimpanzees, Sun Bears, Red Pandas and rescued native Little Blue Penguins, and learn more about these amazing animals. Visitors can also join the Wellington Zoo Crew for a year-long membership. Mojo Café and the Tuck Shop will both be open for visitors to enjoy a delicious lunch, coffee or snack.

At Zealandia, visitors can explore the interactive exhibition, get up close and personal with New Zealand’s unique native wildlife and learn from experienced guides about the conservation efforts being made to protect it. Rata Café will also be open, providing sustainable food and drink for visitors.

Where: WELLINGTON ZOO, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown / ZEALANDIA, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori

Dates: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2015

Hours: 9am – 5pm

Last entry: ZEALANDIA: 4pm, WELLINGTON ZOO: 4.15pm

Entry: Gold coin entry (please bring appropriate change)

Getting there:

ZEALANDIA: We encourage all visitors to consider using public transport. The following bus routes are the most frequent from town:
3 (Lyall Bay - Wellington - Karori)
23 (Mairangi - Wellington - Houghton Bay)

If you are driving, please be cautious of our neighbour's entranceways. There will be limited free parking around ZEALANDIA on the following streets:
Waiapu Street (approx. 110 spaces)
Birdwood Street (approx. 40 spaces)

WELLINGTON ZOO: Parking may be difficult as we expect this weekend to be very busy. We encourage all visitors to take the bus to Newtown or park further away and walk to the Zoo. Visit Metlink for bus routes and timetables.

ENDS

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