Auckland Zoo prices go up - and down - in bid to raise more cash

Wednesday, 26 July 2023

Auckland Zoo Director Kevin Buley says rising costs and reduced funding are behind new admission charges.

Aucklanders will pay more to go to the zoo if they don’t buy tickets in advance, but can save by visiting off-peak in a new pricing scheme prompted by funding cuts.

The new pricing scheme will also see domestic and international visitors to the council-owned Auckland attraction pay 46% more on peak days, and 20% more on off-peak.

The new pricing regime is prompted by rising costs and to plug a $1.6 million cut in ratepayer funding, part of a wide-ranging squeeze across the council in response to what could have been a $365m deficit.

“This is not something we wanted to do, it’s been forced upon us – the cost of living crisis is hitting everyone at the moment, including the zoo,” said Kevin Buley, its director.

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Auckland Zoo Director Kevin Buley said rising costs contributed towards the zoo increasing its entrance fee for some.

Aucklanders will pay the current $24 adult price for off-peak visits outside weekends, school and public holidays, and also for locals who book off-peak visits a day in advance.

Savings come with an advance purchase off-peak rate of $19, but choosing to turn up without booking will cost $29 at peak times.

From August, out-of-towners will pay the same rate as overseas visitors: $35 on peak days and $29 off-peak.

“We did an awful lot of research obviously before landing on this model,” said Buley.

Research had extended to 1000 Aucklanders to get the balance and accessibility right. ”The last thing we want is to price people out of the place,” he said.

The zoo had faced rising costs – such as a 22% jump over the past year in the bill to feed the animals – and it was already running lean, said the director.

“Reducing the cost of running the zoo would have had an effect on our programmes, the conservation work we do, and ultimately the care of the animals,” said Buley.

Other admission charges such as annual memberships will remain unchanged.

The zoo is run by the council agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited which is adjusting to a $34.5m cut in council funding across its amenities and facilities, as well as its cultural and economic work.