Last updated July 2026
The National Aquarium of New Zealand is Napier’s premier Marine Parade family attraction, showcasing native New Zealand wildlife such as kiwi, tuatara and little penguins alongside marine species in a large oceanarium tunnel. Visitors walk beneath stingrays, kingfish, snapper, hapuku and sharks in the 1.5 million litre tank. The facility is owned and operated by Napier City Council and ranks among the city’s top paid attractions.
Practical Information
| Address | 546 Marine Parade, Napier 4110 |
| Hours | Daily 9am–5pm (including most public holidays); closed Christmas Day; last entry 4.30pm |
| Cost | Adults $29.50; children (3–14) $16; under 3s free; students and seniors concessions available; family pass options |
| Combined ticket | Napier Discover Pass (family pass $180) covers multiple Napier attractions — available at Napier i-SITE and online |
| Daily highlights | Penguin feeding 9.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm; reef-fish feeding 10am; oceanarium diver hand-feeding 2pm |
| Guided tours | Daily 10.30am (bookings recommended) |
| Parking | Free off-street parking available at the aquarium; accessible spaces at entrance; street parking nearby on Marine Parade |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible with lift; wheelchairs available to borrow; accessible toilets; service dogs permitted with conditions (restrictions at some exhibits such as Penguin Cove) |
About the National Aquarium of New Zealand
The National Aquarium of New Zealand occupies a prominent site on Marine Parade in Napier. Originally opened in 1957 as a smaller public aquarium, it underwent an $8 million redevelopment and was renamed and reopened to the public by Prime Minister Helen Clark on 14 March 2002. The upgrade added the signature oceanarium and modernised exhibits.
The aquarium combines marine displays with a native wildlife section. Its centrepiece is the 1.5 million litre oceanarium featuring a 50-metre acrylic underwater tunnel. Visitors observe native fish species and sharks swimming overhead while learning about New Zealand’s marine environment.
Additional exhibits highlight little penguins in Penguin Cove, nocturnal kiwi in a low-light habitat, tuatara and native lizards. The facility supports conservation messaging and offers daily keeper talks and feeding sessions that provide insight into animal care and behaviour.
The aquarium forms part of the Marine Parade precinct, which includes playgrounds, a skate park and other family facilities within easy walking distance. It attracts both locals and visitors year-round.
What You’ll See
The oceanarium tunnel allows close views of stingrays, kingfish, hapuku, snapper and sharks in a large naturalistic tank. Separate areas feature little penguins, a nocturnal kiwi house, tuatara and native lizards. Additional tanks display reef fish, sea turtles and themed freshwater exhibits. The collection emphasises New Zealand native species alongside selected international examples.
Daily Activities and Feeding Times
Feeding sessions and keeper talks occur at set times and form a highlight for many visitors. The schedule includes little penguin feedings at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, reef fish feeding at 10am, and the oceanarium diver hand-feeding at 2pm. Guided tours run daily at 10.30am. Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours to experience multiple sessions.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently rate the National Aquarium of New Zealand as one of Napier’s top family attractions. The oceanarium tunnel with sharks, stingrays and large fish overhead receives the strongest praise, along with the resident kiwi, tuatara and little penguin colony. Daily feeding shows are frequently cited as the most memorable part of a visit.
Practical advice from visitors centres on timing arrivals around the published feeding schedule to catch multiple sessions. Families recommend allowing at least two hours and note that the Napier Discover Pass offers good value when combining several attractions. The facility is described as well laid out and accessible for most visitors.
Where to Learn More
National Aquarium of New Zealand official site: current opening hours, ticket prices, daily timetable and booking options.
Napier City Council — National Aquarium page: fees, charges and facility information from the operating council.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism — National Aquarium: regional visitor information and context for planning a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the National Aquarium of New Zealand?
546 Marine Parade, Napier 4110, on the southern end of Marine Parade.
What are the National Aquarium opening hours?
Daily 9am–5pm including most public holidays. Closed Christmas Day. Last entry 4.30pm.
How much does entry to the National Aquarium cost?
Adults $29.50, children (3–14 years) $16, under 3s free. Concessions for students and seniors. Family passes available. Check the official site for current rates and local discounts.
What animals can visitors see at the National Aquarium?
Sharks, stingrays, kingfish, snapper, hapuku, little penguins, kiwi, tuatara, native lizards, sea turtles and various reef fish in themed exhibits.
How long should visitors allow for a National Aquarium visit?
1.5–2.5 hours for a full visit, longer if planning to attend multiple feeding sessions.
What time are the feeding sessions at the National Aquarium?
Little penguins at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Reef fish at 10am. Oceanarium diver hand-feeding at 2pm.
Is the National Aquarium suitable for children and families?
Yes. It is one of Napier’s leading family attractions with under-3s free and combined passes available for multi-attraction days.
Is the National Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The facility has wheelchair access, a lift, accessible parking and toilets. Borrowable wheelchairs are available on request.
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