Where you can find NZ’s only giant saltwater Crocodiles, a tropical Butterfly house and an amazing dinosaur kingdom all under the same roof? Welcome to Butterfly Creek, your gateway to some of the most fun things to do in Auckland. At this family-friendly attraction, anyone can enjoy an immersive experience that won't break the bank.

Where is Butterfly Creek?

Conveniently situated a two-minute drive or a ten-minute walk from Auckland Airport, Butterfly Creek has a huge range of attractions. There are Zoo exhibits covering farm animals to bird aviaries - plus mythological creatures! Kids are free to play on the creative playground while the parents can relax at the café. Butterfly Creek even has its very own train! So, if you're looking for things to do near the airport or have time between flights, be sure to visit.

Visit the Tropical Butterfly House - Image Source: Butterfly Creek

Tropical Butterfly House, Farm Animals and More

With a creative mixture of zoo exhibits and fun attractions, Butterfly Creek offers a unique visit for people to get up close and meet a huge variety of animals. Most of the exhibits offer engaging interactions for anyone to join in with, including petting friendly farm animals.

Butterfly Creek's Kiwi Forest is another must-see. Visitors can see all sorts of native wildlife, like the Kiwi in its nocturnal habitat, or see the mighty Wetapunga up close and personal. Plus, you can find lizards, eels, an aquarium and a petting zoo. And of course, there is the amazing Tropical Butterfly House, filled with Auckland's finest array of tropical butterflies!

Animal welfare is a huge part of Butterfly Creek's great reputation. The 5 Asian Small-Clawed Otters, for example, are extremely intelligent and require daily enrichment activities to simulate their natural foraging behaviour. Come and watch these clever otters sniff out their food - hidden by our keepers in unique ‘puzzles’ around their open-air enclosure.

All Butterfly Creek staff are trained to make sure the animals are protected in the best possible conditions, and the safety of the visitors is their biggest priority.

Asian Small-Clawed Otters - Image Source: Butterfly Creek

Come and Check out the Creek’s Most Popular Attractions

When you arrive at Butterfly Creek, be sure to pick up a map from the friendly ticketing staff. The map includes a list of daily encounters which include scheduled feeding times and interactive experiences. See the otters and crocodiles on their lunch break and get involved with amazing interactive shows. The encounters take place right through Butterfly Creek's opening hours, so you can visit at almost any time during opening hours to experience the exhibits.

Blue and Gold Macaw - Image Source: Butterfly Creek

Butterfly Creek is also a great destination during rainy weather. Get out of the house and escape into the enthralling tropical butterfly exhibit. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking for a fun-filled day out in Auckland that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Butterfly Creek's indoor venues are great for birthday functions without needing to worry about the weather. Take the stress out of birthdays and enjoy the occasion. Butterfly Creek offers unique and magical birthday packages with catering options and all-day fun. Best of all, the birthday child goes free!

Amazing Activities for the School Holidays

Looking for great experiences over the school holidays? Check out Butterfly Creek’s fun and engaging Junior Keeper programme.

The Junior Keeper programme allows kids to go behind the scenes and become a keeper for the day. Sticking to Butterfly Creek’s values of education and animal welfare, the Junior Keeper programme is perfect for any young animal lover.

Getting There

Visitors to Auckland can book a rental vehicle at Omega Rentals Auckland Airport and enjoy a short two-minute drive to Butterfly Creek. Keep your little ones happy with online deals or save even more with their great value annual passes.

Group pricing and individual all-attraction passes are also available, so what are you waiting for? Book your Butterfly Creek online today and explore for yourself!