Auckland Zoo

The Auckland Zoo contains the largest number of both exotic and native animals in New Zealand: You'll see everything from fur seals to lions to hippos. You should also wander through Te Wao Nui's six habitats native to New Zealand (by the way, Te Wao Nui means "the living realm" in Maori). One of the habitats is "The Night" and features a cave filled with nocturnal creatures, like short-tailed bats. The KidZone, complete with a sizeable playground, is a popular pit stop for families.

One TripAdvisor user ranks this facility above Singapore's world-renowned zoo, citing Auckland Zoo's affordability, manageable acreage, comfortable climate, and non-commercial feel. Many visitors—especially those traveling with kids—call this zoo "a highlight" of their trip to Auckland.

You'll find the zoo less than four miles west of central Auckland. From September 1 to April 30, the zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the last admission at 4:15 p.m.; from May 1 to August 31, the zoo closes slightly earlier at 5 p.m. Admission is $22 NZD (about $18 USD) for adults and $11 NZD (about $9 USD) for children. For more information, visit the website.