Butterfly Creek

Wildlife, Dinosaurs and All-Weather Fun Near the Airport

Just a two-minute drive from Auckland Airport at Mangere, Butterfly Creek is an all-weather wildlife park that bills itself as “more than a zoo” — and delivers. Around three-quarters of the park sits undercover, so it stays open in rain, hail or shine. With a tropical butterfly house, a saltwater crocodile, an aquarium, a farm and a Dinosaur Kingdom under one roof, it’s a reliable wet-day fix for Auckland families and an easy stop for travellers near the terminals.

Why Families Love Butterfly Creek

Few Auckland attractions pack this much variety into a single ticket.

• Tropical Butterfly House: Free-flying butterflies drift past at child height.
• Meet Scar the crocodile: The crocodile enclosure is home to a saltwater croc named Scar.
• A whole park of exhibits: An aquarium, the Buttermilk Farm with friendly farm animals, a Kiwi Forest, a Lace Monitor exhibit and the “Bugs About” insect house.
• Dinosaur Kingdom: The crowd-pleaser, with more than 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs.
• Red Admiral Express: A miniature train loops the park past roaming dinosaurs and animals.
• Two free playgrounds: Including Fred and Jo’s Adventure Playground.
• Rain or shine: Roughly three-quarters undercover — a genuine drawcard when outdoor parks are washed out.
• Well reviewed: 4.1 out of 5 across about 686 TripAdvisor reviews, plus a Travellers’ Choice award. Suits babies through primary-aged kids best, with plenty for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

2026 Pricing & Tickets (NZD)

Day-pass entry gives unlimited access to all attractions.

• Adults: $33 | Children (3–15): $16.50 | Under 3s: FREE
• Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): $89
• Seniors & students: $26
• Third or subsequent child: $14.50
• Red Admiral Express train: $4 add-on with a day pass, or $8 on its own
• Annual pass: from $57 for a year of unlimited entry
• Concessions: SuperGold holders get $7 off standard adult entry; discounted special-assistance rates apply for children, adults and carers (carers free off-peak).

Buy tickets online or at the gate.

Getting There (Public Transport & Shuttles)

Public transport here is limited, so a car is easily the simplest option — there’s a large free on-site car park with two accessible spaces.

• Free airport shuttle: The handiest option for fly-in families — available to anyone who’s bought attraction tickets. Phone 09 275 8880 from the terminal to arrange a pickup. Runs from 9.30am, last pickup around 2.30pm midweek (3.30pm on weekends and school holidays). Note: no child car seats on board.
• By bus: Route 380 (the orange “Airporter”) serves the airport precinct; nearest stops are at the corner of Tom Pearce and Leonard Isitt Drive and on Laurence Stevens Drive.
• From the city: Airbus Express drops at the terminals, leaving roughly a 10-minute walk.