Tuatara Encounter

Get up close and personal with the living fossil of New Zealand. The Tuatara encounter at Hamilton Zoo is a truly unique experience where you can meet these incredible creatures, find out what they feel like and learn about their prehistoric origins.

During this encounter, you’ll be accompanied by our expert ectotherm keepers who will take you behind the scenes and introduce you to one of our resident tuataras. 

You'll have the opportunity to see this remarkable 'living fossil' up close, and learn all about their diets, behaviours, habitats and ongoing vital conservation work happening in your very own backyard!

The Animal Encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes overall with a maximum of 8 people per group. You'll be in close proximity to the animal for a minimum of 15 minutes. Every Animal Encounter is unique and the amount of interaction will be led by the animals themselves to ensure their welfare.

Please note: 

Standard Hamilton Zoo entry fee applies in addition to the price of the Animal Encounter.

Spaces are limited, booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Exclusive Animal Encounters are also available, please contact Hamilton Zoo directly to enquire.

All participants must be over the age of 5 years old. Children 5-15 years of age must have an accompanying adult (booked and paid) with them on the encounter. There must be at least one adult per every three children.

Please contact our team at zooinfo@hcc.govt.nz to discuss any disabilities or impairments that may affect your ability to engage in these experiences so we can assess them on a case-by-case basis.

We want to make sure all Animal Encounter participants have an enjoyable experience. It is the responsibility of the participants to read the terms and conditions prior to arriving at Hamilton Zoo.