Step through a portal to a prehistoric world where dinosaurs rule. Watch crocodiles being fed right in front of you at Butterfly Creek. Experience vivid colors and wild creatures at one of the largest butterfly houses in New Zealand before you interact with some of your favorite farm animals, including goats, sheep and alpacas.
Begin at the majestic aquarium where a 30-foot-long (9-meter) tank holds a bright coral reef and a selection of tropical fish. Peer through the glass to see the orange glow of clownfish along with tiny tetra and graceful angelfish.
Next visit the butterfly house where you’ll see a huge variety of creatures from across the world. Most of the butterflies here come from Central America and Asia. Meanwhile, the trees are alive with playful tamarin monkeys and the pools hold turtles and catfish. Visit during the late morning when newly spawned butterflies are released to spread their wings for the very first time.
From here, move to the extremely popular crocodile enclosure. The Australian saltwater crocodiles here each weigh about 1,300 pounds (600 kilograms). Watch them tear apart a meal of chicken or beef around lunchtime each day.
It is perhaps fitting that the next display in the park focuses on the crocodile’s extinct relatives. Dinosaur Kingdom offers a fully immersive experience as you stand beside a 79-foot (24-meter) diplodocus and look on as a triceratops bravely fights off the colossal T. rex. Admire rare fossils and find out more about how these remarkable creatures lived.
Enjoy a family visit to Buttermilk Farm. Here all ages can pet and play with a selection of adorable animals including rabbits, sheep and alpacas. Buy a bag of feed and let a goat eat out of your hand or cuddle one of the adorable guinea pigs.
Butterfly Creek is located 20 minutes by car from central Auckland and a 15-minute walk from the city airport. The park is open all week with varying admission fees depending on what areas you want to visit.
