Butterfly Creek (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Butterfly Creek?
What makes it 79% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free, prams reach all exhibits, parents’ room offers nursing and change tables, café has high-chairs; loud animatronic roars may frighten some infants, so plan quiet zones.
Positives:
- Free baby entry: Children under 3 enter free, so you only pay for the two adults.
- Pram-friendly paths: All main exhibits are on level ground with wide walkways for buggies.
Challenges:
- Limited change facilities: Only two baby-change tables in the Parents’ Room; expect short waits at peak times.
- Playground access: Adventure playground has stairs and is not suitable for prams or babies.
What is Butterfly Creek?
- A zoological park and insect wetland museum in Auckland, New Zealand, housing live butterflies, native birds, reptiles and small mammals
- A themed complex that unites a tropical butterfly greenhouse, a kiwi aviary, an animatronic dinosaur kingdom and a marine aquarium
- A purpose-built attraction near Auckland Airport featuring farm-animal enclosures and a miniature train circuit
What is so special about Butterfly Creek for with baby?
- Free entry for under-3s with pram access to all exhibits
- Enjoy warm, color-rich butterfly house and calm aquarium indoors
- Use Parents’ Room beside café for feeding and changing
- Train ride and café breaks add fun without charging baby
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows a relaxed pace to enjoy exhibits, feed and change the baby, and take breaks in café areas.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Butterfly Creek
Tropical Butterfly House:
Stroll through a warm glasshouse with 800+ free-flying butterflies.
Tip: Visit mid-morning when butterflies are most active and feed the baby here for warmth and color stimulation.
Aquarium & Mythic Creatures:
Explore covered exhibits with reef fish, seahorses, unicorns and dragons.
Tip: Wide, level paths fit prams; dim lighting soothes fussy babies.
Dinosaur Kingdom:
Walk among 50 animatronic dinosaurs on a level outdoor path.
Tip: Use the step-free route along the farm area to avoid stairs and keep the pram moving smoothly.
Parents’ Room & Baby-Change:
Access a private nursing space with two change tables beside the café.
Tip: Plan feeding breaks here between exhibits and ask café staff to warm bottles on request.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Butterfly Creek
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds at the butterfly house and secure the Parents’ Room first.
- Use farm bypass: Take the step-free farm-area path to avoid stairs on the dinosaur kingdom route.
Reviews of Butterfly Creek
Greg Yen
Stuck at the airport and need to kill some time? Need to tick "see a kiwi bird" off your list before you leave beautiful NZ? Butterfly Creek is a good option. Their butterfly area was super pretty, the staff are friendly and kind, and if you've got a dino loving kiddo then you're in luck. It being what it is I'll give Butterfly Creek 5 stars for their location and the kiwi birds.
Rachel Thorn
Kids really enjoyed it. Plenty to look at for old and young. Some of the dinosour exhibits showing age and use with small rips and marks, but still cool to look at. Would go again. Still can't get over the size of the salty crocs! Great coffee in the café to. Rate it.
Eugene T
This is our 2nd time here and the first time was 8yrs ago. Some of the exhibits are quite dated but still interesting for young children. There are attractions which are still interesting for the older aged children including adults, like the animal talks/feeds, crocodile show and of course the butterfly area where you can experience the magnificent insects landing onto you. The tram ride is an ad...
Arthur Charlton
My Grandaughter Hayley from MELBOURNE was due for her 30th birthday, what’s a fantastic family plan she thought? Here’s the action! I will go to NZ and take granddad, aunty and her granddaughters to a fabulous attraction BUTTERFLY CREEK near Auckland airport! WOW! an absolutely amazing choice, friendly staff, well maintained, safety precautions adhered to by all! We hit cafe first as you do! The...
Moira
My 3 yr old liked it. The farm route was more of a hit for him as he got to feed some baby animals. The Dinosaur route was also great. The water where the massive octopus is in is very dirty. The train ride is also okay for the price. Crocodile enclosure was very quiet. Reckon a bit more excitement could be amended. For entry price I'd say the price could be adjusted less as it takes a very short ...
When is the best time to visit Butterfly Creek (Auckland, New Zealand)?
Butterflies are most active in warmer months (Nov–Mar). On cooler or wet days head first to indoor exhibits like the aquarium and dinosaur kingdom.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Red Admiral Express train ride (2 adults) | NZD 5 |
| Café snack or drink | NZD 15 |
| On-site parking | NZD 0 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 20 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Butterfly Creek
Address: 10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Butterfly Creek (Auckland)?
About Butterfly Creek
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 9 275 888010 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇳🇿 New Zealand, with baby
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities