Butterfly Creek (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Butterfly Creek?
What makes it 89% Kids-Friendly: Dinosaur Kingdom, farm feeding barn, two playgrounds, train rides and croc show give constant action for ages 3-12, while wide pram-free paths help parents supervise safely.
Positives:
- Covered Paths: Most walkways are undercover, letting kids explore even if it rains.
- On-site Parking: Free car park close to the entrance makes arrival and departure easy.
Challenges:
- Warm Glasshouse: The butterfly house stays humid and hot; bring water bottles and breathable clothes.
- Stroller Route: One playground has stairs; follow the step-free path via the farm to avoid lifts.
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 kids?
- Free-flying butterflies in a hands-on glasshouse
- Kids can feed and pat farm animals
- Roaring animatronic dinosaurs excite dino fans
- Daily keeper talks and croc feed add learning fun
- Playgrounds let children burn energy between exhibits
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to see key exhibits and join daily animal talks without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Butterfly Creek
Tropical Butterfly House:
Walk through a warm glasshouse with over 800 free-flying butterflies, turtles, finches and water dragons.
Tip: Arrive early to see butterflies at peak activity; stand still near flower displays to let them land on you.
Buttermilk Farm:
Feed and pat rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and alpacas in a dry barn.
Tip: Buy animal feed at the barn entrance and supervise children to avoid startled animals.
Dinosaur Kingdom:
Explore 50 animatronic dinosaurs, including a roaring T-rex and a 24 m diplodocus.
Tip: Let kids press the dino buttons to trigger sounds and movements for extra fun.
Salt-water Croc Show:
Watch keepers feed Goldie and Scar and learn about crocodile habits.
Tip: Arrive by 12:50 pm for the best viewing spots at the raised platform.
Adventure Playground:
Let kids climb, slide and swing in a large play area next to the café.
Tip: Drop in between exhibits so kids can burn off energy and parents can rest at nearby tables.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Butterfly Creek
- Book Online: Buy general-entry tickets in advance to skip the ticket line on busy weekends.
- Plan Around Talks: Check the daily schedule and gather at the croc feed and reptile talks to keep kids engaged.
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)?
In summer, arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and high glasshouse temperatures. In winter, head first to the warm butterfly house so children stay comfortable.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission (2 adults) | NZD 70 |
| General admission (2 children) | NZD 44 |
| Train ride (4 rides) | NZD 10 |
| Café lunch (4 meals) | NZD 60 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 184 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Butterfly Creek
Address: 10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
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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
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