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National Aquarium

Marine Parade, Napier, New Zealand
06 835 7579
Website
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Ranked #8 of 15 attractions in Napier
Type: Aquariums
Owner description: Welcome to the national Aquarium, Marine Parade, Napier.Te Whare Tangaroa O Aotearoa New Zealand's largest display of aquatic life and unique New... more » Owner description: Welcome to the national Aquarium, Marine Parade, Napier.Te Whare Tangaroa O Aotearoa New Zealand's largest display of aquatic life and unique New Zealand wildlife, including sharks, stingrays, living coral, kiwi, tuatara and a huge range of fish species. A fun and educational place to visit for all the family. Located in Napier, the National Aquarium is one of the premier Hawke's Bay Tourist Attractions. Opening Hours: Daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm, last entry 4:30pm, closed Christmas Day « less
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152 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Wellington, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Had a great morning walking through taking in the attractions. Great surprise to see 2 kiwis, was definitely a highlight. Was very clean and well looked after. Some grest aquatic life to be seen.

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See 2 more reviews by Girvatron for Napier
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

Even though the aquarium is small there is so much to see, I was even lucky enough to see two kiwi's up close - amazing. Everything is in great condition and really looked after well. Had a great time and would definitly return. Brilliant!!

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NationalAquariumHB, Manager at National Aquarium, responded to this review
14 May 2013

Appreciate your positive feedback. Fantastic that you had a great time, we look forward to seeing you again. More

2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Great day out for the whole family, an excellently presented experience lovely and helpful staff nice cafe

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Tauranga, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

This is an awesome experience. The chlidren had great fun exploring this wonder and the little cafe was very reasonably priced and friendly - great food also!

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See 3 more reviews by Theresa A for Napier
NationalAquariumHB, Manager at National Aquarium, responded to this review
14 May 2013

Pleased that you enjoyed your experience. The café staff love meeting new people and will be pleased to know that you have taken away good memories from your time with us. More

Wellington, New Zealand
Top Contributor
94 reviews 94 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 54 cities Reviews in 54 cities
52 helpful votes 52 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

The Aquarium seemed like a good idea on a grey, ho-hum sort of day but I was disappointed to find it a decidedly average experience. We took overseas visitors from the UK, one of whom was desperate to see some penguins, but having missed the feeding time the penguins were tucked up in their burrows and she had to make... More

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See 7 more reviews by Kiwibabe for Napier
waterford
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

'Never been to Aquarium before. We went at 1pm. Din din times for the little blue penguins. Sad little creatures, one was blind, and kept bashing its little blue head off side of the pool, one had only one flipper so kept going 'round in circles, and so on and so forth. These little creatures have been rescued from man.... More

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See 2 more reviews by kenneth b B for Napier
NationalAquariumHB, Manager at National Aquarium, responded to this review
14 May 2013

Education of our children is a big part of what we do here. Making them aware of the issues you highlight, animal welfare and how they can make a difference. Thank you for your feedback. More

Evergreen, Colorado
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

This aquarium in Napier was a must miss unless you have a rainy day and toddlers with you. The marine life was not impressive except a few sharks. The penguins were hiding as we'll as the kiwi bird & didn't come out. A lot of the fish were comm,on fish tank pets. Little children were running around screaming everywhere.

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See 5 more reviews by lauretteny for Napier
Tokoroa, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

Really worth a visit, kids and adults alike. Would definately recommend visiting this. Was pleasantly surprised.

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See 3 more reviews by Mclean886 for Napier
NationalAquariumHB, Manager at National Aquarium, responded to this review
14 May 2013

Thank you for oyur feedback. Glad you enjoyed your visit. and hope to see you again soon. More

Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

good all round aquarium, giant turtle had to be the highlight, some good hands on stuff too, very accessible in napier...

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See 7 more reviews by DrJMacP for Napier
Sydney, Australia
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

Kiwi's are notoriously difficult to see and this one was no exception but we get very close and if you're lucky (as we were) you can see it pecking away just in front of you. My photos is of a black blob in the darkness but I have the memory..... I kept waiting for a better photo opportunity but it... More

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