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Auckland Zoo’s Dinosaur Discovery Track will come alive after dark during Dinosaur Nights & Lights, running Friday, June 20, to Sunday, July 13, giving visitors the chance to experience the track in a whole new light – literally!
A must do for the school holidays, the 5pm-8.30pm events offer whānau and friends of all ages the opportunity to see the Track’s animatronic dinosaurs lit up creatively in a truly unique environment, while enjoying kai and connection.
Two adults-only sessions – Saturday, June 28 and Saturday, July 5 – are also being offered for those over 18-years old.
The Zoo is delighted to be partnering with BNZ Lantern Festival to feature animal-themed lanterns alongside the illuminated dinosaurs. Evening activities include all daytime Track experiences (fossil digs, QR code audio guides and augmented reality), plus a ‘Silent Dino Disco’ at the site’s dinosaur tent will also be on offer for those wanting to get their dino groove on!
“These dinosaurs are formidable enough during the daylight hours but, illuminated in the dark, they are prehistorically spectacular, and offer an epic nighttime experience,” says Tataki Auckland Unlimited Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley.
“It’s not very often one gets to experience Auckland Zoo at nighttime, and we love that we’re going to be able to open our Dinosaur Discovery Track in this way for this unique winter event.”
Food options include bringing your own or purchasing from Mokonui Café and the event kai cart, serving hot food including vegetable soup and fried bread. A special hāngī will be available June 20-22.
The opening night on Friday, June 20, coincides with Matariki and will feature an acoustic performance by award-winning husband and wife duo, Aro.
Charles (Te Rarawa, Ngaapuhi, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngaati Mutunga) and Emily Looker are passionate about using music and storytelling to celebrate their cultural identity. This includes exploring ideas of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga – looking after ourselves, each other and our environment.
Entry details Dinosaur Nights & Lights is located at the Zoo’s Dinosaur Discovery Track and surrounding Watering Hole Plaza, with guided access via a specially lit path from the Zoo’s Entry Plaza. The event does not include access to the rest of the Zoo.
