National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier
The Ultimate Underwater Experience on Marine Parade in Napier, NZ
Aug 23, 2009
Situated on Napier’s Marine Parade, the National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to the greatest range of marine animals and native species in the country. If unhindered by time constraints or the ‘hurry-up-ness’ of younger people, two hours would not be too long to set aside for enjoying a visit to the aquarium.
History and Overview of the National Aquarium of New Zealand
Napier has long held an interest in the study of marine life. A group of keen locals established New Zealand’s first public aquarium in 1956, a purpose-built aquarium was constructed in 1976, and the National Aquarium officially opened its doors in 2002. The aquarium's proximity to the ocean means that fresh seawater can continually be circulated into tanks and enclosures.
Aquarium staff have an internationally respected reputation for specialist knowledge, and an ongoing involvement in research, education and scientific programmes. As well as many individual tanks holding single species, an underwater tunnel allows visitors to ‘walk’ with some 1,500 fish. The sheer grace and beauty of marine life can truly be appreciated from this vantage point. The aquarium offers the uniquely exciting adventure of swimming with sharks, and houses some of New Zealand’s earliest fossils.
Joan Wiffen Discovered that Dinosaurs Once Inhabited New Zealand
Visitors enter the aquarium at the logical beginning, the exhibits of fossilised remains of the dinosaurs that once roamed New Zealand’s east coast. The fossil collection bears testimony to the late Joan Wiffen’s dedicated work in uncovering the first evidence that dinosaurs once inhabited New Zealand. An exhibit that this writer found particularly moving was a reconstruction of Wiffen’s tiny workshop and the tools, many of them makeshift, that she used during her rigorous field work and painstaking research.
Education and Conservation at the National Aquarium of New Zealand
The National Aquarium offers stimulating educational experiences for students outside the classroom, with programmes presented by fully trained professional educators. Themed sleepovers include a range of activities, dinner, supper and breakfast: 6:00pm-8:30am. Bookings are essential.
Committed to protecting and conserving the earth’s habitats and biodiversity, the aquarium has ongoing involvement with conservation programmes and public events that promote conservation.
Exotic and Native Species Live in the National Aquarium
Among the reptiles found in the aquarium are geckos, blue-tongued skinks, Izzy (is-he-going-to-bite) the 19-year old crocodile who came to Napier from Singapore, and New Zealand’s own living fossil, the tuatara. Tuatara are an extremely endangered species, living in the wild now only in some offshore islands of New Zealand. The National Aquarium is world-renowned for its programme of breeding tuatara in captivity.
Eel have long been a useful food source in New Zealand. Napier’s own ‘Big Mamma’ is a large, shortfin eel, brought to the aquarium in 1990 from a local farmer’s field. She is quite tame and can be handfed.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand is a Fun, Educational Place to Visit
From tropical oceans, backwater streams, rocky shores and swampy wetlands, the National Aquarium of New Zealand houses a multitude of species. Exhibits are labelled with clear, interesting information and tanks are easily accessible. Even small children are able to get up close and personal with most inhabitants.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand, Marine Parade, Napier, Hawke's Bay is only a ten-minute walk from Napier’s city centre. Guided tours (bookings essential). Open 9am – 5pm seven days weekly, except Christmas day. Gift shop and café on site. PO Box 123, Napier, 410 New Zealand. 0064 + 6 834 1404; info@nationalaquarium.co.nz.
 |
 |
