Alma Park Zoo, June 2008 » Alma Park Zoo

24-06-2008

this is starting to go off-topic, but for comparitive purposes, some NZ zoo and aquarium prices are as follows (in NZ dollars, and as of November 2007, so some will have gone up):

Auckland Zoo $18 adult, $9 child
Hamilton Zoo $12 adult, $6 child
Wellington Zoo $15 adult, $7.50 child
Orana Park $19 adult, $7 child
Zion Wildlife Gardens (the Lion Man's zoo) $60 adult, $30 child
Mt Bruce (National Wildlife Centre) $8 adult, under 17 yrs old free
Natureland Zoo $5 adult, $2 child
Rainbow Springs $24.50 adult, $14.50 child
Willowbank $21 adult, $10.50 child
Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World $29.50 adult, $14 child
Napier Marineland $6 adult, $3 child
Napier Aquarium $14.60 adult, $12.50 child

24-06-2008

Melbourne Zoo is $23, Taronga $39. Of course government zoos receive a substantial subsidy, and also do not charge GST (so add 10% for a direct comparison).

I think it fair to say attractions in vacation areas can charge more as people see it as a "once off treat", and also people on vacation are often more interested in value for their time, rather than money. That is they would rather spend more to get a "better" experience in the limited time available.

On the last point I remember a small park years ago in Tasmania that charged 50c for admission, in the belief that it made them more accessible. They struggled with small numbers until they heard a couple at the gate discussing whether to come in - "it's only 50c, can't be worth it". They increased their admission to $2 and doubled their numbers! For the same reason discounting prices (ie 10% off with this voucher, etc) rarely brings additional visitors. People want value for their limited leisure time, and money (within reason) is less of an issue. :-)

26-06-2008

$23 for Melbournes ( generally excellent ) zoo vs $27 for lacklustre Alma Park ?

Give me Melbourne zoo any day , even if the pricings were reversed .
Alma Park Zoo has got its head in the sand when it comes to admission prices .

You can see it all ( Alma Park ) in about one hour !

04-01-2009

What's Alma Park Zoo been up to lately? Is the Sun Bear still alive? I haven't heard much out of this place in a while. Any new exhibits?