Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House is located in Christchurch, Canterbury Region, and opened in 1997. It showcases freshwater aquatic animals and marine life from New Zealand’s South Island, as well as kiwi birds native to the region, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the island’s marine species and kiwis.

Five species of freshwater fish in the aquarium are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The diverse range of marine life includes mussels, rock lobsters, octopuses, starfish, brittle stars, sea urchins, and more, with detailed information provided about their development history and evolution — all aimed at raising visitors' awareness of environmental conservation. As New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi is rare and precious. At the Kiwi House, visitors can get up close to these birds, observe them closely, and even touch them.

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, 364 days a year except Christmas.

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House

Must-visit reason: New Zealand’s most stunning aquarium

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/Region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/State where the attraction is located: Canterbury Region

City where the attraction is located: Christchurch