Want to get an up close and personal look into the life of a cheetah, chimp, rhino, ring-tailed lemur or perhaps even a tuatara?  Our delux Eye 2 Eye encounters will allow you to see into the exciting world of your favourite animal and learn about their life at Hamilton Zoo.

All Eye 2 Eye tours are are for groups of up to five people, and there is one flat fee per group (e.g. no individual pricing).

This is a great educational experience. You will leave feeling better educated about the life of the animals at Hamilton Zoo and the important role a modern zoo can play in conservation and the preservation of species.

Our New and Improved Eye 2 Eye encounters are as follows:

1.  The Small Primate Tour

Includes:

• Entry into the Zoo
• Primate Talk - conservation, diet etc.
• Hand feed the Ringtail Lemurs
• Hand feed the off display Cotton-Top Tamarins
• Rainforest back of house tour

Imagine being shown around the rainforest exhibits before meeting the capuchins, ruffed lemurs and siamang.  You'll handfeed the adorable cotton-topped tamarins (through mesh only) before entering the ringtail lemur exhibit for an intimate interaction and unforgettable handfeeding experience.  You'll learn interesting facts on husbandry, conservation and animal enrichment from the keeper as you enjoy your tour.

Phone us on (07) 8386720 if you would like further information or to book your space on this Small Primate Eye 2 Eye tour. 

Click here for info on pricing.

2.  The Carnivore Tour

Includes:

• Entry to the Zoo
• Keeper talk - conservation, diet etc.
• Get up close to the cheetah and safely feed if deemed appropriate by the keeper
• Get up close to a tiger
• Enjoy a wild dog back of house tour

Get up close and personal with our cheetahs, tigers and hunting dogs.  You'll visit the cheetah yards, tiger dens and dog yards while learning about animal safety, conservation issues and husbandry.  Imagine experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity to observe these incredible creatures up close!

* For Keeper and Visitor safety all viewing of carnivores is through mesh only

Phone us on (07) 8386720 if you would like further information or to book your space on this Carnivore Eye 2 Eye tour. 

Click here for info on pricing.

3.  The Rhino Tour

Includes:

• Entry to the Zoo
• Keeper talk - conservation, diet etc.
• Watch a Rhino training session in crush, touch and feed a rhino if deemed appropriate by keeping staff

Ever wanted to feel the mud-covered skin of a rhino?  Come and meet our rhinos at this special, behind-the-scenes tour.  You'll learn fascinating facts about these amazing animals, before being able to get close enough to touch them!

Phone us on (07) 8386720 if you would like further information or to book your space on this Rhino Eye 2 Eye tour.

Click here for info on pricing.

4.  The Chimp Tour

Includes:

• Entry to the Zoo
• Keeper talk - conservation, diet etc.
• Setup food in the downstairs enclosure or in the chimp exhibit
• Feed and meet the chimps

Imagine meeting these characters in the flesh!  You'll help set up their food and enrichment, and will be introduced to them by your keeper.  Their individual personalities and behaviors will fascinate and amaze you.

*For Keeper and Visitor safety all viewing is through wire only

Phone us on (07) 8386720 if you would like further information or to book your space on this Chimp Eye 2 Eye tour.

Click here for info on pricing.

5.  The Tuatara Tour

Includes:

• Entry to the Zoo
• A certificate
• Keeper talk - conservation, diet etc.
• Meet a Tuatara
• Native Bird Tour
• Photo with the Tuatara

This is the essential tour for those wanting to know more about New Zealand's native species.  Have an upclose and personal encounter with our special Tuatara before taking a tour to see some of our beautiful native birds.

Phone us on (07) 8386720 if you would like further information or to book your space on this Tuatara Eye 2 Eye tour.

Click here for info on pricing.

Phone us on (07) 8386720 if you would like further information or to book your space on this Rhino Eye 2 Eye tour.

What is required of visitors:
We aim to keep you and the animals safe so please adhere to all keeper instructions while on your Eye 2 Eye encounter.  In some circumstances you will be asked to dip your feet in a disinfectant footbath upon leaving an animal enclosure and to wash your hands after contact with an animal.