A rare global invitation to operate one of only two aquaria in New Zealand is open to organisations experienced in recreational, tourism, biodiversity and educational focused facilities.
The Registration of Interest (ROI) opportunity seeks to identify parties interested in the sale or lease of the National Aquarium of New Zealand, located in the city of Napier. The new operator of the facility must continue to deliver income-generating tourism and leisure offerings, conservation outcomes, and community and educational benefits. Napier City Council is open to either a refurbishment or a full demolition and new build offering.
Napier City Council’s Executive Director of Community Services, Thunes Cloete, says New Zealand’s favourable investor policy settings and strong tourism recovery makes now the best time to seek investor interest.
“We welcome approaches from attraction operators and tourism investors, including public-private partnership approaches,” says Thunes.
The ROI, available on gets.govt.nz, closes at 2pm, Friday 16 January 2026 (NZT). Successful shortlisted respondents will be notified in the week beginning 2 March 2026.
