About The Zookeeper’s Son
The Zookeeper’s Son is a multi-level gastropub and bar located at 715 Mt Albert Road in the Royal Oak suburb of Auckland (stargroup.nz ). Opened around 2011, it is owned by the Star Group pub chain and styled as a friendly, family-oriented local (even advertised as “Royal Oak’s best loved local” (stargroup.nz )). The pub’s décor and name pay homage to Auckland’s early zoo history – as the venue itself notes, it is a deliberate nod to “the family which ran one of Auckland’s first zoos in the Royal Oak area” (stargroup.nz ) (teara.govt.nz ). With a quirky jungle theme and warm, casual vibe (“treating all like family” (stargroup.nz ) (www.readkong.com )), the place combines pub classics with unique features. It contains a spacious ground-floor bar, a raised mezzanine lounge, and a rooftop garden terrace with a fully retractable roof (www.readkong.com ) (www.readkong.com ) (the rooftop is also called the “Tree Tops” function room). According to event listings, the venue can host roughly 180 people across all its areas (www.cvent.com ). Other signature touches include rustic wood floors, leafy green hedge walls and hanging plants in the rooftop (creating a “luscious” market-garden feel) (www.readkong.com ) (www.readkong.com ). Overall, The Zookeeper’s Son combines the intimacy of a neighbourhood pub with the facilities of a small live-music venue, making it a notable spot in the local scene.
Events and Programming
The Zookeeper’s Son is best known for its regular entertainment schedule. In particular, it runs live music every weekend: on Friday nights a different five-piece band plays from about 9pm–midnight, and on Saturday nights a resident “Mischief” five-piece band plays a similar set of crowd-pleasing anthems (stargroup.nz ). These weekly bands cover popular rock, pop and dance tunes and have crowds up and dancing. During the week the pub hosts other events – for example, community-friendly activities like trivia or quizzes. Notably, it has held family quiz events during school holidays (e.g. a “School Holiday Family Quiz” for kids aged 3–10) (www.aucklandforkids.co.nz ). The venue also screens major sports matches on its big TVs (the rooftop bar has large screens) (www.readkong.com ) (www.aucklandforkids.co.nz ), so All Blacks rugby games or other important fixtures draw sports fans. One-off special events (themed DJ nights, band shows or charity fundraisers) are announced a few weeks in advance. Tickets for big shows tend to be inexpensive (often NZ$10–30) or even free for smaller gigs; many patrons come simply to pay the $5–10 bar tab to support musicians. In short, The Zookeeper’s Son has a packed entertainment calendar – live bands most nights, plus quiz and sports events – keeping it lively any night of the week (stargroup.nz ) (www.aucklandforkids.co.nz ).
Tickets and Booking
There is no separate box-office at The Zookeeper’s Son – it functions like a pub, not a large concert hall. For ticketed events (special gigs or private functions), patrons typically buy tickets through the venue’s own channels or promoters. The pub’s website or social media will announce presales, and sometimes third-party outlets list tickets. In many cases you can also buy entry at the door on the night (subject to availability). Most shows (especially the weekly live bands) are free or very low-cost, so guests often just walk in or RSVP informally. For popular events, tickets may sell out, so the best approach is to keep an eye on official announcements and book early. If you’re planning a group visit—like a birthday or corporate function—you can also call the pub or book online via the Star Group reservation system. Overall, assume a pub vibe: arrive early for big nights, and check in advance rather than expecting on-the-spot sales.
Seating and Layout
The layout of The Zookeeper’s Son is divided into several zones. At ground level is the main bar area – a long, open room with high tables and stools around a central bar. This is the heart of the venue and becomes the dance floor when bands play. To the south of the bar is a pool-table lounge, which can be set aside for smaller private events (www.cvent.com ). A staircase leads up to the mezzanine level, an open balcony overlooking the main bar (www.readkong.com ). The mezzanine is furnished with lounge seating and cocktail tables. It has an elevated view of the action below and even includes a fresh-air balcony overlooking the courtyard. This area is sometimes used as a relaxed lounge (and in fact is often presented as a children’s lounge for family events). The rooftop garden (“Tree Tops”) is on the top floor – an outdoor terrace with a retractable roof for comfort in all weather. It features its own bar, private bathrooms, large TVs and full audio controls (www.readkong.com ). Adjacent to the building is a courtyard patio, which can be arranged either cocktail-style (about 50 standing) or with a long communal table (25 seated) (stargroup.nz ). For acoustics, the pub’s PA system is tuned to all areas. (Note: the mezzanine is open-air to the main room, so it can get quite noisy during peak times.) In practice, the best spot for band views is usually on the main floor right in front of the stage, but the mezzanine and rooftop both provide good vantage points with a different atmosphere. The venue does not have fixed assigned seating for bands – it’s mostly general admission on the main floor, with some bench and bar seating around.
Getting There and Parking
The Zookeeper’s Son sits on Mt Albert Road, a main arterial street in the Royal Oak area (stargroup.nz ). By car, the highlight is the free car park located behind the pub building (stargroup.nz ) – this is explicitly mentioned as “Free on-site car parking available behind the establishment,” so just pull into the back lane. Street parking along Mt Albert Road is limited to metered spaces or short-term zones, so the free lot is safest on busy nights. For public transport, multiple bus routes serve Royal Oak directly. Nearby stops on Mt Albert Road are served by routes like 27H/27W/27T (between Newmarket and Ōtāhuhu), 66 (to Ellerslie), and 295 (to Onehunga) (moovitapp.com ). These drop off almost at the pub’s doorstep. The nearest train station is Mt Albert (on the Western Line) about 1.5 km north, and you can also reach Royal Oak via the Onehunga or Southern rail lines with a short bus from Kingsland or Ellerslie stations. Rideshare and taxis frequently service Mt Albert Road; just have the driver drop you at the pub entrance. If you’re walking from the south, Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill (domain) are only a 10–15 minute walk away (www.readkong.com ). In summary: drive and use the free back lot, or take any of the regular buses that stop in Royal Oak (they’re a couple of minutes’ walk from the pub) (moovitapp.com ).
Inside the Venue
Upon entering, expect a lively pub atmosphere. The venue is casual with a rustic, cabin-like interior (wood tables, open beams, and some animal-theme décor). During the day it’s family- and lunch-friendly; at night it turns into a live-music bar. The bartenders serve a full bar with cold draught beers, wines and spirits, along with a kitchen offering pub fare. The menu focuses on Kiwi pub classics (think burgers, steaks, fish-&-chips, and daily roast dinners often served on wooden carving boards). In fact, the pub’s own description notes “our modest food and fresh drinks” as reasons to gather (stargroup.nz ). The kitchen usually runs until about 9–10pm; thereafter only bar nibbles (fries, wings, etc.) are available. ID is checked from late afternoon onward (it’s a licensed venue), so carry photo ID if you plan to drink. The dress code is very informal – casual clothing is fine (www.dresscodefinder.com ). Guests have partial view of TV screens throughout. There is no coat check desk for walk-ins (but during events a coat rack is provided at the back for coats free of charge). Free Wi-Fi is not advertised (so assume you’ll rely on your mobile data). Restrooms are on the ground floor, and additionally there are bathrooms on the rooftop terrace (www.readkong.com ). Note that neither the mezzanine nor the rooftop have elevator access – they require using stairs. The staff generally treat patrons kindly (“Kiwi welcome” (www.cvent.com )), so service is friendly and table service is common on busy nights. Small details: the pub provides water jugs at the bar, has push-button bathroom taps, and will tuck away small personal items if you ask. Standard pub rules apply: no outside food or alcohol, and no smoking indoors (a designated smoking area is available outside on the courtyard). Live music nights can be loud – earplugs can help if you’re sensitive. Overall, the inside of The Zookeeper’s Son is comfy and unpretentious, with enough windows and skylights upstairs to feel airy yet warm.
Nearby Amenities
The venue’s location makes it easy to combine with nearby amenities. As mentioned, scenic Cornwall Park (One Tree Hill) is one block south (www.readkong.com ), so you can visit the park’s café or walk the countryside. For meals outside the pub, a few minutes’ drive or walk north on Mt Albert Rd will get you to Royal Oak Shopping Centre, which houses cafes, Asian takeaway shops and quick bites. Directly across the street and around the corner there are standalone restaurants (ethnic cuisines like Korean, Vietnamese and Indian) and a bakery. A 7-Eleven store is half a block away, and liquor stores are within walking distance if needed (though you can’t bring outside alcohol in). Late-night dining options are limited in the immediate area, so many patrons wait until after a show to head into wider Auckland (to Sandringham or city) for a snack. If you need overnight accommodation, hotels around Newmarket or Ellerslie are the closest options; downtown Auckland is about a 10-minute drive with many hotel choices. For transportation after midnight, taxis and ride-shares queue up on Mt Albert Road near the pub. (Bus service runs until roughly midnight on weekends, so plan accordingly.) In general, aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before showtime if you want a meal or a guaranteed seat – the place fills up in the early evening on Fridays and Saturdays.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Zookeeper’s Son stands out as more than a generic suburban pub. Its uniqueness begins with the theme and name – a playful tribute to the pioneer zoo of Royal Oak (stargroup.nz ) (teara.govt.nz ). The interior design (green plants, wooden finishes, jungle murals) and even subtle details (animal figurines, carved wood signs) create a friendly “urban jungle” atmosphere that most pubs lack. Another special feature is the rooftop garden terrace with its verandah-like feel and real grass feature; few Auckland bars have a fully-outdoor tiered room with its own fully-retractable roof (www.readkong.com ) (www.readkong.com ). The multi-zone layout (courtyard, rooftop, mezzanine, pool table area) allows different groups to enjoy the space in their own way. Culturally, the pub has become a community hub – it routinely hosts family quizzes (www.aucklandforkids.co.nz ), screenings of local sports, and even school holiday events, which is unusual for a “late-night bar”. Many locals say their gatherings “feel like home” in this venue. It has earned praise in local media as a hidden gem where the drinks are cold and the staff know your name (stargroup.nz ) (stargroup.nz ). Finally, successful function events like weddings or birthdays are commonplace here, thanks to on-site event planning services – one guide calls the rooftop and mezzanine “fantastic” for celebrations (www.cvent.com ). In short, The Zookeeper’s Son is special because it blends a community-minded spirit and quirky décor with quality live entertainment, turning a simple neighbourhood pub into a beloved Auckland venue.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Accessibility:** The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible, but be aware that the mezzanine and rooftop have steps to reach them. Assistance is not guaranteed unless arranged, so mention any mobility needs when booking. Restrooms on the main level are accessible; additional toilets upstairs serve the rooftop bar.
www.dresscodefinder.com ). Most people wear jeans and tees or smart-casual tops. Feel free to wear team sports gear if you’re there to watch a game, but avoid muddy sports boots if the rooftop is open.
www.readkong.com ), so bands will keep volume in check. Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor courtyard; vaping and e-cigs are treated like smoking.
stargroup.nz ) (www.readkong.com ).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I purchase tickets for an event at The Zookeeper’s Son?
For most events at The Zookeeper’s Son, tickets (if required) are sold through the venue’s own channels or partner sites in advance. Many local band nights are free entry with no ticket needed; you simply pay any cover charge or bar tab on the night. For bigger shows, you can usually buy online via the pub’s official announcements or arrive early at the door to see if tickets are still available. In short, check the pub’s event listings and book early if needed, or arrive early for popular nights.
What is the seating capacity of the venue?
According to event planning resources, The Zookeeper’s Son can host up to about 180 guests across its various areas (www.cvent.com ). This includes people inside the main bar, mezzanine, rooftop terrace and outdoor courtyard. It’s not a very large venue, so space can fill up on busy nights (be sure to arrive early for a good spot).
Is there parking available and is it free?
Yes, The Zookeeper’s Son provides free on-site parking behind the building (stargroup.nz ). You can pull into the rear car park (enter from the laneway off Mt Albert Road) at no charge. Street parking is limited and often metered, so the back parking lot is the preferred option for patrons. The venue explicitly mentions this free parking in its information.
What public transport serves The Zookeeper’s Son?
Several Auckland bus routes stop near the pub. In particular, the 27H, 27W, 27T and 66 (which run along Mt Albert Road) and the 295 (Onehunga route) all have stops a minute or two away (moovitapp.com ). For trains, the closest station is Mt Albert on the Western Line (about a 15-minute walk), and the Onehunga/Southern lines can be reached via a short bus or taxi connection. In practice, buses are the easiest public transit: just hop off at Royal Oak or Gloucester stops on Mt Albert Road and the pub is right there.
Where are the best places to sit for live music at The Zookeeper’s Son?
For live bands, the prime spots are on the ground floor in front of the stage so you can be right in the middle of the action. If you prefer a little distance, the mezzanine lounge also offers clear sightlines downward to the stage (www.readkong.com ). The rooftop (if open for general admission) provides a view from above, but note that it’s farther back and can be a bit quieter. In short, front of the main floor is best for sound and immersion; the mezzanine and rooftop are good for a more relaxed view.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
The ground-floor area of The Zookeeper’s Son is wheelchair accessible (ramped entrance and flat interior). However, the mezzanine level and rooftop are accessed by stairs only, with no elevator. If you require level access, plan to stay on the main floor. If uncertain, it’s best to contact the venue ahead of time to discuss accommodations.
Can I bring children to The Zookeeper’s Son?
Yes, children are allowed as long as they are with a parent or guardian (www.readkong.com ). The venue welcomes families especially during early evenings or special events (like the school holiday quiz). After around 8pm on weekends the atmosphere becomes more adult and the legal drinking age rules apply, but parents can still remain with their children. In short, it is a family-friendly pub until late evening.
What kind of food and drinks are served?
The Zookeeper’s Son offers a standard Kiwi pub menu. Expect grill and bar fare: burgers, steaks, fish-and-chips, salads, and daily specials like roast dinners. Portions are hearty (often served on wooden boards) and meant to accompany beer or wine. The bar stocks a range of cold draught beers (including local craft taps), wines, spirits and basic mixers. They also serve soft drinks, coffee and a few teas. The kitchen is open till about 9–10pm (earlier on event nights), after which only bar snacks are available. Overall, you’ll get classic Pub Grub rather than fine dining.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code – casual attire is perfectly fine (www.dresscodefinder.com ). Jeans, t-shirts, jerseys or casual shirts are all acceptable. On busy nights people often come straight from sporting events or work in casual clothes. As a rule, wear clean casual wear (no beachwear or swimwear, etc.). You can treat it like a friendly neighbourhood pub in terms of clothing.
Why is it called "The Zookeeper’s Son"?
The name honors local history. In the early 1900s a private zoo (Royal Oak Zoological Gardens) operated nearby. The bar’s branding is a playful tribute to that past. According to the venue, it’s a nod to the family that ran Auckland’s first zoo in Royal Oak (stargroup.nz ) (teara.govt.nz ). In other words, the “zookeeper” in the name refers to those early animal keepers (and their families) from Royal Oak’s zoo days.
Does The Zookeeper’s Son have free Wi-Fi?
No, public Wi-Fi is not offered. Plan to use mobile data for connectivity. (Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the pub, including the rooftop.)
Is smoking allowed inside?
No. By law, the entire indoor area is smoke-free. A designated smoking area is provided outside on the courtyard terrace. Vaping (e-cigarettes) is treated the same as smoking. Staff will guide you to the correct outdoor spot if you want to smoke or vape.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No outside alcohol or food is allowed (standard bar policy). The pub’s kitchen and bar are where you should purchase any drinks or meals. The only exception is if you have a special request (like a birthday cake) – the staff can sometimes accommodate that if you arrange it in advance. Otherwise, plan to buy everything on site.
Is there a coat check?
Not for casual visitors, but on event nights they usually put out a coat rack in the back area. It’s free to use. If you arrive on a very cold evening, you can ask staff where to hang your coat – they provide a rack behind the bar or in the kitchen area for guests’ jackets.
What happens if it rains on a Sunday BBQ or rooftop event?
No worries – the rooftop bar has a fully retractable roof (www.readkong.com ), so they can open it or close it as needed. It was designed so that events can continue regardless of the weather. When the roof is closed, the space becomes an all-weather room with shade and cover. If the rain is very heavy and outdoor seating becomes wet, staff will accommodate everyone under cover.
