In February 1912, John James Boyd created New Zealand’s first zoological garden in the heart of Royal Oak. Nearly a century later, the zoo’s spirit has been rekindled.
A key element included through not just the outlet’s name but its décor is the legend of the zookeeper’s son and his incredible feat.
The tale behind this hero may seem far-fetched to some but it’s most definitely true. When the Royal Oak zoo was at its height it housed lions, tigers, panthers, hyenas, monkeys, flamingos and other exotic animals.
Unfortunately one day a lion escaped and ran down busy Queenstown Road. It was eventually captured by the zookeeper’s son who became something of a celebrity at the time. The zoo was forced to close after the incident and its inhabitants were gifted to the newly established Auckland Zoo at Western Springs in 1922.
Now, 99 years later, the tale has been brought back to life through The Zookeeper’s Son which offers a great range of dining experiences for all tastes and ages.
Among the menu items its modern take on the traditional family roast. Roast meats are brought to the table on a large carving board for guests to carve themselves. They’re large enough for two people as a hearty main meal or for four people to share as a smaller sized main.
“Our menus offer a huge range of choices for groups of families and friends to enjoy in a smart, contemporary, yet relaxed pub environment. We have brunch, lunch and dinner menus seven days a week as well as purpose-designed kid’s menus which double as a colouring activity. Our beverage list is extensive with premium New Zealand and Australian wines through to refreshing beer including Heineken, Tiger, Erdinger, Murphy’s Stout, Amstel Light, Tui, Tui Blond, Export 33, Export Gold and the Monteith’s range including Monteith’s Crushed Apple Cider on tap.”
Overview
| Price Range | $$ – Reasonable: $8-$10 / $6-$7 |
|---|---|
| Ambience | Lively |
| Accepts credit cards | Yes |
| Wheelchair access | Yes |
| Takes reservations | Yes |
| Noise level | Upbeat |
| Licence | This venue is licenced |
| Food Options | Gluten free, Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Off street parking | Yes |
| Private functions | Yes |
| Takeaways | Yes |
| Live performances | Yes |
Products and specialities
Head to our website at www.zookeepersson.co.nz, click on the menu tab to view our full menu and our range of beers, wines and sprits. Also check out what's on at The Zoo Keepers Son.
Hours
- Mon -
- Tues -
- Wed -
- Thurs -
- Fri -
- Sat -
- Sun -
- Holidays -
Reviews
I'm not so sure I'd have discovered this place if it weren't for my CornerStore vouchers so big ups Localist for the experience - I'm really glad I found the Zookeeper's Son. Even from the first glance this is a really neat pub with plenty of its own character, without straying too far from the trail. Those in search of beer battered fries and a pint won't miss out on their home comforts, but the more pioneering can quench their thirst (and hunger) for adventure with inventive dishes and some choice wines on the list. Don't monkey around when choosing a pub off-the-beaten-path, the Zookeeper's Son will look after you just fine.
The Zoo Keepers Son is pretty cool. Love the pizza's especially the Trafalgar one. Deserts are a bit pricey for what they are and vegey options are limited. They are really good with having daily specials and cocktail specials on Saturday's. The quiz night gets quite packed so arrive early. Really great relaxed atmosphere
Every time I come here for food, its been great. They have an awesome selection of burgers and pizzas and bits n pieces. I do however think that the price of their desserts is crazy. $18 for affogato is a bit much and would prefer to walk around the corner and head to Ollies. Their fries are awesome, as they are cooked in a beer batter and the seasoning is superb! They have an upstairs area which is great for getting away from the crowd downstairs. They also have plenty of TVs and a projector screen for watching a live sports game. The staff are really friendly as well as also have portable eftpos machines if you prefer to pay as you order at your table
Awesome atmosphere! The pub quiz nights are awesome and they have all the tv screens you could possible want for watching live sport. The only downside I can think of really, is that they tend to have a live band most fri/sat nights and the volume is just too loud that in the past me and my friends have had to leave as we couldn't hear each other, even when yelling.
