Auckland Zoo prices rise

Some preschoolers will now have to pay to visit Auckland Zoo, one of the country's most popular children's venues.

The Auckland City Council is lowering the age of free entry from 5 to 4 years and raising adult prices by $1 - to $13 - from September.

The council says that making 4-year-olds pay to see its animals has allowed it to keep the price of a child's ticket to $7. The charge for education groups stays at $3.50 a person.

Zoo director Stephen Standley said the zoo had not increased prices since 1998.

Wellington Zoo charges children 3 years and over $4 and Taronga Park Zoo, Sydney, charges $A8.50 for all children over 4 years old.