Animals might be wonderful, quirky and cool but there just aren't enough of them that can carry out a conversation with you. At least, not in your native tongue (speaking meow with your cat just results in confusion for both parties). But parrots are a different story - not only are they colourful and characterful, lots of them can talk too.

Grab a family pass to The Parrot Place for just $12 and get your feathered fix. It's valid for up to two adults and up to three children under 14 years.

At The Parrot Place you can see parrots from all around the world: Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. South American Macaws Inca and Pichou are favourites amongst regulars but there's also some celebrities closer to home with New Zealand's native Kakariki and the endangered Antipodes Parrot. Take a stroll through the large walk in aviaries and get close to the birds in a natural environment. Make sure you take along your camera because there will be plenty of photo opportunities with all the beautiful colours of the parrots on display.