Orana Wildlife Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Orana Wildlife Park?
What makes it 79% Couple-Friendly: Hand-feeding giraffes, cage-viewing lions and picnic lawns give couples memorable shared moments, yet crowds of school groups and families on weekends may lessen privacy and quiet.
Positives:
- Open-Range Setting: Minimal fencing creates a natural environment for close wildlife viewing.
- Inclusive Animal Encounters: Daily feed shows and guided tours are included with admission.
- Scenic Meal Spots: Numerous picnic areas feature free BBQs with animal views.
- Intimate Experiences: Hand-feed giraffes and watch rhino belly rubs up close.
Challenges:
- Weather Exposure: Most animal areas are outdoors and offer little shelter during rain or wind.
- Walking Distance: The park spans 80 hectares and involves extensive walking between exhibits.
- Limited Indoor Seating: Café seating fills up quickly at peak lunch hours.
What is Orana Wildlife Park?
- An open-range zoo on 80 hectares west of Christchurch, housing exotic mammals including giraffes, lions, gorillas and white rhinos alongside the native kiwi
- A conservation-driven park that minimizes visible barriers, using naturalistic enclosures to replicate grassland, woodland and nocturnal habitats
- The only open zoo in New Zealand, integrating safari-style landscapes, a nocturnal kiwi house and a dedicated Great Ape Centre
What is so special about Orana Wildlife Park for couple trip?
- Feed giraffes hand-in-hand at no extra cost.
- Enjoy free guided shuttle and walkabout tours.
- Spot New Zealand’s only gorillas in morning light.
- Relax at BBQ-equipped picnic areas with animal vistas.
- Experience intimate encounters like the kiwi feed in a dark house.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for main animal presentations, giraffe feeding, and a leisurely shuttle tour without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Orana Wildlife Park
Hand-Feed a Giraffe:
Offer lettuce leaves to giraffes at the feeding platform.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to secure a good spot before the 12:00 or 15:00 feed times.
Safari Shuttle Tour:
Hop on the guided mini-bus for an overview of the open-range park.
Tip: Ask staff for shuttle times at reception and stay on board for the full 25-minute circuit.
Gorilla Viewing at Great Ape Centre:
Observe New Zealand’s only gorilla family in a naturalistic enclosure.
Tip: Visit in the morning when Fataki is most active for the best chance of seeing him up-close.
Kiwi & Native Bird Encounter:
Explore the nocturnal kiwi house and watch the daily kiwi feed.
Tip: Use the dim light mode on your camera to avoid disturbing the birds during the 13:30 feed.
Picnic & Playground Break:
Relax at scenic BBQ areas and try the flying-fox zipline nearby.
Tip: Bring your own picnic supplies and take advantage of free BBQs next to the giraffe paddock.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Orana Wildlife Park
- Plan Around Feed Times: Pick up a map and schedule to catch feedings without backtracking.
- Use the Safari Shuttle: Hop on early to rest and cover large areas efficiently.
- Time Your Visit: Arrive before 12:00 to avoid lines at popular feed stations.
Reviews of Orana Wildlife Park
VixSun 27
So cool! Good value for money! Had a shuttle if you didn't feel like walking. Lots of cool animals to see. Even got to feed the giraffes! Very ethical place no forcing the animals to interact it's all on there terms. Plenty of very friendly staff and awesome guides.
Daniel Riddle
Great little Zoo. Spacious and uncrowded when we went as it was a weekday. The best experience was being able to feed the Giraffe's for free, I have never been to a zoo that offered this. The food and hot chocolates at the Cafe were super tasty and had plenty to choose from. Also the family ticket includes up to 3 children which is so great for families.
gurminder singh
Went there few weeks ago and had very good experience. The staff was very helpful at the start by giving all the info with a map. There are primes available near reception if you have kid with you. We enjoyed our time seeing the animal. There was a bit disappointment for not seeing few of them as they are in large place surrounded with trees. But overall it was a very nice experience , our daughte...
Zinna
It was nice to go there around 1 o'clock on the weekend because it wasn't that crowded! If you go see the animals in time for feeding on the map, you can see many animals such as rhinos and giraffes right in front of your eyes, so families with children will be even better. I bought a ticket online in advance that day, and it was cheaper, so I was satisfied👍
Manoj Sivasane
The zoo map could be better to explore easily. The staff was very good. Kids enjoyed the visit, especially the dedicated animal feed times. Ample parking at the front. The shuttle service was very nice 👌. Kids love Tasmanian Devil. Overall nice to have a day out with the kids especially on a sunny day.
When is the best time to visit Orana Wildlife Park (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
In winter, layer up for chillier outdoor feeds and verify availability of tiger den and lemur sessions; in summer, pack sunscreen and refillable water to stay comfortable on open paths.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park entry for 2 adults | NZD 79 |
| Café light meal | NZD 20 |
| Souvenir gift | NZD 30 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 129 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Orana Wildlife Park
Address: 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
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About Orana Wildlife Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 359 7109Explore Popular Things to Do
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