Orana Wildlife Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Orana Wildlife Park?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free, pram-wide paths and stroller hire ease movement, but the park lists no dedicated nursing rooms or change tables, so carers must use standard toilets or picnic spots.
Positives:
- Free Baby Entry: Children under 5 enter at no charge, saving on ticket costs.
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Wide, paved paths and the shuttle make it easy to navigate with a push-chair.
Challenges:
- No Dedicated Change Tables: Baby-change facilities are in standard restrooms only; bring a changing mat.
- Weather Exposure: Some picnic and seating areas have little shelter; pack rain gear or sunshade.
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 with baby?
- Open-range zoo with stroller-friendly shuttle tours
- Interactive giraffe and kiwi feedings suitable for babies
- Free entry for under-5s and wide paths for push-chairs
- On-site picnic spots with BBQs and a safe playground
- Basic baby facilities available; bring a mat and weather gear
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for key animal feeds, a shuttle ride and a relaxed picnic with your baby’s nap included.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Orana Wildlife Park
Safari Shuttle Tour:
Hop on the free 25-minute mini-bus for a guided loop of the open-range zoo.
Tip: Check times at Reception, it fits push-chairs so baby can nap on board.
Hand-Feed a Giraffe:
Feed giraffes at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm each day.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early, hold your baby securely and wipe hands at the station.
Kiwi & Native Bird Encounter:
Enter the dim kiwi house to watch the kiwi feed at 1:30 pm and explore aviaries.
Tip: Use a stroller cover to block light and bring a small torch for walking paths.
Picnic & Playground:
Relax at picnic tables with free BBQs and let your baby enjoy the playground.
Tip: Bring your own snacks, supervise near the flying-fox and use shaded tables on sunny days.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Orana Wildlife Park
- Book Feeds Around Nap Times: Plan giraffe or kiwi feeds to match your baby’s schedule for calm viewing.
- Pick Up Stroller Early: Arrive at opening to secure a push-chair hire and avoid midday queues.
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 summer, bring sunhat, sunscreen and a stroller rain cover. In winter, dress baby in layers and pack blankets. After rain, paths get muddy—wipe stroller wheels at the entrance.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 × NZD 39.50) | NZD 79 |
| Push-chair hire | NZD 10 |
| Café lunch/snacks | NZD 20 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 109 |
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 7109Average price
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