Orana Wildlife Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Orana Wildlife Park?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Children can pet farm animals, climb the playground, hand-feed giraffes and join free shuttle tours, while age limits only affect tiger or lemur add-ons; toilets and paths suit 5-12-year-olds well.
Positives:
- Open-range design: Wide paths let kids roam safely and see animals without bars or fences up close.
- Multiple daily feeds: Fixed feeding times throughout the day give families structure and excitement.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: Most paths and viewing areas are outdoors; bring rain gear or sun protection.
- Booking for extras: Tiger and lemur experiences require advance booking and age restrictions.
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 kids?
- Open-range zoo lets kids see animals in natural habitats
- Hands-on feeds: giraffes, farmyard pets and nightly kiwi
- Free Safari Shuttle gives a guided break for tired little legs
- Playground, trampoline and picnic areas keep kids entertained
- Fixed daily feeds help plan a relaxed visit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2–3 hours lets your family see key feeds and play at the playground without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Orana Wildlife Park
Hand-Feed Giraffes:
Feed giraffes leaves during the 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm sessions.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to get first turn at the feeding platform.
Farmyard Petting:
Pat goats, sheep and other domestic animals at the 1:00 pm farmyard feed.
Tip: Hold feed flat in your palm to avoid nips; younger kids should use gentle hands.
Kiwi Encounter:
Walk into the dark kiwi hut to see New Zealand’s native kiwi during the 1:30 pm feed.
Tip: Turn off flash on cameras and use quiet voices to avoid startling the nocturnal birds.
Safari Shuttle Tour:
Ride the free 25-minute guided mini-bus shuttle for an overview of the open-range zoo.
Tip: Check the shuttle schedule at reception and hop on between animal presentations.
Playground & Picnic:
Let kids burn energy on the flying-fox, trampoline and use free BBQ areas.
Tip: Pack a picnic and choose tables near the giraffe paddock for animal views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Orana Wildlife Park
- Plan around feeds: Download the feed schedule online and group activities by time to minimize walking.
- Use the Safari Shuttle: Save little legs by riding the shuttle between distant enclosures.
- Pack snacks: Bring easy snacks or order kids’ lunch packs in advance to avoid café lines.
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 hats and sunscreen. In winter, wear waterproof jackets and warm layers. Check the park’s website for any feed-time changes in colder months.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entry (2 adults) | NZD 79 |
| Child entry (2 children) | NZD 25 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 104 |
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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