Orana Wildlife Park Christchurch

Visit New Zealand’s Open-Range Zoo

Step into New Zealand's only open-range zoo and look out for the gorilla, a unique experience you won't find anywhere else in the country! Explore the wilderness, walk-through aviaries and hand-feed giraffes, meet the rhinos and lions of Africa, or view Kiwi, New Zealand’s national icon! This park spans 80 hectares and offers spacious closures that mimic animals' natural habitats. This visit provides the ultimate animal adventure, observing a wide selection of creatures, each bringing unique and exciting elements to the park. Animals at Orana Park are from all across the world!

15 minutes from Christchurch Airport

Only a 15-minute drive from Christchurch Airport, you can explore the park at your own pace and attend the scheduled presentations that run daily from 10:45 am to 3:45 pm. The animal presentation provides you with an inside scoop on the animals, whether that is watching the cute meerkats, lazy lions, swinging spider monkeys, ferocious Tasmanian devils or the only gorillas available to view in New Zealand. 

Protecting Endangered Species

Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park is internationally renowned for its involvement in zoo-breeding programmes for endangered exotic and native species. By visiting this park, you support animal conservation work focused on breeding programmes, recovery programmes for threatened species and genetically healthy sustainable programmes. You’re not only treating yourself to a fun, unforgettable experience but also supporting vital conservation efforts!

Opening Hours and Key Information:

10:00 am – 5:00 pm, seven days a week.

The last entrance is at 4:00 PM; we recommend that you allow at least 2 hours for your visit to explore the park, to see all the animals. Consider booking your ticket online or purchase it at the park entrance.

Guided tours operate daily. Check out the fantastic wildlife gift shop while you’re there!

The average visit duration is 3-5 hours. 

How to Get to Orana Wildlife Park

Orana Wildlife Park Christchurch is located at 793 McLeans Island Road, only a 15-minute drive from Christchurch Airport. While you are at it, pick up a car from your local Omega Christchurch branch, located at 158 Orchard Road, Harewood, and you will be on your way in no time!

Free parking on-site is available and easy to find along the main road.

Must-do activities

Orana Wildlife Park offers the ultimate animal adventure with educational programmes, guided tours, and an opportunity for you to hand-feed giraffes and other animals! Hop on the Safari Shuttle or take a stroll and immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure with amazing animal encounters here in Christchurch! 

Guided Tours

Orana Wildlife Park’s guided tours operate daily and allow you to explore every park section. The safari complimentary shuttle service gives you an overview tour of the park. This shuttle is a 25-minute circuit with a wildlife team member providing commentary throughout the trip. If you feel like stretching your legs and getting some steps in for the day, take the daily walkabout tour. Follow a guide around the park who will take you from animal feeding to the next. Do you have any questions about Orana Park or the animals? Ask one of the lovely guide members who will help answer all your questions. If you're ready to go on a fun safari adventure, simply ask one of our staff members about the shuttle rides and schedule for the day. 

Hand Feed a Majestic Giraffe

If you adore giraffes and want to experience feeding one of these magnificent animals, come to the park to meet and feed these giants! Hand feed giraffes and watch their tongues reach out for the leaves from the branch and chew away. Feeding a majestic giraffe is no additional cost - it’s all included in your booking! The hand-feeding giraffe experience happens every day at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, so make sure to set a reminder because this will be a great memory for the books.

Tiger Den Experience

Cost – $69.50 per personal (additional to Orana Park entrance) 

Must be ten years or older to attend
Children (15 years and under) must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Operates 3:00 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday

Do you love the sound of a tiger roaring or want to be behind the scenes learning about them? Experience one of the most amazing animal encounters at the park that allows you to become a tiger expert (or take tips from a professional keeper). Watch the tigers play around, slobber all over their delicious snacks or learn about medical checks performed on the tigers. An experienced team member can educate you on the day-to-day life of a tiger. You can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals in a safe, well-controlled environment. Enjoy an exclusive meet and greet with the tigers at the one and only Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch.

Kiwi Feed / Native Encounters 

Daily Kiwi feed – 1:30 pm 

Nocturnal Kiwi house opening hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm 

Explore the nocturnal house to see if you can view Kiwi birds searching for food in the dark! Immerse yourself into the Kiwi habitat and learn about these fascinating birds from a wildlife guide. Not only does Orana Wildlife Park have daily Kiwi feeds for visitors to enjoy, but it is also actively involved in the recovery programmes' capital component and breeding Kiwis on-site!

Walk through Aviaries and Spot Mischievous Kea 

If you miss out on being able to view Kiwi, don’t worry! There are other birds to see. Visitors can explore two walk-through aviaries. Walk through the NZ Birds aviary to see all kinds of native birds in their natural habitat - see if you can spot the bellbird (korimako), wood pigeon (kereru) or more! The Alpine aviary is home to the mischievous kea, known for their inquisitive nature.

Farmyard

1:00 pm daily to feed the animals and speak to friendly staff!

The Farmyard is the perfect family-friendly activity that the children will love! Bring the family along and learn about animals and their environment. This is the perfect opportunity to feed some cute farm animals with the assistance of the lovely staff, and you will fall in love with their cuteness!

Visit Orana Wildlife Park Today!

If you adore animals and want to brighten your day, book your tickets online and plan your visit to catch at least one of the fun daily scheduled presentations. Meet rhinos, hand feed a majestic giraffe, explore two walk-through aviaries, and spot gorillas, lions, meerkats, tigers and Tasmanian devils, all in Christchurch. Don’t forget to check out the fantastic wildlife gift shop!

Orana Wildlife Park Christchurch offers an immersive, up-close, personal experience with amazing animal encounters! Booking online is easy, so book now and come along to New Zealand's only open-range wildlife park in the heart of Christchurch. 

For more inspiration and info about New Zealand attractions, see our blog.