1 / 2Arion Farm Education Park
📍 McLeans Island, Canterbury
Arion Farm Education Park near Christchurch lets visitors feed and interact with farm animals in their pens. Pony rides available. Part of the National Trade Academy, 1.6km past Orana Park on McLean's Island Road. Free parking, pram access.
Awesome farm highly reccomend been here a few times kids luv it great how the animals are very friendly & you can get in the pens with most of them & feed them they also have pony rides they had an event with bouncy castles princesses & spiderman also balloon artist was a great day had my daughters birthday party here the kids loved it they have a party hut with tables,chairs bbq and a piano great affordable prices but does get a bit expensive if having a party
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Reviewers single out pony ride handlers as gentle and encouraging with nervous children — families note kids overcame hesitation and had an amazing time. Entering pens to hand-feed animals is a consistent highlight, described as genuinely hands-on. Staff are praised as friendly and visibly caring about animal welfare.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →412 Google reviews
Kim
6 months ago
“Awesome farm highly reccomend been here a few times kids luv it great how the animals are very friendly & you can get in the pens with most of them & feed them they also have pony rides they had an event with bouncy castles princesses & spiderman also balloon artist was a great day had my daughters birthday party here the kids loved it they have a party hut with tables,chairs bbq and a piano great affordable prices but does get a bit expensive if having a party”
Josh Lee
a year ago
“Great fun for all ages. My daughters loved the pony rides. They were a bit nervous, but the people working the pony rides were so nice and made my girls comfortable and have an awesome time. Lots of other beautiful and interesting animals to see and feed.”
Lee
2 years ago
“A hands on animal experience the kids will love! Farm animals and loads more, we took our lunch and hung out feeding and petting the animals, they even have pony rides available too. The staff are fantastic! A visit to Arion is highly recommended 😊”
Madelaine Sandoval
a year ago
“We had an amazing morning feeding the farm animals! The staff was super friendly, and you can tell the animals are happy and well cared for. It’s such a fun and wholesome experience—absolutely perfect for kids and families. Highly recommend!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Arion Farm Education Park is a working educational farm at McLean's Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch, operated by the National Trade Academy. Visitors can enter animal pens to feed and interact directly with the animals, which reviewers note are friendly and well cared for. Pony rides are available and staffed by patient handlers. The farm sits on a large property with space to bring a picnic lunch and spend a relaxed morning. Free parking on site, pram-accessible grounds.
