Photo of Orana Wildlife Park in Canterbury1 / 5
Zoos & Wildlife

Orana Wildlife Park

📍 Christchurch, Canterbury

4.4(4,656 Google reviews)💰$12.50-$91.50👶All ages

NZ's only open range zoo across 80 hectares in Harewood. Hand-feed giraffes, meet white rhinos, view kiwi and tuatara, watch lions in their reserve. Animal feeding included in entry. Café and free parking on site.

Giraffe hand-feeding includedOpen range enclosuresDaily animal presentationsKnowledgeable staffBBQ picnic areas
★★★★★Featured review by R Williamson

Orana Wildlife Park is an excellent day out with the family!! We went this week and really enjoyed ourselves. There are so many cool animals to see (we saw all but the zebra and cheetah). I recommend going during the animals’ feeding times so you have a guaranteed chance of seeing them - this made a big difference for us. It’s definitely worth a visit! You do need to be prepared with good walking shoes, as the park is spread out over a large area (like any zoo), plus layers in case it gets cooler and hats for when it’s sunny. Yes, the park is older, but there’s a really good variety of animals and it was absolutely worth the money we spent. The only negative was that the ice creams we bought had the absolute tiniest scoops ever 😂. We spent about 5 hours wandering around Orana, so expect a long day - plan ahead, bring snacks, or buy lunch at the café (which was actually very decent).

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Reviewers with six, seven, and ten year olds all found something to love. The included giraffe feeding draws the loudest praise. Staff explain every encounter with enthusiasm and patience. Pack sun hats and layers, and allow a full morning or afternoon to reach the far enclosures.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Follow the daily animal presentation schedule — timed encounters maximise sightings
BBQ areas available if you bring your own food
🎟️Free parking directly on site
🚗Pram-accessible paths throughout the 80-hectare grounds

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💬 What Families Are Saying

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4.4

4,656 Google reviews

Giraffe feeding highlight45%
Friendly knowledgeable staff30%
Good animal variety25%
R

R Williamson

3 months ago

Orana Wildlife Park is an excellent day out with the family!! We went this week and really enjoyed ourselves. There are so many cool animals to see (we saw all but the zebra and cheetah). I recommend going during the animals’ feeding times so you have a guaranteed chance of seeing them - this made a big difference for us. It’s definitely worth a visit! You do need to be prepared with good walking shoes, as the park is spread out over a large area (like any zoo), plus layers in case it gets cooler and hats for when it’s sunny. Yes, the park is older, but there’s a really good variety of animals and it was absolutely worth the money we spent. The only negative was that the ice creams we bought had the absolute tiniest scoops ever 😂. We spent about 5 hours wandering around Orana, so expect a long day - plan ahead, bring snacks, or buy lunch at the café (which was actually very decent).

T

Tejaswini Anand

4 months ago

A great place to visit in Christchurch! It would take you around 4-5 hours depending on your pace. There is a map with timing provided for all activities. I loved that you don't have to pay extra for feeding animals and it's all included in the entry ticket. Plus the place has barbecue spots, so you can get your own food. So it's a good place to spend time and not spend a lot of money. Kids would love the place, saw farm animals, lion and feeding girrafe was my favourite experience. Saw wild dogs for the first time! It's currently too hot and it's an open area so dab lots of sunscreen, take sunglasses and a cap and you are good to go!! Only feedback is that the ape looked sad and lonely! :( Also the staff is lovely and will explain everything with expertise,passion and patience! ♥️

N

Nanda Amor

4 months ago

I had a great experience at Orana Wildlife Park. The park is clean, spacious, and easy to walk around. The animals are well cared for and there’s a good variety to see. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the exhibits are nicely set up. Parking was easy and the entry price was reasonable. The only downside is that the food and gift shop are a bit expensive. Overall, a wonderful place to visit with family or friends. Highly recommend! 😍✅

P

Paul Stevens

2 months ago

Great place to take the family. I've been to a few zoos around the world. This place has a nice point of difference with its open spaces. Great to see the water buffalo cooling off, close encounters with the giraffes, gorilla having a sleep, rhino's chilling out, and the biggest lioness I've seen. The real fruit ice-cream was a winner.

Reviews from Google

Overview

It’s always an adventure at Orana Wildlife Park! Daily presentations invite you to connect with both native and exotic wildlife, meet the passionate team behind their care, and learn what it takes to protect these remarkable species. Encounter New Zealand’s only gorillas, see mighty white rhino, hand-feed towering giraffe, and watch curious kiwi and playful kea.

Enhance your visit with a behind-the-scenes experience or explore the Park your way; by shuttle, guided walk, or at your own pace. With wide-open spaces, picnic areas, a café, and family favourites like the 50-metre flying fox, there’s something for everyone.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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