Have an animal-loving little? These are the coolest animal encounters in Christchurch.
From a selfie with an alpaca to hand-feeding a giraffe, there are plenty of unique places for kids to see, pet and feed native and exotic animals. Read on for some of the best animal encounters in Christchurch.
Read more: Under 5’s Are Free at These Christchurch Attractions
Animal encounters in Christchurch:
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Open year-round, Willowbank is the perfect family-friendly wildlife experience for animal-loving littles. Home to farm animals, exotic species and those native to New Zealand, Willowbank’s prime focus is conservation and education, “creating a natural environment and an up-close and personal interactive experience.” Kids will love feeding critters big and small from eels, birds and deer to alpacas, Kune Kune pigs and even Zebu and get hands-on in its “Junior Keeper for the day” and Lemur experiences. Visitors will even have the rare chance to spot the beloved Kiwi in person or follow along with their day-to-day in a 24/7 live stream.
How much: Adult General Admission – $34.50; Child General Admission – $13; Under five go free. Check out annual pass options here.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch, www.willowbank.co.nz
Orana Wildlife Park
If it’s animal encounters in Christchurch that you’re after, get up close and personal with Orana Wildlife Park‘s residents on a day out that the whole family will enjoy. Home to New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand-feed giraffes, spot lions, and “go behind the scenes into their tiger dens with expert carnivore keepers.” You’ll want to wear your walking shoes as the encounters span over 80 hectares!
How much: Adult General Admission – $39.50; Child General Admission – Under five go free. Check out annual pass options here.
Orana Wildlife Park, 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch, www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz
Glenlothian Farm
This family-run educational farm in West Melton offers the unique opportunity to see, pet and feed ‘rare breed’ farm animals in Christchurch. Home to a range of over 20 species, Glenlothian Farm is one of the only education parks to host Bennetts Wallabies. Kiddos can take their time interacting with the animals, join a craft class or host a birthday – there’s even a sand pit and giant connect four.
How much: Adults – $12; Children – $6
Glenlothian Farm, 52 Lawford Road, West Melton, www.glenlothianfarm.co.nz
Arion Farm
Arion Farm Education Park, part of the National Trade Academy, is a great family-friendly destination in Christchurch where visitors can interact with various farm animals. The park features sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and more, offering children an interactive and educational experience. Arion Farm emphasises hands-on learning, making it an ideal spot for families to engage with animals in a safe and welcoming environment. Located just 10 minutes from the city, it is easily accessible, too.
How much: Adults – $17; Children – $7.50; under two are free
Arion Farm, 890 McLeans Island Road, McLeans Island, Christchurch, www.arionfarmpark.co.nz
International Antarctic Centre
International Antarctic Centre is a cool (pun intended) attraction where you can see and learn about Little Blue Penguins and meet huskies. Southern Huskies NZ brings their dogs, Thea, Siku, and Vinne, to the centre from Thursday to Monday, allowing guests to interact with these friendly canines. The centre also offers interactive experiences like penguin feeding, a 4D theatre, and an Antarctic storm room.
How much: Adult General Admission – $59; Child General Admission – $39; Under 5s go free. Check out annual pass options here.
International Antarctic Centre, Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, www.iceberg.co.nz
Shamarra Alpacas
Shamarra Alpacas, located on the picturesque Banks Peninsula near Akaroa, offers a unique one-hour experience where visitors of all ages can cuddle and feed over 170 alpacas. Focusing on education and hands-on engagement, with plenty of friendly alpacas even posing for the camera, the farm boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape, which is hard to beat! Check out our reel here to see what it’s all about.
Tip: On the drive over, stop at White Rabbit Garden Cafe for a quick play in the children’s play area and to meet their two resident bunnies!
How much: Adult – $55; Child – $30 (aged 4-15), under five are free
Shamarra Alpacas, 328 Wainui Main Road, Akaroa, www.shamarra-alpacas.co.nz
Akaroa Dolphin Cruise
Akaroa Dolphin Cruise offers an unforgettable experience where you can encounter Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and albatross. Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest, are native to New Zealand and can often be seen in the bay. The cruises feature expert dolphin-spotting dogs who bring their charm and help locate the dolphins (and enjoy plenty of fuss and attention). The package provides complimentary local wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages as well as home-baking during the cruise.
How much: Adult – $120; Child – $60; infant – $25
Akaroa Dolphin Cruise, 65 Beach Road, Akaroa, www.akaroadolphins.co.nz
Woodham Park
Woodham Park features expansive lawns, a children’s playground, a paddling pool, and a unique aviary. The aviary houses various birds, including Java sparrows, ring-necked doves, native and exotic parakeets, quail, and finches. With its shaded playground, picnic tables, and beautiful gardens, Woodham Park is an ideal spot for families to enjoy a day outdoors.
How much: Free to visit
Woodham Park, Linwood, Christchurch, www.ccc.govt.nz/woodham-park
Catnap Cafe
Catnap Cafe in Christchurch offers a cosy environment where visitors can interact with rescue cats, many of which are available for adoption. Enjoy hot drinks and a slice of cake as you play, stroke and enjoy the company of cats in an hour-long session. Children over five are welcome with adult supervision and must adhere to the rules, with earlier sessions recommended for younger kids.
How much: $15 per person for a 55-minute session with the cats.
Catnap Cafe, 391 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, www.catnapcafe.co.nz
Heathcote Valley Riding School & Upshot Cafe
Heathcote Valley Riding School provides a safe and engaging environment to learn about and interact with horses, offering horse riding lessons and pony rides. Guests can enjoy scenic rides around Ferrymead’s lake and during school holidays you can join one of their educational programs that teach grooming and riding skills. Additionally, Upshot Coffee operates onsite, serving 100% Fairtrade Organic coffee from a modified shipping container, making it a perfect spot to watch the horses from.
How much: Farm Rides cost $20 for half an hour; $25 for one hour. For more details on lesson prices and school holiday programmes visit their Facebook page.
Heathcote Valley Riding School, 131 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch, www.facebook.com/HeathcoteValleyRidingSchool
Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay & Farm Tour
Feed, pat (read: hug) and learn all about alpacas in one of the fluffiest animal encounters in Christchurch. This multi-award-winning farm runs daily tours where families can closely interact with the alpacas and even hold babies (in season) for memorable photos, as well as choose to stay in one of two self-contained farm-stay cottages on a Bed and Breakfast basis – with the tour included for free during your stay.
How much: Adult – $40; Child – $20; Under fives are free. Enquire about pricing for overnight stays here.
Silverstream Alpaca Stud, 68 Moodys Road, RD 2 Kaiapoi, www.alpaca-farmstay.co.nz
Featured image courtesy of Unsplash, image #1 credited to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve via Facebook, image #2 & #3 property of nook NZ, image #4 credited to Silverstream Alpaca Stud
