Thinking about visiting Orana Wildlife Park with kids? If your family loves animals, wide open spaces and the chance to get surprisingly close to wildlife, this Christchurch attraction delivers a full day of adventure.
Looking at Orana Wildlife Park with kids? Located just 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport on McLeans Island Road, Orana is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. Set across 80 hectares of parkland, it’s home to more than 1000 animals and offers encounters you simply don’t get at most zoos.
From hand feeding giraffes to spotting kiwi and watching lions in their reserve, it’s one of Christchurch’s biggest family attractions and an outing many families return to again and again.
What is Orana Wildlife Park?
Orana Wildlife Park is an open range zoo in Christchurch that focuses on conservation, education and immersive wildlife encounters.
The park is internationally recognised for its involvement in breeding programmes for endangered species, both exotic and native. When you visit, part of your ticket supports conservation work and animal initiatives.
The large open habitats allow animals space to roam while visitors explore the park on foot, by guided walk or on the complimentary safari shuttle.
For families, that means a day where kids can see animals up close while learning about wildlife from trained guides.
Why families love Orana Wildlife Park
For many Christchurch families, Orana feels more like a wildlife adventure than a traditional zoo visit.
Reasons parents and kids enjoy it include:
Large open habitats where animals can be viewed naturally
Close encounters like hand feeding giraffes
Seeing animals rarely found elsewhere in New Zealand zoos
Guided talks and daily animal presentations
A complimentary Safari Shuttle tour around the park
Playground and picnic areas for breaks between exploring
Because the park covers 80 hectares, there’s plenty of space for kids to move around without it feeling crowded.
Best age range for visiting with kids
Orana Wildlife Park suits a wide range of ages.
Toddlers enjoy the farmyard animals and playground areas
Preschoolers love feeding giraffes and spotting animals around the park
Primary school kids tend to get the most from the animal talks and conservation stories
Older children and teens often enjoy learning about endangered species and wildlife conservation.
Families with younger children may explore the park at a slower pace, while older kids often stay longer to catch multiple animal presentations.
What kids can see and do
There is plenty happening throughout the park to keep kids engaged.
Popular highlights include:
Hand feeding giraffes
Watching lions in the Lion Reserve
Seeing white rhino up close
Spotting New Zealand native wildlife such as kiwi and tuatara
Observing kea, the world’s only mountain parrot
Viewing one of the largest public displays of native geckos in New Zealand
Meeting farm animals in the farmyard area
Twelve daily animal presentations take place throughout the park, each accompanied by a talk from a wildlife guide.
These presentations help children learn more about the animals and often become the highlight of the visit.
If your kids love getting close to wildlife, you might also enjoy exploring other animal encounters for kids in Christchurch, from farm experiences to wildlife parks.
Safari Shuttle and guided experiences
One of the unique features of Orana Wildlife Park is the complimentary Safari Shuttle.
Visitors can hop aboard the shuttle for a guided overview tour of the park. The 25 minute circuit is led by a wildlife expert who shares commentary and insights about the animals and their habitats.
Families can also follow guided walkabout tours between animal feeds, allowing visitors to learn directly from the wildlife guides.
These guided experiences help ensure you don’t miss key animal encounters. You can check the daily animal presentation timetable on the Orana Wildlife Park website before visiting.
Facilities for families
Orana Wildlife Park is well set up for families spending several hours exploring.
Facilities include:
Scenic picnic areas throughout the park
Free BBQs available for visitors
A playground for kids to burn off energy
A flying fox overlooking animal habitats
A spring free trampoline
Open grassy areas perfect for picnic breaks
Many families bring a picnic lunch and spend several hours exploring at a relaxed pace.
How long should you allow?
The park recommends allowing at least two hours, but most families spend three to five hours exploring the full park and attending animal presentations.
Because the park is large, visiting earlier in the day gives families more time to see everything.
Entry prices
Current general admission prices are:
Adult: $39.50
Senior (60+): $33.50
Student: $33.50
Child (5–15): $12.50
Preschoolers: Free
Family pass: $91.50 for two adults and up to three children aged 5–15
Annual passes are also available for families who plan to visit regularly.
A family annual pass costs $229 and covers two adults and three children.
A Child Flexi Annual Pass allows any adult family member or guardian to bring a named child to the park throughout the year.
If your family enjoys visiting wildlife parks and attractions regularly, it may also be worth exploring family memberships and annual passes in Christchurch to see which options offer the best value.
Opening hours and location
Orana Wildlife Park is open every day except Christmas Day.
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm
Last admission: 4pm
Location:
793 McLeans Island Road
Christchurch
The park is about a 15 minute drive from Christchurch Airport.
Good to know before you go
Location: McLeans Island Road, Christchurch
Best for: Preschoolers through to teens
Recommended visit time: Three to five hours
Outdoor attraction: Yes
Weather friendly: Best on dry days
Parking: Available on site
Frequently asked questions
Is Orana Wildlife Park suitable for toddlers?
Yes. Toddlers often enjoy the farmyard animals, playground and open spaces, though the park is large so prams can be helpful.
Can kids feed the giraffes at Orana?
Yes. Hand feeding giraffes is one of the most popular experiences at the park and usually takes place during scheduled feeding sessions.
How long does it take to visit Orana Wildlife Park?
Most families spend between three and five hours exploring the park and watching animal presentations.
Is Orana Wildlife Park worth visiting with kids?
Yes. With over 1000 animals, guided talks, wildlife encounters and large open habitats, it is one of the most engaging animal attractions for families in Christchurch.
More family outings in Christchurch
If your kids love animals and outdoor adventures, you might also like:
Air Force Museum Christchurch With Kids
Free Things to Do with Kids in Christchurch
Best Animal Experiences for Kids Near Christchurch
