Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park offers visitors an immersive wildlife experience just minutes from the city center. At $55 per person, the park’s admission fee provides a full day of interactions with diverse native and exotic species. From hand-feeding giraffes to observing New Zealand’s only gorillas, guests can expect an educational and engaging adventure. While the park’s 180-hectare grounds are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, savvy visitors might consider planning their trip to make the most of the park’s unique offerings. After all, there’s more to Orana than meets the eye.
Key Points
- Orana Wildlife Park offers admission at NZ$55 per person, with online reservation available and full refunds for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
- The park is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with last admission at 4 PM, and is located 15 minutes from Christchurch airport.
- Visitors can experience unique wildlife encounters, including hand-feeding giraffes, and observe native species such as kiwi, kakariki, whio, and kea.
- The park features a variety of animal presentations and conservation efforts, with early morning arrival recommended to follow the presentation schedule.
- Orana Wildlife Park offers visitor amenities like a children’s playground, picnic areas, a café, and a gift shop, with a recommended visit duration of at least 2 hours.
Admission Prices and Reservation
Admission to Orana Wildlife Park costs from NZ$55 per person. Visitors can reserve their tickets online and pay later without any upfront payment required.
Plus, customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Tickets are valid for one day, allowing guests to explore the park at their own pace.
The park is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4 PM. Orana Wildlife Park remains closed on December 25, providing visitors with a chance to experience the park during the rest of the year.
Park Location and Operating Hours
Located just 15 minutes’ drive from Christchurch airport, Orana Wildlife Park sprawls across 180 hectares of lush natural habitat. The park is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore its diverse array of wildlife.
| Location | Size | Open Hours | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 793 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand | 180 hectares | 10 AM – 5 PM, last admission at 4 PM | December 25 |
Orana Wildlife Park offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders of New Zealand, showcasing a wide range of native and exotic species in their expansive, carefully-curated habitats.
Wildlife Encounters and Presentations
Visitors to Orana Wildlife Park can partake in unique encounters with the park’s diverse array of wildlife, including the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes, meet rhinos, and observe New Zealand’s only gorillas.
The park is home to a variety of native species, such as kiwi, kakariki, whio, and kea, as well as other interesting animals like cheetahs, Tasmanian devils, monkeys, and meerkats.
Throughout the day, the park offers scheduled presentations with wildlife guides, providing visitors with the chance to learn more about the animals and their behaviors.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early in the morning to follow the presentation schedule and make the most of their wildlife experience at Orana.
Native Species Spotting
Along With the park’s diverse array of exotic animals, Orana Wildlife Park also provides visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of New Zealand’s native species, including iconic birds like the kiwi, kakariki, whio, and kea. While the nocturnal kiwi can be elusive, guests may catch glimpses of these unique flightless birds in the dedicated kiwi house. The vibrant kakariki parrots, the rare whio (blue duck), and the mischievous mountain parrot, the kea, are also among the native species that can be observed in the park’s carefully designed habitats. These encounters offer a chance to appreciate the ecological diversity and conservation efforts at Orana Wildlife Park.
| Native Species | Description | Habitat | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwi | Flightless, nocturnal bird | Kiwi house | Endangered |
| Kakariki | Colorful parrots | Open exhibits | Least Concern |
| Whio | Blue duck | River habitats | Vulnerable |
| Kea | Intelligent mountain parrot | Alpine areas | Endangered |
Additional Animal Experiences
Beyond the native species, Orana Wildlife Park also showcases a diverse array of other fascinating animals, offering visitors exceptional up-close encounters.
Guests can hand-feed the park’s resident giraffes, gaining a truly unique perspective on these gentle giants.
The park’s cheetahs and Tasmanian devils also draw crowds, with scheduled presentations allowing visitors to learn about the unique behaviors and adaptations of these predators.
Meerkats and monkeys provide endless entertainment, darting about their enclosures and interacting with guests.
Whether observing the park’s rhinos or discovering the antics of its other inhabitants, Orana Wildlife Park’s additional animal experiences promise an unforgettable day of wildlife exploration and discovery.
Visitor Amenities and Facilities
The park’s facilities cater to the needs and comforts of visitors, offering a children’s adventure playground, ample picnic areas, and a cozy café serving light refreshments. Guests can enjoy exploring the wildlife-themed gift shop or take a break from their adventure to indulge in a bite to eat. To enhance the overall experience, Orana Wildlife Park provides the following amenities:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Playground | Engaging adventure area for children |
| Picnic Zones | Shaded spots to enjoy a meal outdoors |
| Café | Refreshments and light snacks available |
With these visitor-focused facilities, Orana Wildlife Park ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Suggested Visit Duration and Timing
With the array of amenities and attractions on offer, visitors to Orana Wildlife Park can expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring the expansive grounds, though the average visit is around 4 hours.
Early morning arrivals are recommended to make the most of the park’s daily presentation schedule, which kicks off at 10:45 AM. This allows guests to follow the guided demonstrations and maximize their time observing the wide variety of native and exotic species.
Whether you’re looking to hand-feed the friendly giraffes or spot the elusive kiwi, Orana Wildlife Park offers a full day of wildlife encounters and unforgettable experiences.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Visitors to Orana Wildlife Park have largely praised the exceptional wildlife encounters and engaging staff, awarding the attraction an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 81 reviews.
Reviewers highlighted several notable experiences:
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Positive interactions with staff during animal feedings and presentations.
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Opportunities to see a variety of native New Zealand species like kiwis, kakariki, and whio.
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Observing the park’s lively animal residents, including the gorillas, cheetahs, and meerkats, later in the day.
Though some suggested the kiwi house could use improved visibility, the vast majority of visitors left with lasting memories of their time at Orana Wildlife Park.
Recap
Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and observe a diverse range of native species.
With its flexible online reservations, all-day access, and variety of wildlife encounters, the park provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The park’s convenient amenities and flexible cancellation policy make it a must-visit attraction in the Christchurch area.
