Orana Wildlife Park
Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch: Hours, Address, Orana Wildlife Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Orana Wildlife Park
Orana Wildlife Park
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Set in 80 hectares within 15 minutes’ drive of Christchurch Airport, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. We get you up close and personal with the animals. Imagine hand feeding a majestic giraffe; seeing New Zealand's only gorillas; eye balling the magnificent white rhino; meeting New Zealand’s national icon, the kiwi, or travelling through the Lion Reserve! Over 400 animals representing more than 70 species are displayed at the Park. Regular animal feed presentations occur daily and are accompanied by a presentation from a wildlife guide. Visitors can enjoy the antics of tigers, cheetah, Tasmanian devils, monkeys, meerkats and more. Two large walk-through aviaries enable you to see some of New Zealand’s unique native birds and Orana is home to a wide range of native reptiles. Visitors can pet domestic animals in the Farmyard. Orana is internationally renowned for its involvement in zoo-based breeding programmes for endangered exotic and native species. When you visit, you are supporting our conservation work. It’s a full day of fun for everyone at Orana Wildlife Park!
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19Francis72
New Plymouth, New Zealand77 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Lovely day in the sun. There s plenty of room to move and most animals could be seen easily. Great place to visit for families. Recommended.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again :)
Written 25 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carolyn E
Christchurch, New Zealand88 contributions
Mar 2022
Two young tigers interacting was magic. The aviary is open again and the Kakariki were very busy feeding. The young giraffe is on display too. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe before checking out the otters.
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi Carolyn, thank you so much for taking the time to write a review on your visit to the Park. We are glad you had such a magical day!
Written 3 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BecsGNZ
Auckland, New Zealand85 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Great place to see some amazing animals really close up. A bit hard to get to by public transport but we used Steve’s Shuttle to an from and they were fantastic they also do a very cheap Airport Shuttle. Got so close to the lions it was a bit scary but amazing to see so close. Recommend the little train ride.
Written 31 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit to the Park. Steve's Shuttle is a great option for getting here and the team are lovely. We hope to see you again.
Written 23 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susie Clarke
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
The place is extremely run down, dirty and lacking attention.
Massive lack of signage especially for the lions, one of whom was in a tiny cage pacing back and forth.
The shuttle couldn't take buggies or wheelchairs so if you got tired walking around the extensive grounds, tough luck.
Masks and litter were all over the place and we were some of the first people in, in the morning so it definitely hadn't been cleaned overnight.
The animals looked extremely bored and were not interacting with anyone or each other.
In the empty cafe there was no where to sit as the plates and rubbish hadn't been cleared in clearly hours. We were sitting amongst filth and seagulls.
This used to be a really great place to visit and I'm disappointed in how bad it has gotten.
Massive lack of signage especially for the lions, one of whom was in a tiny cage pacing back and forth.
The shuttle couldn't take buggies or wheelchairs so if you got tired walking around the extensive grounds, tough luck.
Masks and litter were all over the place and we were some of the first people in, in the morning so it definitely hadn't been cleaned overnight.
The animals looked extremely bored and were not interacting with anyone or each other.
In the empty cafe there was no where to sit as the plates and rubbish hadn't been cleared in clearly hours. We were sitting amongst filth and seagulls.
This used to be a really great place to visit and I'm disappointed in how bad it has gotten.
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback following your visit to Orana Wildlife Park. We value all customer feedback and appreciate you taking the time to provide your comments.
Naturally, we are disappointed to hear the Park did not meet your expectations.
Orana is set on 80 hectares and maintaining the Park to a good standard is important to us. At peak times of the year certain maintenance can fall below our normal standard and we apologise for this our staff and volunteers work hard to keep the Park tidy.
With regards to our animals looking bored, our highly skilled and specialised animal care team work extremely hard to provide the best possible care for all animals we are privileged to hold. Our team work hard to provide a varied enrichment programme which may include things like scatter feeds which encourage natural foraging behaviours.
As the cafe is managed independently I will pass your feedback on to them.
Orana Wildlife Park is a registered charitable trust and not-for-profit organization. We heavily rely on gate takings to operate and in fact, over 80% of our income is derived from gate sales, so we thank you for visiting. Your support goes directly back into the Park and allows us to continue our conservation work, such as breeding kākāriki karaka for release to the wild.
Written 23 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amanda A
Hokitika, New Zealand30 contributions
Nov 2021
I visited Orona many times when I lived in Christchurch, but Nov 2021 was my first visit back since Covid, and it was heartbreaking. It is very evident the impact Covid has had on the grounds - especially around by the lions etc, but I know their priority is ensuring their animals are fed and kept healthy, so if you visit and feel it is a bit rundown - please remember they have had no tourists in over 18 months - which means they have had no money coming in. (A lot of the staff are volunteering and are extremely polite and helpful).
The gorillas are exceptional and a must-see, every enclose gives you a great view of the animals, and we were even lucky enough to watch the buffalo bathing in the river.
Because we had travelled over 200k to visit, we decided we would eat in their cafe - and wow very, very impressed. The food was amazing and my granddaughter had a children's pack which contained, sandwiches, crackers and cheese, fruit, cake and a few other goodies for only $8. (Adult meals were really reasonable too - around $10 up).
I will 100% be going back - and more often now help support this great park
The gorillas are exceptional and a must-see, every enclose gives you a great view of the animals, and we were even lucky enough to watch the buffalo bathing in the river.
Because we had travelled over 200k to visit, we decided we would eat in their cafe - and wow very, very impressed. The food was amazing and my granddaughter had a children's pack which contained, sandwiches, crackers and cheese, fruit, cake and a few other goodies for only $8. (Adult meals were really reasonable too - around $10 up).
I will 100% be going back - and more often now help support this great park
Written 4 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again.
Written 12 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debbie G
Tauranga, New Zealand44 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Wow what a amazing place and so big, we felt like we were the only ones there (we wernt tho) but I would say this place would be packed with tourist's when they arrive. They had a fantastic set up for all the animals, very clean and large areas for them, it was great to see. Because of covid they have this arrangement where you line up when going to feed the giraffes and the staff will give you food to feeg them and you go up in your bubbles to feed them and take photos so that was great. The whole place was great, we will definitely be back
Written 15 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again.
Written 12 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NgarK
47 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Great experience for families, especially with younger kids! Staff knowledge and friendly. Cafe on site with a good selection of food for both adults and kids alike. There is also a park with flying fox and the usual.
The enclosures look well kept and animals were doing what animals do, sleeping, eating, playing. Easy to spot most animals too which made the outing more enjoyable.
$80 ish for a family of 4 also seemed really reasonable considering we spent a good 3 hours there.
The enclosures look well kept and animals were doing what animals do, sleeping, eating, playing. Easy to spot most animals too which made the outing more enjoyable.
$80 ish for a family of 4 also seemed really reasonable considering we spent a good 3 hours there.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again.
Written 12 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jonathan H
6 contributions
Apr 2021
Orana Park is a place I had not visited since late 2000, year so it was 20 years since I had been.
I also visited in the school holidays when I was 9, in 1996, when my cousin fell into the trout pond (well got his trousers wet and shoes) trying to feed some with bread rolls we were given.
This trout pond is no longer there from what I saw just lately.
The shuttle service is useful with commentary as you drive around.
One thing about the place is they have a very extensive souvenir shop, although many of the novelty animal items are ones from a typical african animal hard rubber collection of figurines which I actually already have.
Back in the year 2000, I remember there were a number of carved wooden and well painted figurines for up to 8 dollars....I was hoping they still had these in stock but not anymore. Would be a good idea to import some perhaps in the future. Many of the souvenirs are aimed at under 12s although admittedly I was 13 at the time but never forgot about the strange african horse I saw which I wanted to buy at the time.
Mostly, this place is worth the money you pay, it can be hard to see animals such as the cheetahs which are a far off distance away from the viewing platforms although some are in cages.
I do feel sorry for the animals some which do look bored, in particular the tigers, two of which one was fast asleep looking bored and another pacing the fence looking like it wanted to escape somewhere else. And really while it is entertaining these animals are african wild animals or south american so they do prefer large space with room to explore and roam.
Overall it was enjoyable I'm not one who wants to rush around these places and expects to be entertained all the time, and all the animals were in the pens.
Only missing one was african wild dogs.
The farm animals were all present, some pens slightly empty, two pigs were asleep, one adult pig and a baby one, bored...but probably pleased to not be factory farmed, they perhaps don't know how lucky they really are?
So after 20 years, it was good to go back, certainly made me think of how the world has changed over the last 20 years, and being someone who doesn't own a cellphone it was ideal and good to be out in the open.....and a relief really.
The kiwi house and frog house, which I didn't go into, except the kiwi house was interesting. These birds are ravaged by possums in the wild losing their eggs.
I can see why they need protecting. However poisoning the forests using 1080 is just as disaster like, I would encourage Orana Park to promote the awareness of this poisonous and have a donation box to help out with this and creating awareness about it.
There is a donation well to the park itself.
So all in all been a while since I've been but was good to go back, hard to remember last time apart from the souvenir shop, with that in mind I would encourage the park to invest in importing some wood painted carvings of animals like I saw back in late 2000.
Won't be back for a while, but it was good to go back anyway.
Porcupines were out and wandering around but all day that isn't a regular thing, in the morning they were hiding asleep, later on they came out just before we left.
Not sure what suggestions I'd have for other animals? Possibly hippos or koalas or a wombat? Possibly?
The gorrila building is very modern and while not jungle like and I don't think they enjoy being stared at constantly through glass windows you do get a good view of them...so.....can't complain.
Although I do worry about the animals being bored, there is a large variety of lizards but limited room for them to move for a naturally wild animal.
So the farm animals get plenty of room but some of the others such as tigers seem rather bored and the lizards could do with a bit more space I think.
To be honest, I was just glad to do something out doors in this cellphone internet world I live in today, which I find quite pathetic and dreary but with this in mind.....perhaps the council could donate some better investment in extending the park itself?! If the tourism industry is so important to NZ and its money turn over and keeping visitors entertained and wanting to come here?
Didn't take digital camera so can't supply photo.
I also visited in the school holidays when I was 9, in 1996, when my cousin fell into the trout pond (well got his trousers wet and shoes) trying to feed some with bread rolls we were given.
This trout pond is no longer there from what I saw just lately.
The shuttle service is useful with commentary as you drive around.
One thing about the place is they have a very extensive souvenir shop, although many of the novelty animal items are ones from a typical african animal hard rubber collection of figurines which I actually already have.
Back in the year 2000, I remember there were a number of carved wooden and well painted figurines for up to 8 dollars....I was hoping they still had these in stock but not anymore. Would be a good idea to import some perhaps in the future. Many of the souvenirs are aimed at under 12s although admittedly I was 13 at the time but never forgot about the strange african horse I saw which I wanted to buy at the time.
Mostly, this place is worth the money you pay, it can be hard to see animals such as the cheetahs which are a far off distance away from the viewing platforms although some are in cages.
I do feel sorry for the animals some which do look bored, in particular the tigers, two of which one was fast asleep looking bored and another pacing the fence looking like it wanted to escape somewhere else. And really while it is entertaining these animals are african wild animals or south american so they do prefer large space with room to explore and roam.
Overall it was enjoyable I'm not one who wants to rush around these places and expects to be entertained all the time, and all the animals were in the pens.
Only missing one was african wild dogs.
The farm animals were all present, some pens slightly empty, two pigs were asleep, one adult pig and a baby one, bored...but probably pleased to not be factory farmed, they perhaps don't know how lucky they really are?
So after 20 years, it was good to go back, certainly made me think of how the world has changed over the last 20 years, and being someone who doesn't own a cellphone it was ideal and good to be out in the open.....and a relief really.
The kiwi house and frog house, which I didn't go into, except the kiwi house was interesting. These birds are ravaged by possums in the wild losing their eggs.
I can see why they need protecting. However poisoning the forests using 1080 is just as disaster like, I would encourage Orana Park to promote the awareness of this poisonous and have a donation box to help out with this and creating awareness about it.
There is a donation well to the park itself.
So all in all been a while since I've been but was good to go back, hard to remember last time apart from the souvenir shop, with that in mind I would encourage the park to invest in importing some wood painted carvings of animals like I saw back in late 2000.
Won't be back for a while, but it was good to go back anyway.
Porcupines were out and wandering around but all day that isn't a regular thing, in the morning they were hiding asleep, later on they came out just before we left.
Not sure what suggestions I'd have for other animals? Possibly hippos or koalas or a wombat? Possibly?
The gorrila building is very modern and while not jungle like and I don't think they enjoy being stared at constantly through glass windows you do get a good view of them...so.....can't complain.
Although I do worry about the animals being bored, there is a large variety of lizards but limited room for them to move for a naturally wild animal.
So the farm animals get plenty of room but some of the others such as tigers seem rather bored and the lizards could do with a bit more space I think.
To be honest, I was just glad to do something out doors in this cellphone internet world I live in today, which I find quite pathetic and dreary but with this in mind.....perhaps the council could donate some better investment in extending the park itself?! If the tourism industry is so important to NZ and its money turn over and keeping visitors entertained and wanting to come here?
Didn't take digital camera so can't supply photo.
Written 17 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DADD23
Wellington, New Zealand106 contributions
Apr 2021
Orana Park was recommended to us by family and friends who had enjoyed the experience. My wife and I arrived about 11am and left about 5pm. No doubt we could have moved around a bit quicker, but a leisurely pace (and a leisurely lunch) suited us on a day when the weather could not have been faulted. Neither could the staff who greeted us and introduced aspects of the wildlife as we moved around. We failed only to see the cheetahs - all other animals were present and we both thought - calm and happy. The tiger was obliging mobile and vey close to our viewing position! The trip in the cage-truck to meet the lions was a highlight and although seemingly expensive, we were aware that most of the money received by Orana goes back into research or development of the animal habitats. Money well spent.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Katie H
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand50 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
We’ve been to a LOT of Zoos and animal parks and I have to say this is probably our least favourite. Unfortunately we didn’t see many animals at all. The lack of signage was inconvenient and made it tricky to know where to go. Our nearly 3yr old was over it in a hour and she’s a crazy animal lover 😬. It was just run down and a bit boring (that’s just our opinion). The animals we did see seemed content and healthy!
Written 25 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WHy you want a koala? I got one for sale
becuase they b****es thats why
gungho-traveller
28 contributions
Is there fixed timing for the free shuttle that goes round the park? the shuttle goes clockwise or anti-clockwise? Is it faster to walk to each exhibit than wait for the shuttle?
OranaWildlifePark
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi everyone, thank you for your comments. Our shuttle goes every hour on the half hour (10:30am, 11:30am...) during the week and every half hour (10:30am, 11am...) on the weekends. There is no additional cost for this and you are welcome to use it as often as you like throughout your visit. Please note that the shuttle does not coincide with animal feeding times. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our friendly reception team on 03 359 7109. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Park soon!
Jyeo519
singapore28 contributions
if you could only visit one of the two attractions, would you choose to visit this or wildlife park or to the international artic centre?
Ohippy
Perth, Australia52 contributions
It definitely depends on what you are after. The Antarctic centre is more of an experience with a 3D movie, trip in an all terrain vehicle, snow room and a museum and some penguins. Orana is a wildlife park where the attraction is the animals. Both are good but, for me it would depend on the weather. If the weather is bad then I'd go to the Antarctic centre as it's inside. If it's a lovely day then Orana.
skeltonpareora
Timaru, New Zealand
Hi, do you sell gift vouchers? I would like to give these as xmas gifts
Culture660986
12 contributions
Yes i believe gift vouchers are available
jaybeekiwi
Palmerston North, New Zealand
how easy is it to get to the park from the airport. Public transport - have no car. Are the gorillas on display ?
TravellingPal
Edmonton40 contributions
I don't know if there is public transport from the airport. I had a rental car. Check the airport website for possible transportation.
Sofie M
Don Torcuato, Buenos Aires, Argentina77 contributions
How can I get to Orana from Christchurch? I dont have a car, and the shuttle recommended by Orana is expensive... is there another company providing that service?
nathan531
Christchurch, New Zealand
Thank you for the query. Unfortunately there is no public transport to Orana so shuttle companies and/or taxi are the way. The Orana shuttle (a separate company) provides a dedicated door-to-door service to Orana and other companies (such as Super Shuttle) or taxis (such as Gold Band) also provide transport.
DelCost
1 contribution
Do you recommend a visit for people who can't walk very far?
nathan531
Christchurch, New Zealand
Yes, certainly. Regular animal feeds occur throughout the day which break up the walking distance. A shuttle tours people around the zoo (note it operates like a bus and doesn't wait at the animal exhibits but operates regularly throughout the visit). Alternatively the guiding team can assist.
Kathryn H
Hamilton, New Zealand22 contributions
Hi there, when visited as a child, we were able to drive our car through the lion enclosure. Does this still happen or do we need to ay $40 each to do it, which is very expensive for a family with teenagers, on top of $30 each park entry?
nathan531
Christchurch, New Zealand
Hi Kathryn - thanks for the interest in Orana Wildlife Park. The drive-through Lion Reserve closed in 1995 so we no longer permit cars in to the habitat. Visitors can view the public lion feed (2.30pm daily) from many vantage points around the habitat including our raised viewing platform (included in the cost of admission). Alternatively, for an additional cost of $40 per person, our awesome Lion Encounter takes visitors through the Lion Habitat (at 2.30pm) on board our modified vehicle for extremely close views of the cats. Best regards Orana Wildlife Park
Daniela M
Malta, Europe1 contribution
Is it enough to see the main attractions if you spend 4 hours?
basketballjo
Melbourne, Australia91 contributions
Are you open on Good Friday 2015? Thanks Jo
FiveStarKazz
Newcastle29 contributions
Yes Jo they are opened good friday just check opening times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orana Wildlife Park
- Orana Wildlife Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Orana Wildlife Park:
- (8.64 km) Airport Palms Motel
- (8.14 km) Commodore Airport Hotel Christchurch
- (12.30 km) Lilac Rose Boutique Bed and Breakfast
- (14.90 km) Sudima Christchurch City
- (13.99 km) Merivale Manor
- Restaurants near Orana Wildlife Park:
- (15.57 km) Dosa Kitchen Riverside Market
- (15.15 km) Zen Sushi and Dumplings
- (15.92 km) Soul Quarter
- (10.51 km) Kinji Japanese Restaurant
- (13.63 km) Thai Orchid