Wanderyn
Orana Wildlife Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Orana Wildlife Park

Getting around: About 25 minutes' drive northwest of central Christchurch. There's no direct public transport; a car or organised tour is the practical option.
Hours: Open daily, typically 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm); closed Christmas Day.

Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo, where many animals — including giraffes, rhinos, and lions — roam larger enclosures rather than standard zoo pens, and visitors can hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform. It also has a strong native New Zealand section with kiwi and tuatara.

Its open-range format makes it feel less like a conventional city zoo and more spacious; allow a half day to see it properly given the larger grounds.

Orana Wildlife Park FAQs

Can I feed the giraffes?

Yes, there's an elevated platform where visitors can hand-feed the giraffes — a signature experience at the park.

How is it different from a normal zoo?

It's an open-range park, so many animals have larger, more naturalistic enclosures rather than small pens.

How long should I plan for a visit?

Half a day (3-4 hours) given the larger grounds compared to a standard zoo.

Can you see lions up close?

Yes, there's a lion enclosure with viewing from a vehicle-safe walkway/drive-through style area.

Is there a café on site?

Yes, there are food options within the park.

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