Orana Wildlife Park Family Review: What Kids Really Experience

Spanning 200 hectares, Orana feels more like a wildlife reserve than a traditional zoo. You start with a 15‑minute bus ride through the African Savannah enclosure where giraffes, rhinos and lions roam the same grass they would in the wild.

At 2 pm each day the giraffes gather at the feeding platform – a highlight for kids who can hand‑feed these gentle giants under staff supervision. The native New Zealand section offers a contrast with kiwi, tuatara and native birds in a bush setting that’s easy to explore on foot.

The park is officially 0+, and that’s true – toddlers can stay in a stroller for the bus ride and enjoy the open spaces. However, the bus can be a bit bumpy for very young children, so a baby carrier is handy for infants.

Primary‑school aged kids (5‑12) love the interactive talks and the giraffe feeding, while teens appreciate the chance to see predators up close. Families with older children will find the conservation talks more engaging than the younger crowd.

At $32 per adult and $14 per child (2‑15 years), Orana sits in the mid‑range for NZ zoos, but the open‑range experience adds extra value. A typical 3‑hour visit feels like a mini‑safari, which you won’t get at most city zoos.

Plan ahead and book online – you’ll snag a 10 % discount and skip the ticket queue. Arrive early (park opens 9:30 am) to beat the school holiday crowds and catch the giraffe feeding at 2 pm without a long wait.

Bring a refillable water bottle; there are water stations throughout the park. Pack a picnic for the designated picnic area – the on‑site café is pricier than a supermarket sandwich.

The main drawback is the drive – about 20 minutes from central Christchurch, and parking can fill up quickly on sunny weekends. The bus ride, while scenic, is not wheelchair‑accessible, so families needing that accommodation should call ahead.

Also, the giraffe feeding is only at 2 pm, so if you miss it you’ll have to wait until the next day. Finally, the park is spread out, so comfortable shoes are a must for little feet.