Review

Orana Park is a reasonable drive out of Christchurch but it’s certainly not a problem, especially when you consider just how huge the park is. Spanning over 80 hectares of land specially developed for the animals to range about in conditions as similar to their own as possible.

You’ll want to set aside most of the day for a visit to Orana Park due to its size, location and the number of things to enjoy, remembering that they close at 5pm. The prices are reasonable, especially for children (5-14 years) who pay just $8. There’s also a concession pass (2 adults and up to 3 children) that costs $56.

Starting out at the always popular otters, which have an almost hypnotic tendency to move in near perfect unison, you make your way past an area for patting Llamas and onwards along gravel pathways and small walking tracks. It’s up to you where you go first and there are regular shuttles that move around the Park, allowing visitors to get on and off where ever they please. It’s a good idea to take the shuttle for a lap as soon as you arrive, getting a nice overview of the park and allowing you to decide on what areas you want to go back to for further investigation. There’s also commentary from the driver which adds to the experience immensely.

The spider monkeys are a favourite with children who can easily relate to their humorous antics. There’s a clear hierarchy and it’s especially on display during feeding times. The bigger, more vocal monkeys feed first before the others fight it out for the scraps.

There’s a nice farmyard area with more common animals such as sheep, peacock and others to keep the younger ones entertained. This sits alongside the area for native New Zealand birds, including the Kiwi. It’s in a very dark area and you’ll have to remember to be quiet as most of these creatures will hide as soon as they sense any disturbances. This is certainly a special part of the Park and you can’t help but feel the importance of what Orana Park is doing in the protection of these and other wildlife here.

Further down the gravel road things take a sudden change in intensity, from the quiet realm of the Kiwi to the ferocious Lion enclosure. These magnificent beasts are enough of an attraction in themselves to make the journey out to Orana Park. They seem to strut around and even though they have come accustom to have there food largely given to them on a plate, they still lash out at each other, displaying a raw, intense aggression that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stick up. If you’re feeling brave you can also experience the Lion Encounter Ride, which for a small fee, allows you to ride in a protected cage inside the enclosure as the Lions devour their food (not for the faint hearted).

One of the most popular and truly unique experiences is feeding the Giraffes. Once a day you have the chance to interact with these amazing and equally bizarre animals as they use their oversize necks to lean over and strip leaves from branches you are holding. They may be vegetarian but they still get very hungry and won’t hesitate ripping the branches right out of your hand, even when you aren’t paying attention, much to the delight of on lookers. Standing face to face with them on the raised platform is definitely a highlight.

Unlike the Giraffe, the Cheetahs have to work a little harder to get their dinner. To keep them from getting lazy and unfit, it’s important that the Cheetahs stretch their legs out at feeding time and chase down their food. This maybe a little annoying for a Cheetah that’s more interested in lounging around in the sun but it makes great viewing as you get to see these slender, sprinting machines in full flight.

Slowing down the pace again, you can head to the Rhino enclosure which isn’t too far from the Cheetahs. These are endangered White Rhinos that the Park works hard to look after to ensure the possibility of future breeding success. You get the opportunity to stand almost face to face with these car shaped beasts as they quietly munch away on their lunch. They have a tremendous presence and it’s great being so close, giving you a neat view of their horns and amazingly thick skin.

There are many other animals to see including Wallabies, Tigers at the newly opened Tiger Enclosure and the less than impressive African Wild Dogs, who never really managed to grab my attention (although I don’t imagine they care much).

Overall

It helps to have some kind of interest in the animal kingdom but whether you’re an animal lover or not, you’re bound to have a great time at Orana Park. It’s much more than just a zoo and you won’t get too many chances to experience wildlife in such a setting this side of Africa. Timing your visits in line with the feeding times is a great idea and allows you to see the animals at their most entertaining. If you’re spending a large chunk of your day there you won’t even notice the entry fee and it’s nice to know that your money is going towards the conservation of these amazing animals. A great day for all.

Operating hours

10am tp 5pm daily.

Visit

www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz

Location

Mcleans Island Road, Christchurch, New Zealand.

 

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