A mere 10 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport, the Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo that serves as an idyllic destination for locals and tourists to meet some of the country’s most fascinating and talked about species of wildlife. Founded in the year 1976 and managed by the Orana Wildlife Trust, ‘Orana’ which is the Maori word for ‘welcome’ covers an impressive 80 hectares of thick vegetation that affords its inhabitants an environment that resembles their natural habitat. Crowds are known to flock to its premises to catch a glimpse of the country’s national bird which is the kiwi along with other species of birds and reptiles.
Those on holiday in Christchurch would do well to schedule a trip to Orana Wildlife Park which is home to over 400 mammals from 70 varied species. A feature of the area is that it consists of banks, streams and moats that act as barriers for those wanting to see these animals in a natural way. The animals found here originate from New Zealand itself while the rest represent the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Ideal for a day out with the family, the park will leave kids in awe while offering adults valuable information on some of the world’s most treasured and sought after animals.
For the ultimate wildlife adventure explore Orana’s behind the scene tours that will take you up close with a range of predators that roam separate sections of this enchanting landscape. Hop on board a special vehicle that will lead you to the premises of the ‘King of the Jungle’. Witness these majestic creatures feeding as part of the park’s ‘Lion Encounter’. Why stop there? Select the ‘Meet a Cheetah’ tour where you can marvel at the fastest land carnivore; the cheetah. You are also offered the luxury of feeding the park’s Sumatran tigers and journeying onto the Black & White Lemur Island where you can offer each playful little lemur their afternoon tea. In terms of an educational centre, the Zoo School provides students with interactive learning sessions administered by its on-site teachers.
Searching for the perfect place to stay? Then choose from a luxurious selection of New Zealand hotels of which Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ would be ideal. Pamper yourself in the warmth of these Dunedin hotels before heading over for a once in a lifetime adventure at New Zealand’s very own Orana Wildlife Park.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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