Wellbeing at Orana
Reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Wander the wild or rest a while, the outside is good for you. Whether you’re walking a quiet path, meeting our animals, or simply sitting quietly in a shady corner you’ll find countless moments that ground you, inspire you, and bring a little calm back into your day.
Take a breath. Slow your pace.
Orana is more than a place to see animals. It's a place to step away from the everyday, spend time outdoors, and connect with the natural world. Research shows that time in nature can have a positive impact on our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, helping us feel calmer, more connected and more resilient. Every visit offers an opportunity to experience those benefits for yourself.
Wellbeing in the Wild
Connect
Connect with yourself, the people around you, and the natural world. Share moments of wonder with family and friends, chat with our friendly team, and get closer to the animals who call Orana home. Slow down, stay curious, and enjoy the day at your own pace.
Move
Move your body without it feeling like exercise. Wander through wide open spaces, explore at your own pace, and discover wildlife around every corner. Whether you're strolling the park, racing to the next habitat, or taking a ride on the flying fox, every visit is an opportunity to get moving outdoors.
Be Inspired
Be inspired by the stories of the natural world. Discover incredible animals, learn about conservation, and gain a deeper understanding of the role we all play in protecting wildlife. Leave with new knowledge, fresh perspective, and a stronger connection to nature.
Pause
Create space to slow down, take a breath, and simply be present. From peaceful gardens to quiet corners of the Park, Orana offers moments of calm away from the demands of everyday life.
Play
Rediscover the joy of curiosity and fun. Watch animal antics, test your sense of adventure on the flying fox, and experience wildlife through the eyes of a child. Playfulness is good for wellbeing at any age.
Belong
Feel part of something bigger. Every visit supports conservation and helps create a future where wildlife and people can thrive together. By visiting Orana, you're contributing to a community that cares for nature.
Places to Pause
Find a quiet corner, take a seat, and spend a moment noticing the world around you. Listen to birdsong, watch animals at rest, or take in the open spaces.
Taking time to pause can help calm a busy mind and restore a sense of balance. Even a few minutes spent slowing down in nature can leave you feeling more relaxed, present and recharged.
Some of our favourite quiet corners:
Native Bird Aviary
- Pause in nature, and listen to the birdsong.
Kea Aviary
- Observe these curious parrots, listen and smell the rainforest setting.
Reptile House
- Pause, observe and slow down as you discover some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most beautiful reptiles.
Butterfly Garden
- Pause, and take a moment to notice the little things. The Canterbury boulder copper butterfly is one of those little things, small, yet striking in colour. The best time to take a pause here is during the warm summer months from November to March, when adults are actively flying and sunbathing.
