Your Visit
50 Years of Orana
On Saturday 25 September, 1976 Orana Wildlife Park (Orana Park at the time) opened the gates to the public at 10am. By 2pm the queue to enter the Park stretched 7km, with the last cars coming through in the dark!
On opening day the animals of Orana consisted of 18 lions which included 6 cubs, 2 tiger cubs, 2 donkeys, 2 camels, 2 water buffalo and two Shetland ponies. The main attraction on opening was the first drive through lion reserve in New Zealand.
Celebrate with us
From Friday 25 September we'll be celebrating our 50th birthday, and we'd love for you to join us!
We have a range of FREE activities and activations happening throughout the spring school holidays.
Check out what's happening below:
What's On
Daily - From Friday 25 September
- Orana 50th Photo Exhibition (this will continue after the school holidays)
- Then and Now photo trail (this will continue after the school holidays)
- Stamp Trail - create your own Orana stamp souvenir as you walk the Park - collect starting card from reception
- Animal activity sheet - collect from reception
Stop by the café for birthday themed treats and specials
Friday 25 September
- Animal Presentations with birthday themed enrichment
- Ape Activity Sheets to celebrate Gorilla Day
- Hot Drink Birthday Special
The first 50 hot drinks purchased today will receive 50% off!
No additional discount applies. Offer valid Friday 25 September.
Saturday 26 September
- Animal Presentations with birthday themed enrichment
- Ape Activity Sheets to celebrate Gorilla Day
- Childrens activities: Bouncy castle, face painting and giant bubbles
Sunday 27 September
- Animal Presentations with birthday themed enrichment
- Ape Activity Sheets to celebrate Gorilla Day
- Childrens activities: Inflatable mega slide/rock climbing wall, face painting and giant bubbles
Saturday 3 October
- Childrens activities: Bouncy castle, face painting and giant bubbles
Sunday 4 October
- Childrens activities: Bouncy castle, face painting and giant bubbles
Saturday 10 October
- Childrens activities: Bouncy castle, face painting and giant bubbles
