Education & Engagement
Holiday Programme
Five days of wild experiences are coming to Orana, these holidays! Join our educators for a day (or more) of fun, learning and hand’s on animal adventures. Each day has a different focus, with a range of animals, experiences and activities. This is the wildest way to spend the school holidays!
Key Details:
Where: Orana Wildlife Park, 793 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch
When: Monday 13 – Friday 17 April
Time: 9am – 3:30pm, option to extend the day to 5pm
Age: 7-12 years
Availability: Each day is limited to 12 participants, bookings are essential
Cost: $85 per day with an extra $25 per day to extend the day beyond 3.30pm
Booking: Bookings are available online only via the individual links, listed below. Please ensure you read our terms and conditions before booking.
Please note: Our holiday programme is a hands‑on, active experience in a wildlife park. Each day will involve physical participation, which may include (but is not limited to) crouching, standing, walking, lifting or carrying items, and moving across uneven or outdoor terrain. Children may encounter animal smells (including poo) and may use simple hand tools such as mallets, scissors, hammers, or gardening tools. To ensure everyone’s safety, all participants must be able to follow instructions from our team at all times.
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, a drink bottle
- Sturdy, closed-toe footwear
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Wear clothes that can get dirty and a change of clothes (just in case)
- Wet weather gear
- Any medication, with clear instructions, this needs to be given to the educators to look after
- An open mind and a can-do attitude!
DATES
Monday 13 April Savannah Day: “Safari Superstars”
Tuesday 14 April Natives Day: “Kiwis, Kea & Creatures of Aotearoa”
Wednesday 15 April Primate Day: “Monkey Mayhem”
Thursday 16 April Farmyard Day: “Barnyard Bonanza”
Friday 17 April Conservation Day: “Planet Protectors”
Monday 13 April Savannah Day – “Safari Superstars”
Grab your hat’s, explorers, today you’ll journey across Christchurch’s own savannah, meeting some of our tallest and most impressive animals. Discover what helps them thrive, through fun hands-on activities. We’ll explore what makes a good animal home, learn about animal behaviours, create enrichment, ride the shuttle like real field researchers, and even hand‑feed our giraffe. Perfect for curious kids who love animals and adventure!
BOOK
SAVANNAH
DAY
Tuesday 14 April Natives Day – “Kiwis, Kea & Creatures of Aotearoa”
Today our clever Kiwi kids will be exploring the amazing wildlife of Aotearoa through hands‑on, curiosity‑driven activities! Kids will go behind the scenes with our natives team, discovering what makes our unique birds and reptiles so special. They’ll visit the bug room, build nest boxes, explore the hidden world of our kiwi. Learn how kea use their beak and claws like tools and design enrichment to challenge them. It’s a hands‑on day packed with science, creativity, and discovery!
BOOK
NATIVES
DAY
Wednesday 15 April Primate Day – “Monkey Mayhem”
Our junior primate researchers will swing into a day focused on some of the most intelligent animals in the Park! Observing different primate species in action, learning how they communicate, problem‑solve, and create enrichment that tests their skills. Expect laughter, creativity, and plenty of movement!
BOOK
PRIMATE
DAY
Thursday 16 April Farmyard Day – “Barnyard Bonanza”
Today our young farmers will roll up their sleeves for a fun, hands-on farmyard experience! Meeting some of our friendliest residents, while delivering breakfast, doing health checks and cleaning habitats. They’ll learn about scents and create some enrichment for the kune kune to sniff out. Be prepared to muck-in and get a little dirty!
BOOK
FARMYARD
DAY
Friday 17 April Conservation Day – “Planet Protectors”
Our junior conservationist will explore how small actions create big change, complete nature‑positive activities, and learn about the conservation work happening behind the scenes at Orana. From hands‑on planting to wildlife observation, it’s a day that empowers young eco‑heroes.
BOOK
CONSERVATION
DAY
F.A.Q.
I can’t drop my child off by 9am, can I be late to drop them off?
Please inform us if your child is being dropped off late, this must be prearranged.
I can’t pick up my child up by 3:30pm, can I be late to collect them?
No, unless you have pre-booked the 9am – 5pm session. The extended sessions must be pre-booked to ensure we have the sufficient staffing levels.
A late fee will apply of $5.00 per 5 minutes (or part thereof), if you fail to collect your child within your booked timeframe on the first day and a penalty of $5.00 per minute (or part thereof) will be charged on any future booked days.
I can’t pick up my child up by 5pm, can I be late to collect them?
No, sorry. The Park closes at 5pm. All children must be collected by this time.
A late fee will apply of $5.00 per 5 minutes (or part thereof), if you fail to collect your child within your booked timeframe on the first day and a penalty of $5.00 per minute (or part thereof) will be charged on any future booked days.
Can my child who is under 7 attend?
Unfortunately not, this programme has been designed for 7-12 year olds.
Can my child who is over 12 Attend?
Unfortunately not, this programme has been designed for 7-12 year olds.
What happens if it is wet?
The majority of activities will take place outdoors and will proceed in all but extreme weather. Please prepare for all weather and bring appropriate clothing (including wet weather gear), sunscreen, and sensible fully enclosed footwear.
Can I book more than one day?
Absolutely! The programme offer a range of different experiences and activities each day. Please be aware they are full-on days, we recommend if booking more than two days, they are not consecutive days.
Is there a discount if I book more than one day?
No, unfortunately we are unable to offer discounts at this time.
Is the holiday programme wheelchair accessible?
Please contact school@oranawildlifepark.co.nz or call 03 359 7109 to discuss your requirements.
My child requires a carer, can they participate?
Yes, they can. Their carer is welcome to attend the holiday programme with the child, for no additional cost. Please note, we are unable to provide one-on-one care for children with medical conditions or behavioural needs. If you are not sure if this applies to you or you would like to chat to our team, please contact school@oranawildlifepark.co.nz or call 03 359 7109 to discuss.
Is there a discount if I book more than one day?
No, unfortunately we are unable to offer discounts at this time.
Is there any discount for Annual Pass Holders?
No, unfortunately we are unable to offer discounts at this time.
The Orana Wildlife Park Holiday Programme Terms and Conditions, can be found here.