Fodor's Expert Review Orana Wildlife Park

New Zealand's only open-range zoo is now home to its only Great Ape Center for gorillas and orangutans, making it the place to come to glimpse these endangered animals. You will also see both native (kiwi birds and tuatara reptiles) and exotic (tigers, wild dogs, cheetah, zebras, and white rhinos) animals. Orana is world-renowned for its conservation work and breeding programs for endangered native and exotic species. Check out the different animal feeding times; hand-feeding the giraffes is a real highlight, and even small kids manage with a bit of help. For a seriously close-up view of the lions being fed, join the Lion Encounter, where you can watch from inside a specially modified vehicle. A zebra-striped Safari Shuttle with commentary loops around the park, or you can join a guided walk. It's about a 15-minute drive from Christchurch airport; there's also a door-to-door shuttle for an additional cost.