Everyone's Orana
As Orana Wildlife Park approaches its 50th anniversary, exciting developments are on the horizon.
IMAGE Paul Nicklen, National Geographic: Greatest Wildlife Photographs.
For many Cantabrians, Orana Wildlife Park is woven into family memories, first encounters with wildlife, school holidays, and wide-eyed moments that stay with you. But what Orana has always been about runs far deeper than what visitors see on a single day.
Orana has existed for one clear purpose: the care, protection, and thriving future of animals. From its earliest days, the Park has focused on conservation, breeding programmes, and animal welfare, working largely behind the scenes to support species survival in New Zealand and around the world.
This year, Orana marks its 50th anniversary, and as part of its celebrations, has collaborated with the National Geographic Society to bring The Greatest Wildlife Photographs exhibition to New Zealand for the first time. Now on display at the Park, the exhibition features more than 70 powerful images, presented alongside some of the animals that inspired them, creating a compelling connection between wildlife, storytelling, and place.
“We are so excited to host the New Zealand premiere of this incredible exhibition,” Orana Wildlife Park Chief Executive Officer Rachel Haydon says. “I’ve been blown away by the photographs and the stories behind each one. It’s extremely inspiring to see what these photographers have achieved. Ultimately, it helps visitors connect with animals they might not otherwise encounter. It celebrates their beauty, while also shining a light on the challenges they face.”
Another milestone for the Park is the development of its first-ever comprehensive master plan, a long-term blueprint designed to guide Orana’s evolution over the next decade and beyond. Grounded in animal wellbeing, improving visitor experiences and conservation outcomes, the plan strengthens Orana’s role as a modern conservation organisation, while redefining how people experience and understand wildlife, right here on Christchurch’s doorstep.
To lead this work, Orana has partnered with world-renowned zoo design specialists Studio Hanson Roberts. Led by principal Becca Hanson, the team is developing a whole-of-park design and development roadmap aligned with contemporary conservation values and best practice.
“We’ve never had a true comprehensive master plan,” Rachel says. “As we approach our 50th anniversary, this is the right moment to take stock of what we’ve achieved, learn from the challenges, and be clear about how Orana needs to move forward.”
Since 1993, Studio Hanson Roberts has worked with zoos and wildlife organisations around the world, including Auckland Zoo, and is internationally recognised for championing naturalistic habitats, animal wellbeing, and immersive, educational visitor experiences. During their time in Christchurch, the team engaged closely with staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community partners, asking critical questions about Orana’s future, how the Park should feel for the next generation, how its expansive landscape can be better used, and what environments will best support animals both now and into the future.
IMAGE Randy Olson, National Geographic: Greatest Wildlife Photographs.
Community involvement will continue to be central to the process. While fundraising will play an integral role, it’s about creating opportunities for people to connect with and contribute to Orana’s future in ways that feel meaningful “We’re part of the landscape here,” Rachel says, “and as Christchurch continues to evolve, we want Orana to remain part of the city’s future. That means bringing people with us and shaping that future together.”
National Geographic’s The Greatest Wildlife Photographs exhibition runs until 30 April 2026 and is included with general admission.