Auckland LION Safari PARK

18/07/2026

Orana Park Christchurch. Similar to Auckland Lion Safari Park.

🦁 Remember When You Could Drive Through Orana Park’s Lion Enclosure?

For nearly 20 years, one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences saw visitors drive their own cars through Orana Wildlife Park’s lion enclosure. With the windows firmly shut, families watched in amazement as magnificent lions wandered freely around their vehicles. Some even climbed onto bonnets and roofs, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime.

The drive-through attraction closed in 1995, marking the end of an incredible era in New Zealand tourism. While today’s Lion Encounter still offers an amazing up-close experience from a protected vehicle, many people still remember the thrill of taking their own car into the lions’ territory.

Were you one of the lucky people who experienced this iconic adventure? Do you remember the excitement, the nerves, or perhaps even a lion brushing past your car?

Share your memories and photos in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories from this unique chapter of New Zealand history!

11/01/2025

Memories...

27/10/2024

Remnants of the once popular Go-kart track which was built in 1981. In the background is the Managers house which was occupied by John Schmidt, Mavis Vance and son Jimi Vance who was a Park Ranger/Game Warden. There is also a comparison photo from 1984 from the same spot with the house still standing. The Luge ride started at the top of the hill to the right of the house. The finish point was near the Go-kart track.
Photo taken by Anonymous, October 2024
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14/10/2024

Here's a Postcard (circa 1981-1983) from the Auckland Lion Safari.
LEFT HAND PICTURE.. Park Manager John Schmidt feeds one of the prides during a 11am, 2pm or 5pm public feeding session. Yes, you drove your car WITH your family into the compound to get close and personal with these magnificent beasts.
TOP RIGHT PICTURE.. Clyde the camel and his flock receiving treats from customers. The public were asked not to feed them anything except fruit and the packets of treats sold at our Cafeteria and Ticket office. Pictured is also a relatively new MK4 Ford Cortina.
BOTTOM LEFT PICTURE.. Two children enjoying one of the many Bumper Boats we had down our lake area. There were also paddle boats, a long Water Slide, A fortress and radio controlled boats (Which were also outside the cafeteria).
Image courtesy of NEW ZEALAND 1980s MEMORIES AND 1990s MEMORIES

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27/11/2022

Most West Auckland locals these days have no idea we had a Lion Safari Park not far from Massey High School during the 1980s

30/12/2021

Bryanna Yeager visited the park with her Mother Karen Mason who took these pictures on a school trip at an end of year excursion.in 1981.
The first photo shows the original park manager John Schmidt ready to take Bryanna and other passengers for a mini-train ride. The park had animal friendly interactive areas and other attractions for those not game enough to enter the Lion compounds. Activities included a petting zoo, camel 🐫 rides, downhill toboggan,flying fox, bumper boats, wooden fortress playground, water slide,radio controlled boats, animal and sheep shearing show, American pool high divers, barbecue and picnic areas, horse 🐎 drawn carriage rides.
Photo credits Karen Mason
Material supplied by Bryanna Yeager.

12/12/2021

Some of our original fridge magnets circa 1982-85.
The bright pink one is care of Daniel Peak.

28/08/2021

Bullens African Lion Safari Park (1969-1988) in Yatala, Queensland was one of many operations which the Auckland Lion Safari Park was based on. Stafford Bullen of BULLENS OPERATIONS teamed up with Chris Cambridge (Elton JOHNS former Promoter) to start the Auckland venture in 1980-81.

19/06/2021

1981. Stafford Bullen of Bullens Operations, signs a deal with Chris Cambridge and family to send a pride of lions to Auckland LION Safari PARK from Warragamba Dam, Australia.
Craig Bullen, Staffords son runs the family business today. But gone are the days when only the glass car windows separated customers from these magnificent beasts while driving through the lion compound.
This video shows the exact way the Auckland Lion Safari Park operated from its opening day in December 1981

The African Lion Safari Warragamba & Bullens Animal World Wallacia, AustraliaCredit: 7 News Sydney www.7News.com.au"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of...