Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park is a wildlife park and natural springs attraction on Paradise Valley Road, 17 kilometres west of Rotorua. The park combines a natural freshwater spring environment with wildlife encounters — hundreds of rainbow and brown trout in the spring-fed stream, a resident lion pride, native New Zealand birds, and a Treetops Walk through the bush canopy. The park is open every day of the year from 8am and includes guided feeding shows and opportunities to hand-feed the animals. Entry is NZ$30 for adults.
Practical Information
| Location | Paradise Valley Road, approximately 17km west of Rotorua |
| Open | Daily 8:00am until dark; last entry 5:00pm; open 365 days including public holidays |
| Entry (adults) | NZ$30 (NZ$27 booked online in advance) |
| Wildlife | Rainbow and brown trout; lion pride; native birds; deer; eels; pigs |
| Key attractions | Underwater trout viewing window; Treetops Walk; lion feeding show; hand feeding |
| Website | paradisev.co.nz |
The Trout Springs
The natural springs that give the park its name feed a series of clear pools and a stream through the property. Hundreds of rainbow and brown trout inhabit the waterways — the spring water’s clarity and temperature make ideal conditions for the fish, and the park uses underwater viewing windows that allow visitors to observe the trout at close range from below the waterline. Trout feeding is one of the highlights, with fish food available to purchase and the trout responding immediately to anything dropped on the water surface.
The Lion Pride
Paradise Valley Springs is unusual among New Zealand wildlife parks for its resident lion pride — a family of lions housed in a large enclosure within the property. The lions are one of the park’s headline attractions, with a scheduled lion feeding show as part of the daily programme. The enclosure allows observation at close range through viewing areas.
Native Birds and Other Wildlife
The park holds a range of native New Zealand birds alongside the trout and lions — including kiwi (in a nocturnal house), tūī, kea, and others. Eels inhabit the waterways and can be fed. The property also has deer and other animals across its grounds, and the surrounding native bush provides habitat for birds using the wider valley.
The Treetops Walk
The Treetops Walk is a suspended walkway through the bush canopy above the valley floor — included in the general admission — allowing visitors to experience the forest from a higher vantage point and observe birds in the canopy environment.
“Paradise Valley Springs is genuinely impressive — the trout underwater window is amazing, the lions are extraordinary for New Zealand, and it’s set in a beautiful valley. Good value for what you get.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
Paradise Valley Springs — Visit Info — current prices, hours, daily show schedule, and booking.
Rotorua NZ — Paradise Valley Springs — visitor overview and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paradise Valley Springs?
On Paradise Valley Road, approximately 17km west of Rotorua — roughly 20 minutes by car from the city centre.
What does entry cost?
NZ$30 per adult; NZ$27 when booked online in advance. Check the Paradise Valley Springs website for current children’s pricing and any concessions.
What time does Paradise Valley Springs open?
The park opens at 8:00am every day, 365 days a year including public holidays. Last entry is 5:00pm; the park stays open until dark.
Can I hand-feed the animals?
Yes — trout and eels can be hand-fed using food purchased on site. The lion feeding is a scheduled show rather than hands-on, for obvious reasons.
Is the Treetops Walk included in entry?
Yes — the Treetops Walk is included in the general admission price.
Is there parking?
Yes — parking is available at the park. The surrounding Paradise Valley is a scenic area and the drive from Rotorua through the valley is part of the experience.
Paradise Valley Springs is on the western side of Rotorua, on the same road as the start of the Mount Ngongotaha walks. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for free outdoor options in the district.
