Owlcatraz Native Bird and Wildlife Park

Half an hour’s drive out of Palmerston North, and 90 minutes from Wellington, Owlcatraz makes for a great day out, with a farm walk, Wairuru caves, the Shannon jail and Lake Owlsmere. But the main attraction are the titular owls, of which there are several, all with excellent names, like Owl Capone and Owlvis Presley. Around springtime there are bound to be baby animals, too.

If we get a fine day these holidays take a drive to Owlcatraz in Shannon. Pack the gumboots and get up close to their resident farm animals! The kids will love Jonah Low Moo the bull, Owlibaba the Alpaca and Oha Kune the pig! Their family of owls who have names like Owle Macpherson and Owlfalfa the day is sure to be entertaining! The staff know how to keep the kids engaged and there are many oportunities for some great photos to remind you day the kids will never forget!