Feed, pat and play with the animals in a hands-on farm experience near Taupo
Looking for family friendly activities near Taupo? Lilliput Animal Farm is just 10 minutes from Taupo - it's set in park like grounds and visitors of all ages can get close to friendly animals, feed and pat them, and enjoy a few hours exploring at their own pace.
Grab some animal food and follow the tracks around the park, stopping to feed and pat the animals that come over to meet you. Take your time, ask us about the animals, stop for a coffee and give the kids plenty of time to explore the playground.
Animal encounters, playground fun and picnics near Taupo
- Get close to the animals - spend some time with Lilliput Animal Farm's friendly residents
- Explore the area, enjoy the playground and relax with a picnic
- School groups, birthdays, family gatherings and events all by arrangement
Location: 136 Link Road, Oruanui, Taupo (approx 10 mins from Taupo)
At all times we have last entries one hour prior to closing time – this is to allow you time to get around the park.
Occasionally we might close for bad weather or exceptional circumstances so check our Facebook page for urgent updates or contact us.
Meet the animals...
Our residents include donkeys, ponies, goats, sheep, deer, alpacas, a llama, pigs, an emu, ducks, chickens, a goose, peacocks and other birds, along with rabbits, guinea pigs and lizards. Seasonal babies add to the fun at different times of the year. We've even got a mule – a horse-donkey cross that's relatively unusual to see in New Zealand.
Sit down with the giant rabbits! Our large walk-in Flemish rabbit enclosures mean you can actually go inside, sit down and spend some time with them. Feed them, pat them and get properly acquainted. They're big rabbits, they're very popular and they're particularly good at convincing people to stay for awhile!
Most of our animals can be hand-fed and many enjoy a pat as well. Buy a scoop of animal food when you arrive and you'll quickly discover which residents love food.
Curious about one of our animals - just ask us!
Bev and Paul know the animals well and are always happy to answer questions when they can. That might mean finding out more about farm animals or learning how the right habitat is created for some of our more unusual residents, including the lizards.
For children who don't have much contact with animals in everyday life, simply getting close enough to feed, touch and observe them can be quite an experience in itself.
“Fun and interesting for all ages. The animals were so cute, happy and well looked after... Thanks Paul for your friendly face and head full of animal facts and knowledge.”
— Fashion Tuhura-Wirepa, Google review
Playtimes, picnics and really good coffee
The animals aren't the only reason families tend to stay awhile. Our large adventure playground includes swings, slides, a trampoline, ride-on toys and a changing collection of old-school play equipment. Some of it may take parents back a few years. Huge mature oak trees provide plenty of shade over summer, and there are picnic and BBQ tables around the grounds.
Bring your own picnic, cake or favourite family food and settle in. Barista-style coffee, cold drinks and prepacked snacks are also available onsite.
School, kindergarten and kōhanga visits
Lilliput Animal Farm welcomes schools, school camps, kindergartens, daycares, playgroups, kōhanga reo and school holiday programmes.
Children can walk around the farm, meet and feed a wide variety of animals and see their different behaviours up close. There are also opportunities to ask questions and learn more about individual animals and their habitats. If you have a subject your class is studying, Bev can give a talk on it. With plenty of outdoor space, shady picnic areas and the playground, groups can combine their animal visit with lunch and time to play.
If you're organising a school camp in Taupo and looking for an activity to add to the programme, talk to us about bringing your group out to Lilliput Animal Farm. Group bookings are available at any time, including outside our general entry hours, by arrangement. Group pricing is available by enquiry for groups of more than 30 people.
Birthday parties at Lilliput Animal Farm
Animals, a playground and plenty of room to run around – that sounds like birthday fun!
Book your celebration at Lilliput Animal Farm and bring your own picnic, birthday cake and drinks. There are tables around the park as well as plenty of space beneath the oak trees if you'd rather spread out a picnic blanket. The children can feed the animals, visit the rabbits and head for the playground while the adults can wander the grounds and relax.
When there are piglets on the farm, you may even be able to sit with them for your picnic – although don't expect them to keep their noses out of your birthday food!
Family events and group visits
Looking for somewhere different to get everyone together? Lilliput Animal Farm can accommodate family events, community groups, retirement village outings, extended families, family reunions and other larger gatherings.
There are picnic and BBQ tables around the park, a covered pergola with seating, plenty of shade and space for children to play. Depending on the occasion, you can bring your own food or arrange options such as a food cart.
Group bookings can be made at any time, including outside our general entry hours, by arrangement. For groups of more than 30 people, please contact us for group pricing.
Corporate family days and Christmas functions
Swap the usual end-of-year function for an afternoon under the trees. Lilliput Animal Farm works particularly well for family-friendly corporate events where partners and children are invited too. Bring in a food cart, enjoy a picnic or BBQ, let the children loose in the playground and everyone can wander around and feed the animals. Santa is welcome to make an appearance!
There's plenty of room to spread out, space for kids activities, and adults can relax, catch up and enjoy the afternoon.
It's informal, easy going and a little different from the standard Christmas function.
Weddings and special celebrations
Not everyone wants a formal wedding venue. If your idea of a great celebration involves trees, animals, children, picnic blankets and a relaxed day with the people you care about, Lilliput Animal Farm offers a very different Taupo setting.
The grounds are particularly lovely through spring and summer, with filtered light through the trees and daffodils in spring. There are plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs too – and there's always a chance a peacock or another Lilliput Animal Farm resident will decide to join in.
Bring your own food and create the day your way. Talk to us about wedding ceremonies, photographs and other private celebrations at the park.
Come and spend some time at Lilliput Animal Farm
Sometimes the best days are the simplest ones. So if you're looking for things to do with kids near Taupo, or you just want a fun family day out, Lilliput Animal Farm is a great destination.
“Always a great day out for all ages... Love the quirky play/picnic area to hang out for a rest afterwards while the kid's play independently at a safe watching distance. Perfect activity and space for kid's birthday gatherings. My daughter had her 3rd bday party here and loved every minute.” - Deanna Black, Google review
Check here for Lilliput Animal Farm entry prices and FAQs.