About
Marshalls Animal Park, nestled on McLaren Falls Road in Omanawa, is one of Bay of Plenty's most beloved hands-on wildlife attractions. This working farm park lets visitors get genuinely close to a mix of native and exotic animals—from alpacas and emus to deer and peacocks—in a relaxed, pastoral setting that feels more like visiting a friendly neighbour's farm than a formal zoo. It's famous locally for combining education with genuine animal interaction, making it a refreshingly authentic alternative to corporate wildlife parks.
Visitors should expect a laid-back, family-focused experience that typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on how much time you spend with the animals. The park is very much suited to families with young children, couples after a low-key outing, and anyone wanting to hand-feed and photograph animals without the crowds or formality of larger attractions. The atmosphere is genuinely welcoming—staff are knowledgeable and relaxed, and you'll encounter other visitors enjoying the same unhurried pace. Most people find it worth the visit, particularly if you're travelling with kids; just bring closed-toe shoes (muddy ground is part of the charm) and expect to get your hands a bit dirty.
Marshal's fits perfectly into a broader Bay of Plenty itinerary, sitting roughly halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua, making it an ideal stop if you're road-tripping between regions. Nearby, you can combine it with McLaren Falls Park for scenic walks, or make a loop through local cafés in Omanawa. Spring and summer (September to February) are best for visiting—the weather is reliably warm and animals are most active. Even in shoulder seasons, it's open and quiet enough that you'll avoid peak-time crowds.
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