Paradise Valley Springs first opened to the public in 1939 as a trout springs.  Today the park is set in a very natural and well-maintained New Zealand bush environment.

There is a freshwater spring onsite that supplies the park with water and feeds an on-display water bottling plant. And The Ngongotaha Stream, home to many wild trout, winds through the park.

All of the wildlife on display is found either wild or farmed around New Zealand. Hands on or close contact with many of the resident animals is encouraged. The exception is the African lion pride and, for this reason, the lions are housed in a separate area of the park.

The hope is to foster an appreciation and love for wildlife through connecting with animals. Paradise Valley Springs is also about educating visitors about the challenges a lot of New Zealand’s native species are facing. Since the first lion cub was born back in 1986, the park has also offered the chance for visitors to interact with cubs when they have them.