
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Discover New Zealand's unique wildlife at Willowbank, featuring kiwis, interactive feeding, and immersive encounters. A family-friendly gem!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Animals are most active

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Best Time
Animals are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover New Zealand's unique wildlife at Willowbank, featuring kiwis, interactive feeding, and immersive encounters. A family-friendly gem!
"An amazing taste of all the local wildlife found in New Zealand, highly recommend to visit!"

🎯 Don't Miss the Kiwi House!
Guaranteed kiwi sightings in a unique, glass-free nocturnal house. Go twice if needed!
🍎 Bring cash for animal food
Purchase food to feed eels, deer, and goats for an interactive experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nocturnal Kiwi Enclosure
Nocturnal House
See New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird up close in a natural, glass-free environment. Guaranteed sightings!

Animal Feeding Experiences
Various enclosures
Hands-on fun feeding eels, deer, goats, and more! Signage clearly indicates which animals can be fed.
Capybara Encounter
Capybara enclosure
A unique opportunity to quietly interact with and hand-feed these gentle giants.

Free-Ranging Wildlife
Throughout the reserve
Enjoy encounters with peacocks, ducks, and other birds that roam freely around the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
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Best Times
Insider Tips
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Orana Wildlife Park OR Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
🎯 Don't Miss the Kiwi House!
Guaranteed kiwi sightings in a unique, glass-free nocturnal house. Go twice if needed!
🍎 Bring cash for animal food
Purchase food to feed eels, deer, and goats for an interactive experience.
How is it that's Willow bank wildlife park is doing so well but Orana park can't even afford to look after its own animal to a high standard?
Staying in Christchurch. Should I visit Willowbank wildlife reserve or the Orana wildlife reserve?
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the hidden treasures.
📸 Allow ample time for photos
You'll take tons of photos and videos; plan for at least 3 hours.
Ethical places on South Island to see kiwi?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Kiwi House!
Guaranteed kiwi sightings in a unique, glass-free nocturnal house. Go twice if needed!
🍎 Bring cash for animal food
Purchase food to feed eels, deer, and goats for an interactive experience.
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the hidden treasures.
📸 Allow ample time for photos
You'll take tons of photos and videos; plan for at least 3 hours.
💰 Consider an annual pass
Great value if you plan to visit more than twice a year.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for its well-cared-for animals and immersive experiences, especially the nocturnal Kiwi enclosure and interactive feeding opportunities. The reserve is noted for its excellent value, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to animal welfare, making it a highly recommended destination.
"Loved the experience. Visited other wildlife parks and so far one can beat Willowbank. The animals are all well taken care of. The experience of feeding them especially the eels were 💯
My daughter enjoyed it too.
Food at the cafe was also pretty decent! Price is reasonable too."
Linda Yeoh
"I was really impressed this visit. It has been a while and it has always been a great facility, but this visit it was obvious that Willowbank are focused on reinvesting their income in looking after the animals and providing a great experience for all. All the staff were really lovely and super helpful. The facilities are looking well cared for. There were staff and volunteers everywhere, looking after the wildlife and their environment. All the animals looked healthy and in good condition, out being playful and enjoying the sun and fresh food. I loved that you can enjoy all of this for just the gate entry fee (if you can get there more than twice a year its really economical to get an annual pass! and this showed by the good numbers of young families there on a sunny weekday), but that you could also pay extra to do a special Encounter with your choice of Capybara, Lemur, Bees, and guided tours. And that money is going back into the wildlife welfare. We did the Capybara Encounter - very well organised and managed, low stress on the animals - we just sat quietly and they came up to us to hand feed!!! So cool :)
The facilities are designed to be accessible for all. Great for all ages
There is a variety of different specialist areas to wander through, lots of hidden treasures. It's worth wandering around twice as we missed things the first time and free ranging birds move around, peacocks etc.
You can attend feeding times as well.
We spent most of the day there and had lunch at the cafe too, sat on the big deck in the sun watching the deer and the ducklings over the waterway.
The Keas were hilarious. The nocturnal Kiwi enclosure is amazing, we went through twice and finally spotted all 3.
We bought food and fed everyone we were allowed to (great signage letting you know so you don't hurt any of the animals tummies!)
Has a well stocked gift shop as well.
Lots of places to picnic and nice clean toilets around the park."
Deirdre Johns
"The zoo has an atmosphere similar to an open-range zoo, featuring a wide variety of New Zealand animals. Ducks can be seen wandering along almost the entire path. It’s a great place to take children to learn and explore."
Kunchit Piyavechviratana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is conveniently located close to the airport in Christchurch. Public transport options are available, and driving is straightforward with ample parking. Many visitors find it an easy addition to their itinerary.
Yes, public transport routes serve the area around Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, making it easy for visitors arriving by car. This is a common mode of transport for families and those coming from further afield.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is very close to Christchurch Airport, making it an ideal destination for visitors arriving or departing from the city. It's a quick and easy transfer.
Absolutely! Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a popular day trip destination from Christchurch city center. It's easily accessible by car or public transport and offers a full day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening and closing times, especially during different seasons.
Admission fees apply for Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. While the gate entry fee is reasonable, consider an annual pass if you plan to visit multiple times, as it offers significant savings. Special encounters may have additional costs.
It is generally recommended to purchase tickets online in advance for Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak seasons. Check their website for booking options.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as children, seniors, or families. It's worth checking the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve website or contacting them directly for information on current discount offers.
General admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve typically grants access to wander through the various animal enclosures and enjoy the reserve's natural setting. Feeding opportunities and special encounters usually incur an extra fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The nocturnal Kiwi enclosure is a major highlight, offering guaranteed sightings of New Zealand's national icon. Other popular animals include wallabies, capybaras, lemurs, and the hilarious Keas. Don't miss the free-ranging birds like peacocks and ducks!
Yes, you can purchase food to feed many of the animals, including eels, deer, and goats. Clear signage indicates which animals are safe to feed, ensuring the well-being of the wildlife.
Animals are generally most active in the cooler parts of the day, so early mornings and late afternoons are ideal. Visiting during scheduled feeding times also increases your chances of seeing them engaged and active.
Yes, guided tours and special animal encounters are available at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for an additional fee. These offer a more in-depth experience and a chance to learn more about the animals from knowledgeable staff.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is highly family-friendly and great for children. The interactive feeding opportunities, accessible paths, and diverse range of animals make it an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has a cafe that serves decent food at reasonable prices. Visitors have noted it as a good option for lunch or snacks during their visit.
The cafe at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offers a variety of options, suitable for a casual meal or snack. Reviews suggest the food is pretty decent and reasonably priced, with options for families.
Yes, there are plenty of places to picnic at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This is a great option for families or those who prefer to bring their own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Bringing your own food is permitted at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and there are designated picnic areas available. This can be a cost-effective option for families.
While specific menu details can vary, most cafes at attractions like Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offer a range of options. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly or look at their menu upon arrival for current vegetarian or vegan choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The nocturnal Kiwi enclosure offers unique photo opportunities, though lighting can be challenging. The open enclosures with free-ranging animals, like peacocks and deer, also provide great shots. Look for scenic spots near waterways and lush greenery.
Yes, many enclosures allow for close-up photography, especially during feeding times or with animals that are accustomed to visitors. The Capybara Encounter is particularly good for intimate photos. Always maintain a respectful distance.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals at varying distances. For the nocturnal house, a camera with good low-light performance or a fast prime lens would be beneficial. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Tripods are generally allowed in outdoor areas of wildlife reserves, but it's always best to check the specific rules of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Be mindful of other visitors and ensure your tripod doesn't obstruct pathways.
Photography inside the nocturnal Kiwi enclosure might be restricted due to the sensitive nature of the environment and the animals. Check for signage or ask staff for guidance on photography rules within this specific area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the nocturnal Kiwi enclosure, which offers a magical glimpse into the world of New Zealand's most famous bird. The free-ranging peacocks and ducks add an element of surprise as they wander through the park, keeping little ones entertained. The staff are friendly and helpful, contributing to a stress-free family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you plan on visiting multiple times, an annual pass is highlighted as being incredibly economical. Bringing your own picnic lunch is also a great way to save money, with plenty of scenic spots available for dining al fresco. The overall experience provides a rich encounter with New Zealand's wildlife without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles around the various habitats, from lush greenery to water features. The Capybara Encounter is ideal for capturing intimate portraits. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely be snapping photos for the entire duration of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Kiwi Bird Experience
The success of the nocturnal house is a testament to Willowbank's commitment to animal welfare and creating authentic visitor experiences. The reserve focuses on providing environments that are as close to natural as possible, which not only benefits the animals but also enhances the visitor's understanding and appreciation of New Zealand's native wildlife. This dedication is a key reason why Willowbank is highly recommended for those seeking to see a kiwi.
Interactive Animal Encounters
Beyond general feeding, Willowbank offers more specialized animal encounters, such as the popular Capybara Encounter. These curated experiences allow for closer interaction in a controlled and low-stress environment for the animals. Visitors have described these encounters as well-organized and incredibly rewarding, with the capybaras approaching guests to be hand-fed. This focus on direct, positive interaction makes Willowbank a standout destination for animal lovers.
Value and Family-Friendliness
The reserve is exceptionally family-friendly, with accessible paths and a layout that encourages exploration for all ages. The presence of free-ranging birds like peacocks and ducks adds an element of surprise and delight for children. Combined with the interactive feeding opportunities and the educational aspect of learning about New Zealand's unique fauna, Willowbank offers a fulfilling day out for families seeking both fun and learning.
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