Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch is one of the top New Zealand visitor attractions, where you will experience New Zealand wildlife first hand and learn about the diversity of this country's natural environment and history. Willowbank prides itself on its conservation and rehabilitation of rare & endangered New Zealand species.
We invite you to watch, touch and feed our unique Willowbank native wildlife, become friends with our farm animals and learn about the introduced pests that have influenced New Zealand's bio-diversity. You and your family will love this exciting Christchurch attraction!
Your trip to New Zealand will not be complete without seeing the New Zealand kiwi bird - at one of Christchurch’s best attractions- Willowbank. Our kiwis are housed in an open and natural enclosure allowing you incredible viewing of Kiwis and Kiwi breeding. Only Willowbank is open at night time which allows you to enjoy the habits of our nocturnal inhabitants just as nature intended. "Your Kiwi Viewing Guarantee" is our guarantee that all visitors will enjoy a kiwi experience.
For those of you, who are nocturnal, come after dark and experience the Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performance and New Zealand Wildlife Tour at night. Or join us under the sun, for an outstanding day of family activities, entertainment and education. Be entertained by the Challenge and Powhiri greeting in a pre- European village followed by an interactive Christchurch Maori cultural performance.
Willowbank has an award winning Christchurch restaurant. Lunch and dinner of sumptuous New Zealand cuisine is served daily. Cafe and a children's menu is available during the day. Reservations for evening meals are essential. Also enjoy shopping for souvenirs at the onsite Willowbank gift shop!
Open daily 9.30am - 10.pm daily. Heritage NZ and Wild NZ Areas close at dusk
The Natural New Zealand Area of the Reserve is lit and open until 10 pm with guided tours every hour from 5.30pm. Kiwi are able to be viewed from 10.30am until closing.
Transport Options
No. 11 bus departs from platform E opposite the City Bus Exchange building near Ballantynes every 30 minutes during the week and every hour on the weekend. The bus stop is 50 metres from the Willowbank gate.
An evening shuttle to Ko Tane, Maori Cultural Experience at Willowbank, is available.
Please call (03) 359 6226 for details.
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