Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Waka on the Avon
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary in Christchurch, founded by the Willis family over 4 decades ago. Recent New Zealand Tourism Award winners, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offers one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in the country.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve introduces visitors to the authentic, wild NZ, allowing them to experience native wildlife through conservation combined with information and entertainment. With no glass barriers, guests can observe kiwi in a natural nocturnal environment and explore lush habitats home to kea, tuatara, rare native birds, native eels, and friendly farm animals.
A visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a fun way to learn about natural NZ history, culture, and wildlife, with residents including Tuatara, Kaka, Kea, Kiwi and more. Read on to learn more about what a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch can offer.
Keytag Bonus: Receive a 10% discount off entry to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve OR a 10% discount off a Guided Kiwi Tour. Available for direct bookings only (not online) on presentation of your Omega Keytag and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers.
A healthy tuatara rests on a rock, surrounded by greenery - Image Source: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Enjoy the best of Christchurch, New Zealand
Booking fun family activities for a New Zealand holiday can soon add up, but at Willowbank everything is taken care of. If you’re looking for an alternative to Christchurch Zoo that supports wildlife in natural environments, with plenty of activities for the whole family, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is the place to be.
Set in a picturesque location, right on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is home to such a wide range of creatures, from New Zealand native birds to introduced wildlife. Willowbank is the best spot to see native species, right in Christchurch, including the ancient tuatara, very rare Takahe and even Kiwis, all included within the admission price.
A NZ wood pigeon sits atop a Willowbank Wildlife welcome sign - Image Source: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Native wildlife and cultural attractions at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
New Zealand is home to vast wildlife in natural habitats, but you can see it all here on a guided tour in Christchurch. Listen to the sights and sounds of our NZ park, meet the cheeky Kea and learn more about the Kaka, the NZ bush parrot. Be sure to grab some animal food for $3 a bag to complete your Willowbank experience. Feed our birds, wild eels or fish to your heart’s content.
A kiwi, one of New Zealand’s iconic native birds, forages for food - Image Source: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
A New Zealand icon, the Kiwi is an elusive nocturnal forest dweller that avoids close encounters. But during daylight hours you can catch sight of one at the kiwi viewing room at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - with kiwi viewing guaranteed.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is also home to many old livestock breeds unique to the region, offering a look back at the heritage NZ farmers are renowned for. An introduced species, sheep have long played a role in New Zealand history, and many of the popular livestock breeds can be found at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
A young girl meets a friendly kea at the Willowbank Reserve - Image Source: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
The Lemur Encounter is a popular attraction amongst kids and adults alike. It’s your chance to get up close to these amazing animals as you enter their enclosure and help the keeper feed the lemurs their lunch. You will learn lots about the lemurs' natural habitat and behaviour whilst interacting and taking photos with these special primates.
Meet ring-tailed lemurs up close - Image Source: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Children and adults alike will enjoy the park cafe at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. With a great view and food to suit all tastes, the cafe is a great place to enjoy the picturesque natural environment of this New Zealand park.
During New Zealand school holidays, get the right feeding hours and your children may even feed some of the exotic species themselves. Booking and additional charges may apply.
Waka on Avon Experience at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve gives you a unique experience with Waka on Avon. This guided waka journey takes guests onto the Ōtākaro Avon River, where they paddle a handcrafted waka (canoe) while learning traditional techniques and hearing kōrero (stories) about the river’s significance. Led by expert kaiārahi (guides), the experience shares captivating stories of Ngāi Tahu and early European settlers, offering a deeper connection to place and culture.
Delivered in an intimate small-group format, this experience is suitable for all ages and abilities and stands out as one of Christchurch’s most meaningful and culturally rich activities on the South Island!
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve opening hours are 9:30 am-5:00 pm every day except Christmas Day. For those in need of transport, the reserve is right down the road, only 10 minutes away from Omega Rentals in Christchurch. When booking your hire car, be sure to plan a stop at Willowbank Christchurch for an unforgettable New Zealand wildlife experience. Omega Rental Cars - Christchurch Airport
Keytag Bonus: Receive a 10% discount off entry to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve OR a 10% discount off a Guided Kiwi Tour. Available for direct bookings only (not online) on presentation of your Omega Keytag and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers.