Explore Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park and nature reserve located in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

Offering fun family entertainment, an award-winning restaurant, and an array of stunning wildlife, a trip to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a must-do on any trip to Christchurch.

About

Founded more than 40 years ago, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has become a thriving attraction for both locals and international visitors alike, with over 120,000 visitors a year. Using pioneering and innovative interactive displays with an emphasis on New Zealand’s natural environment, Willowbank is renowned for showcasing some of New Zealand’s best native species, with an impressive glass-free nocturnal house for kiwi in a natural environment.

A New Zealand leader in conservation and scientific projects, as well as containing an in-house breeding programme for native and endangered species, Willowbank’s main three goals are to be part of the conservation of species, to educate customers and advocate for wildlife, and to provide entertainment to families and visitors.

Animals

Willowbank is divided into three different sections: Farmyard, New Zealand, and Zoo/Exotics.

In the Farmyard section, there are all sorts of farmyard animals, from the more common types like goats, rabbits, cows, horses, and sheep, to the less common peacocks, llamas, alpacas, and kune kune pig.

In the New Zealand section, you’ll find a plethora of our native birds such as the kea, kaka, kakariki, and takahe, north island brown kiwi, and more.

The Zoo/Exotics section contains animals from all round the world, from wallabies, to leopard and star tortoises, to lemurs and capybaras.

Wherever you go in this reserve, you won’t be disappointed!

Tickets & Opening Hours

An adult ticket costs $32.50, while a child aged 5-15 years is $12 (kids under 5 are free). Student and senior citizen tickets cost $26.

A family pass consisting of 2 childrens and 2 adults cost $81, with $6 per child added on to this particular pass.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is open daily from 9:30am-5pm, and closed on Christmas Day.

There is also a delicious cafe open from 9:30pm-4pm daily.