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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch

4.5

#1 of 10 in Zoos & Aquariums in South Island

Zoo / Aquarium Nature / Park

• ©

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve provides a glimpse into New Zealand's natural heritage and addresses the issues that threaten its future. The reserve's 50-plus animals are grouped into three categories that track the development of the country's ecosystem: Wild New Zealand features animals introduced in the early days of the country; Heritage New Zealand houses domesticated creatures that have shaped the nation's farming industry; and Natural New Zealand supports the iconic and rare species that make up its special ecological community. Kiwis, kea, gibbons, wallabies, and more can all be found at the reserve. Purchase some food bags to feed the critters before chowing down yourself at the onsite restaurant. To visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve on your holiday in Christchurch, and find out what else Christchurch has to offer, use our Christchurch day trip planning tool .

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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

922 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

4.6

12,004 likes

• By DbacksFn

  We were looking for a place to see kiwi birds after our Zealandia tour was canceled for weather. We've been to Christchurch multiple time and had never been here. We've been missing out. This is a wel...  more »

• By tying-to-travel

  Simply awesome. Great value for money and an ideal day out for all ages. There are plenty of animals, native and non native with the opportunities to feed the farm animals, birds and eels for an extra...  more »

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Google

• By Kushla Tapper

  Wonderful place to take young children. My preschool aged kids love feeding the eels, watching the fish up close through the glass and seeing a wide range of animals in a small area. It's a short enough loop with options to reduce the walk if you are feeling exhausted carrying children or if you take elderly grand parents. A wonderful asset to Canterbury and very reasonably priced family annual passes. Keep up the great work people. ;)

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• By Reece Haenga

  Fantastic little Wildlife reserve. We stopped here as we had some time to kill before our flight back home. When we arrived it had been snowing and then started hailing! But we decided to push on despite the inclement weather. The staff were super friendly and even provided us with complimentary umbrellas to brave the elements with. The park was clean, well set out and we'll kept. The animals all looked happy and healthy (albeit a little cold). Once we finished, we sat inside by the fire to warm up! Would recommend this park if you are in Christchurch and have the time. Would loved to have spent more time here but was a last minute decision which was well worth it.

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