Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

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

The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience native wildlife in "Natural NZ" and share in the hope for their future. The reserve houses 95 species that are divided into three sections: exotics, heritage farmyard, and New Zealand natives. Visitors can view kiwis from 10.30am until close. The reserve offers a Kiwi Tour, which is a guided tour that allows visitors to see kiwis up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. The tour is available at an additional cost. In addition to the animals, the reserve also has a heritage farmyard, where visitors can see and interact with farm animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. The reserve also has a gift shop and a cafe, which serves food and drinks.

The New Zealand natives section houses species from around New Zealand, including kea, kaka, North Island brown kiwi, South Island brown kiwi, Okarito brown kiwi, great spotted kiwi, morepork, New Zealand falcon, and tuatara. Willowbank also carries out conservation of native species including tuatara, kiwi, brown teal, and Duvaucel's gecko. Willowbank also holds the only pair of takahe on display in the South Island of New Zealand outside a Department of Conservation facility. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve supports and works alongside charitable organizations such as the South Island Wildlife Hospital and the Save the Kiwi Trust. The reserve also participates in breeding programs for endangered species.

Useful tips for visiting Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: Take the 12:24 bus 107 on Saturdays (formerly bus 11) toward Styx Hill from Central Station (45-50 Lichfield St). The cost is 3.60 NZD per person. Ticket Price at Willowbank: Adults 25 NZD (you can get a 5 off coupon on their website), children 5-15, NZD 12.50, children under 5 are free. Overall, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a great place to visit for anyone interested in New Zealand's native wildlife and conservation efforts.