Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch, Canterbury

Explore One of Christchurch’s Top Wildlife Attractions

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Christchurch offers unforgettable wildlife experiences, interactive animal encounters and one of New Zealand’s best kiwi viewing experiences. As one of the most popular family attractions in Christchurch, Willowbank is home to native New Zealand wildlife, animals from around the world and family-friendly activities including keeper feeding sessions and close-up wildlife encounters. Located in Canterbury, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is one of the top wildlife parks in Christchurch for visitors wanting to experience New Zealand animals up close.

Why Choose Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?

• Qualmark Gold-certified experience
• New Zealand Tourism Award winner
• One of Christchurch’s leading wildlife attractions
• Glass-free nocturnal kiwi viewing with a 100% kiwi viewing guarantee
• Native New Zealand wildlife and exotic species
• Interactive animal encounters and daily keeper feeding sessions
• Family-friendly experiences for all ages
• Onsite cafe and bar
• Open daily throughout the year, excluding Christmas Day

Christchurch Wildlife Park Experiences

• Kiwi encounters and nocturnal kiwi viewing
• Capybara encounters
• Lemur encounters
• Daily animal feeding sessions
• Native New Zealand wildlife displays
• Family-friendly wildlife experiences
• Christchurch zoo and wildlife park attractions
• Educational wildlife experiences for children

Meet the Animals at Willowbank

Check out some of our amazing activities! Nowhere else in New Zealand will you find such a wide range of New Zealand wildlife so close to you.

Kiwi Encounter

• Nocturnal House open daily from 10.30am
• No Glass
• 100% kiwi viewing guarantee

Our Animals

Willowbank is divided into three different sections.

• Farmyard Section
• New Zealand Section
• Zoo/Exotics Section

Willowbank Feeding Times

Watch Willowbank’s keepers feed the animals daily and enjoy fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the reserve.

• 10:45am – Otters
• 11:50am – Eels
• 12:45pm – Gibbons
• 1:00pm – Kea

Animal food is also available for purchase if you would like to hand-feed selected animals during your visit.

Willowbank Cafe

Relax and enjoy the cafe and bar, before, during or after exploring the reserve.

The cafe and bar are open from 9.30am daily or for functions by arrangement.

By combining New Zealand food, wine and wildlife, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has created a full entertainment experience for visitors to Christchurch with a uniquely New Zealand flavour.

The Willowbank Barn and Farmyard

Willowbank offers a rustic venue with the opportunity to combine New Zealand’s wildlife, culture, and cuisine for a truly memorable event. It is the perfect venue for corporate events, incentives, family events, a special birthday, team building days or a magical wedding.