Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park at 60 Hussey Road in Northwood, Christchurch, with native New Zealand species, farm animals and exotic wildlife. Its nocturnal house gives you a chance to see kiwi, alongside birds such as kea, kākā and takahē, and reptiles including tuatara. You can buy food packs to feed animals such as eels and farmyard residents. Native wildlife tours add context to the visit, while the walking paths take you through bush and wetland areas. Families and wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.
Native wildlife and the kiwi house
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve brings native New Zealand wildlife, farm animals and introduced species together in a reserve in Northwood, Christchurch. Among the native animals are kiwi, kea, kākā, takahē, weka, whio and tuatara. Seeing several of these species in one place makes the reserve a useful stop for learning about New Zealand wildlife, especially if you have not encountered them in the wild.
Kiwi are nocturnal, so their habitat is kept dark to suit their activity. The reserve’s dedicated nocturnal house gives you the opportunity to watch them moving and foraging. Keep your eyes open as you look around, since the low light is part of how the habitat works. The kiwi programme also includes breeding work: the reserve incubates eggs from several kiwi species as part of its conservation efforts.
Native birds are a major part of the visit. Kea are mountain parrots, while kākā are bush parrots; takahē are rare, flightless birds. Tuatara, a reptile with a distinctive ancient lineage, are another of the native species you can see. The reserve also has wetland wildlife and eels, alongside introduced animals such as lemurs, capybaras and wallabies.
Farmyard animals and feeding
The farmyard area adds a different kind of encounter, with heritage and local livestock breeds alongside birds and other animals. Food packs let you feed some of the animals, including eels and farmyard residents. Packs for birds, farm animals and eels are sold separately, so decide which encounters matter to you before setting off around the reserve.
The paths lead between the different animal areas, with bush and wetland surroundings along the way. A map helps you navigate the route. Families can build in time for animal feeding and a slower walk, while visitors mainly interested in native species can focus on the New Zealand wildlife areas and the nocturnal house.
During school holidays, children can take part in Keeper experiences for an additional charge. These activities give children a chance to learn about animal care. The reserve also runs native wildlife tours, which add information about the animals and conservation work to a visit.
Planning your visit
Willowbank is at 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch. The grounds are arranged for walking, and the reserve has accessible entrances, parking and restrooms. Plan for around two hours to see the varied animals; feeding stops or a guided tour can add time. Popular areas can be busy, so leave room in your schedule if you want to take photos or spend longer watching particular animals.
There is a café on site, giving you a place to stop for food or coffee during your visit. If you are planning a repeat visit with a child, child annual membership is mentioned as an option that allows visits with an adult companion. Check the reserve’s website for current details about tickets, activities and membership before you go.
Häufige Fragen
How long do you need at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Plan for about two hours to explore the reserve. Feeding stops or a wildlife tour can take longer.
Can you see kiwi at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Yes. Kiwi live in a dedicated nocturnal house, where the dim habitat lets you watch them when they are active.
Can you feed animals at Willowbank?
Yes. Food packs are available for feeding eels, farm animals and birds. The packs are sold separately.
Is Willowbank Wildlife Reserve suitable for children?
Yes. Children can see native wildlife and farm animals, and school-holiday Keeper experiences are available for an additional charge.
