How to Plan Your Visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
If you’re visiting New Zealand, don’t miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with native animals at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Located just 5 minutes’ drive from Christchurch Airport and 20 minutes’ drive from Christchurch CBD, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve and wildlife park that’s perfect for people of all ages. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit.Experience
With the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket, you’ll have access to all areas of the park. You can marvel at native kiwi birds in the nocturnal house with no glass to hinder your view, encounter New Zealand’s ‘Big 5’ (kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara, and kiwi) closer than ever before, and enjoy a unique farm experience as you hand-feed animals and wander the grounds. The park is set in a natural environment with a great variety of wildlife species, making it a perfect family attraction.Highlights
One of the most popular highlights of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is the kiwi bird enclosure, where you can see the national bird of New Zealand up close and personal. The nocturnal house allows visitors to see kiwis, along with other nocturnal animals such as the tuatara, which is the world’s only living dinosaur. Simultaneously, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve’s kea enclosure is the largest of its kind in the world, and visitors can walk through it to meet the world’s only alpine parrot. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the rarest birds in the world, the takahe, and a rare bush parrot, the kaka.Getting There
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is located at 60 Hussey Road, Harewood, Christchurch. If you’re driving, there are plenty of parking spaces available. For those who don’t have access to transportation, the park offers free shuttle services from selected hotels in Christchurch.Ticket Price & Opening Hours
The current price for a Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket is $38 USD per adult, and the park is open from 9 am to 5 pm, 365 days a year.Tips Before You Go
To make the most out of your visit, we have listed some tips that may come in handy:- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a bit of walking involved in the park.
- Consider visiting the park during off-peak times for a more peaceful experience.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture your unforgettable moments with the New Zealand wildlife.
- You are not allowed to bring your food into the park, but there are various on-site eateries that offer delicious food or refreshments if you need them, including Willowbank Café and Bar.
- Please follow all park rules, such as not touching the animals, as these measures are in place to keep both visitors and animals safe.
Summary
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve provides a fantastic opportunity to experience nature firsthand and get up close and personal with New Zealand’s best-known wildlife. With so much to see and do, you won’t regret taking the time to visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Book the tour today and see for yourself! Book the tour here
Frequently Asked Questions about Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is one of the most popular attractions in the area, attracting visitors from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, you may have some questions about what to expect. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.1. What is Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park that is home to many native New Zealand animals. The park is a great place to see animals that you may not find anywhere else in the world.2. What animals can I see at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
At Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, you can see a wide range of native New Zealand animals, including:- Kiwi birds
- Tuataras
- Kea parrots
- Morepork owls
- Red-billed gulls
- Takahe birds
- Kaka parrots
- And more!
3. How long does it take to tour Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
You can expect to spend about 2-3 hours at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This will give you enough time to see all the animals and attractions and also participate in some of the interactive experiences.4. Can I feed the animals at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Yes, you can feed some of the animals at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This is a great way to get up close and personal with some of the animals and learn more about them.5. Is Willowbank Wildlife Reserve accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is accessible for people with disabilities. The park has wheelchair access and dedicated disabled parking.6. Are there any interactive experiences at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Yes, there are several interactive experiences that you can participate in at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Some of the experiences include:- Feeding the eels
- Feeding the kiwi birds
- Watching the tuatara feeding
7. How much does it cost to visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Admission prices for Willowbank Wildlife Reserve vary depending on your age and whether you want to participate in any of the interactive experiences. You can check the park’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.8. What are the hours of operation for Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is open seven days a week from 9:30am – 5:00pm.9. Is there a restaurant or cafe at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Yes, there is a restaurant at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.10. Are dogs allowed at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
No, dogs are not allowed at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This is to ensure the safety of the animals. In conclusion, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is an excellent place to experience native New Zealand wildlife up close and personal. With a wide range of animals and interactive experiences, it is sure to be a memorable experience.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
If you’re visiting New Zealand, one of the must-visit destinations is the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. It’s among the most specialized parks in the world, offering you an experience unlike anywhere else. From experiencing the famous Kiwi Tour to discovering other endangered native animals, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is undoubtedly an amazing place. In this guide, we will discuss how to spend your time as a tourist in Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.Step 1: Book Your Tickets in Advance
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a popular tourist attraction, so it’s always best to book your tickets in advance. You can book them online through the park’s website or book them on the spot. If you plan to visit during peak season or weekends, we recommend booking in advance. By booking online, you’ll also get the benefit of discounted prices.Step 2: Take the Kiwi Tour
One of the highlights of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is the famous Kiwi Tour. You’ll get to see the national bird of New Zealand, the Kiwi, right in front of your eyes. The Kiwi Tour is a unique and interactive experience, where you’ll learn about the Kiwi bird, its habitat, and the challenges it faces in the wild.Step 3: Visit the Wallaby Walkabout
The Wallaby Walkabout is an exhibit where you can have an up-close and personal experience with wallabies. The exhibit is designed to mimic the natural environment of the wallabies, and you’ll get to experience them in their natural habitat. The Wallaby Walkabout is a great way for both kids and adults to learn about these marsupials.Step 4: Check Out Other Exhibits
Apart from the Kiwi Tour and Wallaby Walkabout, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve also features other unique exhibits. These include:The Tuatara Experience
Tuatara are a unique reptile species native to New Zealand. The Tuatara Experience exhibit allows you to observe these unique creatures up close.The Kea Encounter
The Kea Encounter is an opportunity to interact with the world’s only alpine parrot species. Kea are known for their vibrant personalities and intelligence.The NZ Farm Experience
The NZ Farm Experience is a fun exhibit for both kids and adults. It’s a hands-on learning experience, where you can feed animals and learn about New Zealand’s agricultural industry.Step 5: Attend a Cultural Performance
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve also offers a Maori cultural experience. The performance is an opportunity to learn about and immerse yourself in Maori culture. You’ll get to experience traditional songs, dances, and stories.Step 6: Take a Walk in the Park
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with lush greenery, lakes, and streams. Take a walk in the park and enjoy the serene environment. There are several walking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult.Step 7: Grab a Bite to Eat
After a long day of exploring, grab a bite to eat at the park’s cafe. The cafe offers a range of food and drinks, including coffee, sandwiches, and cakes. There’s something for everyone in the menu, even for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions.Step 8: Shop for Souvenirs
Before you leave Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, make sure you stop by the gift shop. The shop offers a range of souvenirs, including plush toys, t-shirts, and postcards. It’s a great place to find the perfect souvenir to take back home and remember your time at the park.Book Your Tour Now
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is undoubtedly an amazing place to visit, and there’s something for everyone here. From the famous Kiwi Tour to the Maori cultural experience, you’ll have a unique and memorable experience. Remember to book your tickets in advance, take a walk in the park, and grab a bite to eat at the cafe. Lastly, don’t forget to shop for souvenirs before you leave. We hope this guide will help you plan your visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.Table of Contents
