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New Zealand Wildlife Park Christchurch, New Zealand

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Restaurant Introduction

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Restaurant gives you the opportunity to experience New Zealand wildlife first hand at our wildlife park in Christchurch.

Be a part of our unique native New Zealand wildlife, make friends with our farm animals and see how introduced pests have influenced our bio-diversity.

Your trip to New Zealand will not be complete without seeing the New Zealand kiwi—at our wildlife park in Christchurch, our kiwis are in an open and natural enclosure. If you visit in the evening, they may be viewed outside under the stars (a world first).

Come and discover Tane Mahuta the Maori God of the Forest and discover a people who live in harmony with nature and find out how our culture has grown.

Ko Tane is a Maori cultural experience located at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Enjoy an authentic Maori cultural experience, where you'll be greeted with a traditional powhiri (greeting), treated to a cultural performance/show and where you'll be able to explore our living village and wildlife reserve.

For those nocturnal, come after dark and experience New Zealand's wildlife at night. Or join us under the sun, for an outstanding day of entertainment and education.

Dine in our award winning restaurant or cafe. Lunch and dinner of sumptuous New Zealand cuisine is served daily. Reservations for evening meals are essential.

Our Wildlife Park in Christchurch

Our wildlife park in Christchurch consists of three main areas:

• The New Zealand Experience
• The Farmyard
• The Exotic Wildlife Area

The New Zealand Experience – As you wander through the native bush like setting our guides will explain the unique stories of our fauna and flora. Be captivated by the ponds of giant Trout and Salmon, a walk through the massive 'Alpine' aviaries, which house the world's only 'mountain parrot'—the Kea, while tunnels and caves make this an area of constant surprise.

Of course the highlight of your trip will be New Zealand's elusive national symbol—the kiwi bird. At Willowbank, we don't hide our kiwis away behind a glass wall. Instead, they are in an open and natural enclosure.

New Zealand Kiwi birds can be viewed from 10:30 am through to 10:00 pm each day, all year round. Our emphasis is on creating a natural environment.

This area also provides your guests with the opportunity to see some of New Zealand's other nocturnal wildlife, such as silverbellied eels, possums, wood pigeons and the endangered blue whistling duck.

The Farmyard – The home of New Zealand's foremost collection of 'Rare Breeds' farm animals, and with a focus on animal interaction, especially enjoyed by those who do not usually have the opportunity to touch and feed farm animals at home.

The home of New Zealand's foremost collection of 'Rare Breeds' farm animals, the background depicts colonial agricultural New Zealand's early farming years.

Animal and bird food is a must, and is sold at the front counter. You'll meet the giant clydesdale, miniature horses, rare breeds of goats and sheep, the infamous New Zealand kune kune pig, cattle and much, much more. Feed and touch them all.

The Farmyard is a popular Christchurch family attraction and will provide photos you'll cherish forever.

The Exotic Wildlife Area – The Exotic Wildlife Area at our wildlife park in Christchurch is also a hands-on experience and always popular. Here, you can meet face to face wallabies, otters, llamas, alpacas, emus, donkeys and deer. It is in this part of our wildlife reserve that depicts 'Modern New Zealand' and the evolution of our agricultural industry.

As you walk through the open enclosures, wallabies will bounce up to you, you'll be greeted by the Llama and nuzzled by a herd of friendly deer. An unforgettable experience.

For more information about the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and our New Zealand wildlife, please contact us or visit our wildlife park in Christchurch Web site.

Opening Hours at our Wildlife Park in Christchurch

Open daily 10:00 am to dusk.

Guided tours leave at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm through the Natural New Zealand Area.

Kiwi are able to be viewed from 10:30 am until closing.

Willowbank Restaurant

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

Guests start their dining experience in an award-winning restaurant, acclaimed for its architecture and construction. With its floodlit views of surrounding wildlife and gardens, this very special environment has an ambience and atmosphere that is unsurpassed.

Combine dinner with a guided walk through the wildlife reserve for a unique New Zealand experience.

The Willowbank restaurant offers a menu to suit all visitors and is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Willowbank is also the ideal location for your Christchurch function or event.

For more information about the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and our New Zealand wildlife, please contact us or visit our wildlife park in Christchurch Web site.

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