Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Entry Tickets

Willowbank is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Last entry is at 4:30 pm. The reserve is closed on Christmas Day (25 December).

Yes. Willowbank operates a nocturnal kiwi house that is one of the few facilities in Canterbury where visitors can reliably see kiwi in conditions appropriate for the bird. The kiwi is New Zealand's national bird and nocturnal by nature, making reliable viewing outside specialist facilities rare. Willowbank has provided guaranteed sightings since it introduced this format.

Willowbank is at 60 Hussey Road in Christchurch, approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre and 6 kilometres from Christchurch International Airport. By car, follow signs toward Harewood from the city. It is also accessible by bus from Christchurch's central bus exchange.

Willowbank offers a 45-minute guided tour of the New Zealand native wildlife section, which includes the kiwi house, tuatara enclosures and a range of endemic bird species. The tour runs to a set schedule and provides narrated information on each species and the conservation work being done for them. It is available at an additional charge on top of general admission.

The exotic animal section includes Asian short-clawed otters, ring-tailed lemurs, Siamang gibbons, capuchin monkeys, deer and wallabies. Many of these can be fed in designated areas. Animal food is available to purchase at the entrance.

New Zealand's Big Five at Willowbank are the kiwi, the kea, the tuatara, the takahe and the kakapo. These are the five most emblematic native species of New Zealand. All five can be seen at Willowbank, which is one of relatively few locations where all five are housed in a single accessible reserve.

Yes. In December 2024, the Willis family who own Willowbank acquired the International Antarctic Centre at 38 Orchard Road in Christchurch, which is approximately 2 kilometres away. The two attractions are operated separately but share ownership and conservation values.

Yes. Willowbank is one of the most family-oriented wildlife attractions in Canterbury. The hands-on feeding areas, kiwi sighting and the range of approachable animals make it particularly engaging for children. The grounds are accessible and easy to navigate.