Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife facility in Christchurch where native and non-native species live in naturalistic habitats, including kiwis, lemurs, reptiles, and farm animals. The grounds spread across multiple zones, so visitors can see all the animals and the different environments where they live.

The facility was founded to protect and preserve New Zealand animal species, especially types that had become rare in the wild or would have disappeared completely. Over time, it grew into an important center for conservation and breeding of endangered animals.

The place displays New Zealand animals in settings that look like their natural homes, showing visitors how staff care for each species and why protection matters. Walking through helps you understand which creatures exist nowhere else on Earth or only in a few protected spots.

The grounds are accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, and there is a restaurant on site where you can eat or drink. Plan to spend several hours walking at a comfortable pace to explore all the areas and watch the different animals.

Visitors can join scheduled feeding sessions and watch rare animals like the Enderby Island Rabbit and Kune Kune Pig, which exist almost nowhere else in the world. Seeing these creatures up close is special because they barely survive in the wild anymore.