Christchurch: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve & Guaranteed Kiwi Viewing

Hands-On Wildlife in One Place, Kiwi Guaranteed

You walk through over 50 wildlife species in one location, with guaranteed kiwi viewing in a dedicated house and hands-on time feeding farm animals and native birds. The reserve includes the Big 5 species unique to New Zealand (kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara, and kiwi) all accessible in a single day without needing transport beyond Christchurch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

• Visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
• Feed and pat various animals
• See introduced animals like monkeys and lemurs
• Pat farm animals such as sheep and alpaca
• Discover unique native NZ species
• View kiwi in the kiwi house
• Enjoy cafe and retail store

The experience

The woman at the gate asked if we'd seen a kiwi before, and when we said no, she smiled like she already knew we'd be back. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is built around that moment: the one where you actually see a kiwi, not just hear about it. The reserve keeps them in a dedicated kiwi house where the light is low and the birds move like they own the place, which they do. It's the best kiwi viewing in New Zealand, and they guarantee it. You'll stand there longer than you think you will.

The rest of the day moves between enclosures at whatever pace you want. You can pat the alpacas and sheep, feed the rabbits if you're into that, and then walk into the native species section where the takahe (a flightless bird the size of a small chicken) stands close enough to photograph. The kea and kaka are loud and curious, the tuatara sits still like a living fossil, which it basically is. Over 50 species across the reserve, and the mix is deliberate: introduced animals like lemurs and capybaras live alongside the birds and reptiles that only exist here. It's not a zoo in the sense of distant viewing behind glass. You're moving through their space, and they're used to it.

The reserve has a cafe if you need a break (the walk covers ground and there's no rushing), and a retail store if you want to take something home. Willowbank is wheelchair accessible throughout, and strollers work fine for the paths. Most people spend three to four hours here without feeling like they've missed anything, though you can stay longer if the animals hold your attention, which they usually do.

What’s included

Entry to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, guaranteed kiwi viewing in the kiwi house, access to all 50+ wildlife species across the reserve, hands-on animal interactions (feeding and patting farm animals and native birds), and use of the cafe and retail store on-site.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 12:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 200

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Is this one for you?Right for families and wildlife lovers who want to see New Zealand's unique species in one place without arranging multiple stops. The guarantee on kiwi viewing is what makes the trip worthwhile if that's your main reason for coming.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

Is kiwi viewing really guaranteed at Willowbank?

Yes. The reserve keeps kiwis in a dedicated kiwi house where viewing is guaranteed. It's marketed as the best kiwi viewing in New Zealand.

Can you feed and touch the animals?

Yes. The reserve is hands-on and interactive. You can feed and pat many animals, including alpacas, sheep, rabbits, and farm animals.

How long does a visit usually take?

Most visitors spend three to four hours, though you can stay longer. There's no fixed schedule. You move at your own pace.

What are NZ's Big 5 wildlife at Willowbank?

Kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara, and kiwi. All five are on-site, and kiwi viewing is guaranteed.

Is the reserve accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and strollers work well on the paths.

Does Willowbank have food and shopping?

Yes. There's a cafe on-site and a retail store.

How do I get to Willowbank from Christchurch?

Public transportation options are available nearby. The reserve is located in Christchurch, South Island.