Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map (2024 – 2020)
Planning your visit?
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a conservation-focused wildlife park located in Christchurch, New Zealand. It showcases native species like the kiwi, tuatara, and kea alongside exotic animals. The reserve emphasizes New Zealand’s cultural heritage, offering Māori cultural experiences and promoting wildlife preservation.
The most up-to-date Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map helps you navigate everything—from the Kiwi nocturnal house to the hidden trails near the Wetlands Aviary. Find your way to Lemur Island, grab a bite at the Bush Café, or time your visit with the kea feeding sessions.
Whether you’re here for the tuatara or to explore the Māori cultural experience at Ko Tane, this map brings it all within reach.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map 2024
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map 2024 update is the addition of the International Antarctic Centre, which Willowbank purchased and will take over from December 2024. This expansion marks a major change in the reserve’s offerings, integrating Antarctic-themed experiences alongside its established wildlife attractions. The map now reflects both the traditional wildlife park and the new Antarctic Centre, enhancing the visitor experience and the reserve’s role as a conservation and tourism hub.
Printable Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map PDF 2024
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map 2021
The most significant Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map 2021 updates include the addition of a breeding pair of takahē, making Willowbank the only location in the South Island outside a Department of Conservation facility to display this rare species. The reserve also gained international attention for research involving its kea, notably Bruce, a disabled kea who became the first parrot recorded using a tool for self-care. In 2021, Willowbank further enhanced its reputation with new scientific studies on kea intelligence and interactive experiences for visitors.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map 2020
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Map 2020 updates included clearer directions to major attractions such as the Kiwi bird habitats, Lemur Encounter, Kea Aviary, Eel Feeding Station, and the Native Bush Walk. The map was designed to help visitors easily navigate between these key features and plan their visit efficiently. These updates enhanced the overall visitor experience by improving accessibility and highlighting the reserve’s unique wildlife encounters.
FAQ
How long do you need at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve?
Most visitors need 1 to 2 hours to explore Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. This allows enough time to see the main animal exhibits, including the kiwi, and enjoy interactive experiences. Guided tours are available for those who want a more in-depth visit.
What animals does Willowbank have?
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is home to over 95 species, including native New Zealand animals like kiwi, tuatara, kea, kaka, takahe, and morepork, as well as exotic species such as lemurs, capuchin monkeys, otters, deer, wallabies, and various birds and reptiles. The reserve also features heritage farm animals and endangered breeds. Animal feeding and close encounters are available for many species.
How much does it cost to get into Willowbank?
General admission to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve costs NZD$34.50 for adults and NZD$13.00 for children aged 5–15. Children under 5 enter free, and family passes are available. Additional fees apply for guided tours and special animal encounters.
What is the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve widely known for?
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is widely known for its conservation efforts, especially its kiwi breeding program and guaranteed kiwi viewing. It is also recognized for offering close encounters with New Zealand’s “Big 5” native animals—kiwi, kaka, tuatara, kea, and takahe—and for its educational and interactive wildlife experiences.
