Published on Feb, 2025

One of the best wildlife parks I have visited. It is laid out so well that it is very easy to navigate. All the animals seemed to be content and happy to engage where possible. It was very difficult to see the Kiwis (only saw one) in the dark environment but that is the way it is. We had previously seen 3 in Queenstown so it wasn't a problem for us. Highly recommend the visit.

Published on Jan, 2025

Fabulous wildlife reserve for all ages. All of the inhabitants were happy, healthy & well cared for. The staff were dedicated to the animals & friendly to visitors. We only had a few hours there, but wished we could have stayed all day. The setting was peaceful & tranquil, with well-maintained paths, fauna & foliage. Plenty of shaded areas & also picnic tables. Heaps of massive eels you can feed, reindeer!, we saw a kiwi!!, magic show, lots of ducks & geese, farmyard animals. 10/10!! Cafe had the best food we had ever tasted. 10/10 all around.

Published on Jan, 2025

Such a beautiful reserve with well cared for animals, shuttle from cathedral square was handy and the cafe has great food options

Published on Jan, 2025

The walk way through the preserve was clear and easy to navigate. Patience in the kiwi exhibit is rewarded with seeing these birds acitive in a simulated nighttime environment.

Published on Jan, 2025

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve specialises in native New Zealand animals, both introduced and wild. There are also free roaming ducks throughout the park. The park is nice for walking and is divided into three sections. The first features exotic animals. The second features farm animals and the last focuses on native wildlife. A very special reptile, found only in New Zealand, is the tuatara. The Tuatara is the only survivor of a class of reptiles that are as old as the first dinosaurs. The Takahe was thought to be extinct when a few were found in an isolated area in 1948. Since then they have been bred and have been introduced to predator-free islands and wildlife sanctuaries. There were lots of ducks and ducklings wandering the reserve. You can buy food for the animals and the farm animals do approach visitors for a handout. I was sitting on a bench, which was high enough so that my feet did not reach the ground. The ducklings strolled by. One of the ducklings is actually under my right foot! It's a good thing I did not step down then. Most visitors come by car. But if, like me, you do not have a vehicle, it is easy to get to by two buses from the central city.