Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- Address: 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch
- Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 10pm
- Admission: Adults: NZ$25, Children: NZ$10
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Nature & Wildlife,
Park / Garden,
Zoo
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Reviews
We've found 41 Willowbank Wildlife Reserve reviews from Viator.com travelers and members: what they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved. It's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Review by David J, March 2013
Doing what: Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
Interesting exhibits, with penguin feeding and commentary especially enjoyed. Ride on Hagglund altogether too wild for over 70's like ourselves - threw us around too violently to be appreciated. Wildlife Centre guided visit to native bird section was enthralling, close proximity to native and rare birds a real privilege.Dinner at the Casino was lovely.
Review by Sally F, October 2012
Doing what: Christchurch Maori Concert and Kiwi Viewing
It would have been better if at least the actors looked like Maori. We attended something similar on the north island a few years ago and it was much more original. Too much effort trying to get audience participation.
Review by Sailesh, October 2012
Doing what: Christchurch City Sightseeing - Must See Three Attractions
Was not very impressive
Review by Amar D, July 2012
Doing what: Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
the tour was ok as I was with teenager children. But the city is still not alive because of earthquake. So my group was me and my children only.
Review by Christie H, July 2012
Doing what: Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
The Antarctic Centre and Willowbank Wildlife Centre are both great sights, but this tour was unfortunately somewhat disappointing. While we arrived at the Antarctic Centre before the 3pm departure time stated on the website, we barely had an hour there, missing out on some of the key attractions, before having to depart for the Wildlife Centre. The tour at the Wildlife centre began at 4:30pm for an hour, by which time the Reserve had closed (winter hours), and our driver was ready us rush off to the dinner destination. Dinner was fine, although in keeping with the rest of the tour, rather hurried. Again we were only allotted about an hour, and had only just got our mains when our driver returned to take us back to our hotel. Even though we would have made it back to our accommodation well before the 8:30pm finish time, only a small extension was offered, as the driver had another job to attend. We decided to make alternative arrangements.
This tour had a lot of potential, but perhaps the description needs updating, or additional information to let people that activities in the winter or off season (if that was the reason) are different to those stated. For example, the dinner wasn’t at the Wildlife Reserve, as described on the website. If you have very limited time in Christchurch, this tour might be worth considering. However, if you’re less restricted, neither of the sights are too difficult to get to on your own and there’s a free shuttle to the Antarctic Centre from the center of town.
Review by Mark W, Australia, June 2012
Doing what: Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
The Antarctic Centre is alot of fun for kids and has some very interesting information for adults. We enjoyed the penguins, the Ice Storm room and reading about life in the Antarctic. The Haggalund is definitely worth doing. Willowbank was ok but wouldn't rave about it. We did get to see our first KIwi though. We had a bit of spare time before dinner so our driver took us on a little tour of the city and showed us some of the devastation caused by the Earthquake which we wouldn't have seen otherwise. We had dinner at the Casino which was really nice.
Review by jenny, January 2012
Doing what: Willowbank Dinner and Maori Concert from Christchurch
we had done this several years ago and this time i found it to be quite disappointing especially the food. there was not enough for the table of ten. i would recommend willow bank to anyone but unfortunately not the concert
Review by Michael B, Australia, July 2011
Doing what: Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
It was a quiet day, so not all of the attractions were running as scheduled - except our tour guide made sure they did. The snow room and hagglund ride are a must - the 4D adventure comprised of getting squirted in the face with water (that was the 4th D)
Review by Philip H, July 2011
Doing what: Christchurch Snow and Kiwi Tour
Though the earthquake closed the Antartic Center, the tour operator did a great job of providing alternative arrangements. Our driver, Ross, was outstanding -- friendly and personable.
Review by Lynette K, May 2011
Doing what: Willowbank Dinner and Maori Concert from Christchurch
Very enjoyable
Review by Deborah D, USA, January 2011
Doing what: Christchurch Maori Concert and Kiwi Viewing
Funny and kind of kitschy. Did not do the dinner and glad we did not. The wildlife was interesting and the girl who did the tour was full of good info about the birds of New Zealand.
Review by Barry B, November 2010
Doing what: Christchurch Maori Concert and Kiwi Viewing
This was fairly entertaining and instructive. The lighting outside was too low to take decent photos and the kiwis were almost impossible to see in the dark (OK, they are nocturnal but some red lights could help!). The dancing and singing were good, as were the stick-swapping and ball-twirling.
Review by Anonymous, July 2010
Doing what: Christchurch Maori Concert and Kiwi Viewing
To short for the price. Not what we expected. Been to one in north island. beat this one hands down! Get your act together Chch
Review by Amanda H, USA, June 2010
Doing what: Willowbank Dinner and Maori Concert from Christchurch
The Maori performance was the best part. The dinner was average. I thought it was going to be a large group of people. The guide for the wildlife tour did not seem like he wanted to be there. And although you barely get to see Kiwi, you don't get any good pictures of them because you can't use a flash. The driver for the tours was excellent though.
Review by Nina B, May 2010
Doing what: Christchurch Maori Concert and Kiwi Viewing
Great evening made extra special by my husband being made chief. Lovely seeing the Kiwi.
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