Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
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Nature & Wildlife Areas in Christchurch
THE 10 BEST Christchurch Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas in Christchurch
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Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Recommended Outdoor Activities (91)
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Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
What travellers are saying
- Sandy WVancouver, Canada1,773 contributionsWe spent several hours walking on the wooden and dirt paths slowly throughout the park. What a delight it was! There are birds everywhere. And not just sparrows. There are attractive and easy to read signs all over the place detailing the unique animal species that are located at Willowbank. There are pond areas and water areas everywhere.
It was a delight to see the children feeding the eels as soon as you walk into the park after paying admission. We caught the latter part of the magic show and loved it. There is a small little-used lunch area with picnic tables behind the magic show, and adjoining the toilets.
A great place for families. Easy to walk. Children love the smaller and larger animals, Especially the birds that are often roaming freely.
You can purchase a bag of small food to feed the birds and also a different bag of larger food pellets to feed the larger animals such as the deer. Make sure to purchase these small white bags when you buy your admission as they are not available elsewhere in the park.
And, yes, we were able to spot two kiwis in the darkened kiwi shelter. It was magical.
Thank you, Willowbank, for a delightful day. Please give me a link if you find this review helpful. You can also look for reviews that I have written for Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington as well as Brisbane.Written 16 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jackie T21 contributionsDid the tiger experience tour with our adult kids. Was such a great experience to get up close to Reggie and learn all about him from the keepers Caitlin and Colin. Also loved seeing the only Gorillas in NZ. The giraffes were another favourite and feeding time with the lions.Written 26 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- zhuhai2007Christchurch, New Zealand52,922 contributionsGood place for families and dog walkers. There are BBQs and many Km of walking tracks as well as access to the Waimakariri River.Written 3 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tiffany CChristchurch, New Zealand176 contributionsHuge sandpit with water play, awesome flying fox. More relaxing for parents than Margaret Mahy (in town) fewer crowds, too. Great place for free play on a nice day.Written 15 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gill OAscot, UK712 contributionsGreat place for small children. We bought a family ticket which included animal food, a really good sized bag! Going in December there were lots of babies which the littleys loved. The highlight was seeing 2 day old rabbits, we were very lucky to just be there when the keeper was checking on them. Other animals included cows, alpacas, goats,rabbits, all very gentle. Unfortunately weren’t able to do pony rides as the wind was getting up and that doesn’t suit them. But we plan to return and just do that.
The only food available is at the entrance and is limited. Best to either take a picnic or time your visit to mid morning or afternoon. Plenty of parking available.Written 31 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Naina-DamaniLondon, UK996 contributionsLake Ellesmere is a shallow coastal lagoon which is Canterbury's largest lake and it has no natural outlet to the sea.Written 3 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- owleseyRolleston, New Zealand992 contributionsThis walk is a loop and takes around 1hour. The whole walk is flat so good for all fitness levels. There are many different access to this walk. There is a look out tower which the kids seemed to love. There is seating scattered around the loop and areas for picnics. Different bird life to be seen. Lots of families come here during the weekend.Written 24 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Craig-World-TravelleAgoura Hills, CA1,718 contributionsWe went here to look for birds. Lots of ducks, swans, coots and sparrows but not much else.
It is a beautiful park and lots of people were out walking or running but we saw no other birders.
Lots of people walking their dogs. I'm glad we went but not so good for birders.Written 28 September 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TravelnowNewYorkNew York110 contributionsHad a wonderful tour today with Dave of Christchurch and the surrounding areas. Dave took us to lookout areas of Governors Bay, a forest walking path, the beach in Sumner and beautiful overlook in Lyttleton. We all want to buy property here and spend time in this beautiful part of NZ! Dave was knowledgeable, friendly and kind - just a great guide.Written 12 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ezra710Christchurch, New Zealand1,413 contributionsA simple loop track but poorly signposted. We entered the track off the end of Darroch Street and walked along a flat farm track as far as the construction site for the new motorway. On the way back I followed the dirt path through the grass up to the end of Rushmore Drive and the followed this back to the park at 27 Rushmore. Through the path you again pick up the track back to the farm track, and then back to our staying point. A few other walkers enroute, all polite in the greetings, including a couple with free roaming (but we'll controlled) dogs.Written 25 April 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
