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About the experience
To visit Willowbank is to participate in a story. Willowbank is not just a Wildlife Park with a collection of exhibits, but has been created with a theme and a purpose that makes it a totally unique and living experience, along with learning about its conservation work.
The story tells of the development of a young country breaking off from Gondwanaland, and the establishment of its wildlife as a 'step frozen in time'. It tells of the coming of the indigenous people and their impact. The arrival of the colonists and the mistakes and lessons that have have been made and learnt. It completes the story with a roadmap into the future, and how we can all take part in forging that future. It is a 'New Zealand Experience'
The story begins through 'Wild New Zealand'. It starts with the impact on a fragile country of introduced species such as deer, wallabies, and a host of other animals, birds and plants, many of whom have altered the landscape and biota drastically. These lessons may have been hard and costly, but it is important that we learn from them, and make the most of now managing the resources that make up our new but rich environment.
The journey continues through 'Heritage New Zealand'. As a country our history has left us with a rich and diverse livestock heritage, many unique to the regions they have evolved in. For about two centuries, vessels have been placing on the various Islands that make up New Zealand as a whole, a range of breeds such as pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep and cattle. Evolving into their own distinct breeds, the conservation of their genetics is an important component of the Parks conservation work. The heritage of our farming systems is important, and the 'Farmyard', illustrates early farming, its livestock and machinery etc.
The final part of your journey will take you through 'Natural New Zealand'. This is the national heart of New Zealand, and illustrates some of the species that make up our totally unique native wildlife, our countries flora, and our countries culture. Here you will see some of our most endangered species and learn about the work to preserve them. You will have the opportunity to learn about the culture of our indigenous people the Maori, and our hopes for the future.
At the end of your journey through Willowbank Wildlife Park, you will have a much better understanding of some of the elements that when brought together make us as a nation, 'Kiwis'. We consider our environment and wildlife a precious heritage, and the provision of an opportunity to learn, relate to, understand and help conserve, is the justification for Willowbank and our working partners;
New Zealand Conservation Trust, D.O.C., Rare Breeds Conservation Society of N.Z. and Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performance.
For more New Zealand wildlife information: www.nzconservationtrust.org.nz
Species at Willowbank Wildlife Park - Christchurch:
In Wild New Zealand you will encounter: Fallow Deer, Ostrich, Emu, Wallaby, Capuchin Monkeys, Red Eared Turtles, Parrots, Ring tailed Lemurs and Saimangs.
Some of the wildlife you will encounter in Heritage New Zealand are: Kune kune pigs, various sheep breeds, Clydesdale, many poultry breeds, Llama, goats, Miniature Horses, Cattle, Rabbits, Auckland Is Pigs.
In Natural New Zealand learn about: Brown & Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Paradise Duck, Keas, Brown Teal, Short Finned Eels, Tuatara, Otago Skinks, Duvacel Gecko, North Island Brown Kiwi, Blue Duck, Moorpork, Antipodean Island Parakeet.
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Willowbank Wildlife Reserve & Restaurant
60 Hussey Road, Christchurch
New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 359 6226
Fax: +64 3 359 6212
Email: info@willowbank.co.nz
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