We’re glad we’ve been able to provide some light relief to so many of you over the past months.  It’s always a pleasure to share New Zealand’s unique wildlife with our visitors, and we hope you’ve enjoyed the time you’ve spent here.  If it’s been a while, be sure to pop back in sometime soon and see what our animals are up to.

Even though we love to see you at Willowbank, we know that you may be looking for other things to do around town.  Earlier in the year, we put together a short list of family-friendly locations that were still open for business in the Christchurch area.  Six months later, we think it’s time for an updated list.  Read on for some fun things to do in Christchurch:

Christchurch Attractions

Action Karts Christchurch at 565 Sawyers Arms Road
Alpine Ice Sports and Entertainment Centre is open for some ice skating at 495 Brougham Street
Black Cat is operating ferries from Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour, Quail Island and Ripapa Island Historic Reserve. www.blackcat.co.nz
Chipmunks Playland is open at two locations: 472 Cranford Street and 218 Main South Road
Garden City Bowls at 15-21 Iversen Terrace
Play a round at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf at 196 Roydvale Ave
Climb the wall at the Roxx Climbing Centre at 239 Waltham Road
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve www.willowbank.co.nz

Pools

If you’re looking for a place to cool off this summer, a few swimming pools are open around town:

Pioneer Recreation and Sports Centre (75 Lyttelton Street) offers a wave pool and lazy river to play in.
Jellie Park (295 Ilam Road) has an outdoor pool with hydroslides that opens for the season in November.  Until then, there is an indoor hydroslide open from noon to 6pm on weekends.
Graham Condon (3 Sisson Drive, Papanui) has an indoor 25m pool, spa pool, learners pool and a fitness centre.

Movie Theatres

A number of theatres closed after the February quake and have yet to reopen.  The few that are left tend to get crowded on weekends and evenings—it pays to make reservations ahead of time.

Hollywood Cinema in Sumner
Hoyts at Westfield Riccarton
Hoyts at Northlands
Movieland at Hornby Mall
Reading Cinema at the Palms is currently closed, but will reopen at a later date

Find out what else is open in Christchurch after the earthquakes.

And why not plan your end-of-year event to include partners and kids?  It’s a great way to add a little family-oriented fun to the night.  Family-friendly fun (rather than the traditional staff-only functions) has been a growing trend in the city since February, and really speaks to the strong sense of community that has resulted from the earthquakes.

Our goal at Willowbank has always been to provide an entertaining and educational experience that can be shared and enjoyed by guests of all ages.  This ethos extends to our functions, and we’re always happy to help you give staff the kind of Christmas party they deserve.

New Zealand Cuisine

You can’t have a party without food!  Our acclaimed restaurant serves up fantastic examples of New Zealand cuisine.  The restaurant overlooks a river and our deer enclosure, lending the room some super swell ambiance.  We can adapt menus for any group—just have a chat with us and we’ll draw up the perfect buffet menu for your event.

For a more casual atmosphere (which can be ideal if there are kids about), Willowbank also has great BBQ facilities.  Pack enough sausages, burger patties and kebabs for everyone, and invite guests to bring a salad or desert for a fun and laid-back dinner.

Unique Entertainment

Naturally, the biggest reason to have a corporate event at Willowbank is the park!  Your staff and their families can take a wander through the grounds, which shares the unique history of New Zealand.  Kids will love interacting with our animals, and adults always have a good time discovering a few new things about the country.

Ko Tane performances can also be incorporated into the evening.  Ko Tane is an authentic Maori experience that not only entertains but also allows guests to learn and participate in activities like the haka or poi dance.

If your group has hired out the whole venue, you’re also invited to hire a DJ or band (or maybe you have some musically talented staff?).  Feel free to dance the night away at Willowbank!

Customise Your Event

Flexibility is key to ensuring you get exactly what you want out of the event.  We’re happy to work with you to tailor the function to your needs.  Give us a call at 359 6226 or email at info@willowbank.co.nz to talk about hosting an event at Willowbank.

Check out more about Willowbank as  function venue.

Kids get in free

We understand that not everyone was as lucky as we were, and many lives have been extremely disrupted.  To do our part, we offered free park admission for the weekend after the quake.  The response was so great to this offer that we have kept allowing children in free and adults at a discounted rate ($25 pp).  This offer will remain in place until all area schools are back in session.

Our goal is to help you get back to some sense of normalcy by giving you and your kids something to do.  We heard from a number of parents who wanted to thank us for giving their kids a place to relax and have fun after all the stress of the quake.  We appreciated the feedback and we’re so happy to help however we can!

We also have our children’s programmes if you are looking for things to do with your kids.

Restaurant still open

Speaking of getting back to normal…  We also want to let everyone know that the restaurant at Willowbank is still up and running.  A lot of our favourite restaurants, cafes and bars have been closed or relocated due to the earthquake, and it can be difficult to find something to do in the evenings.

So if you’re looking for a fun night out, think about trying our restaurant (it might be your new favourite!) or, if you’ve visited us before, come on back!  We’re proud of our menu, inspired by the flavours and culture of New Zealand and we think you’ll be glad you stopped by.  We’ve also got tonnes of children’s options, so bring the whole family along (even the pickiest eaters will find something!).

A side note: you don’t have to go into the park (or pay park admission) if you just want to dine at the restaurant.

Other open attractions

And finally, while we would love to see you again and again, we understand that you might be looking for other things to do in Christchurch with your family.  Check out these local attractions that are up and running:

• Black Cat Cruises is not currently operating in Lyttelton, but the Akaroa branch is still offering boat tours and dolphin swimming adventures!
• Orana Park on Mcleans Island Road is open.
• Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf (196 Roydvale Ave.) is open for a round or two of mini-golf.
• AMF Garden City Bowl (15-21 Iversen Terrace, Christchurch) is also open.

Check out our packages and prices we’d love to see you out here.

Just like everyone else in Christchurch, we’re trying our best to make things a little easier for our friends and neighbours.  We thank you for your support and hope that you can pay us a visit sometime soon.  Kia kaha.

Check out more things to do in Christchurch.

About the takahe

Takahe are endemic to New Zealand, which means they only live here.  The birds, which look a little like chickens in size and shape but with vibrant blue-purple feathers, are extremely endangered: there are only 200-300 left in the wild.

In fact, takahe are so endangered that from 1898-1948 they were thought to be extinct.

Takahe are still very rare, but population numbers are rising thanks to the conservation efforts of DoC and other organisations around New Zealand.

Conservation

The takahe population dropped in the face of introduced predators and competitors.  Fortunately, DoC is determined to reverse this trend.  By operating breeding and rearing sites in Southland and maintaining takahe populations on predator-free islands, the population is on the rise.

The takahe bird enclosure at Willowbank

At the DoC facilities, eggs are incubated and chicks are raised by takahe foster parents.  The chicks are raised with as little human contact as possible, and fed with puppets to make sure they recognise themselves as having takahe parents.  Once they are old enough,

the chicks are fostered by older pairs who teach them all the important tricks and techniques involved in being a takahe!

Hamilton and Guy

Hamilton and Guy were both hatched in Southland in the 1990’s.  Hamilton is older, hatched at DoC’s Burwood Bush rearing centre on December 18, 1992.  Guy was also hatched at Burwood, on November 15, 1995.

After nearly 16 years as mates, Hamilton and Guy have raised dozens of foster chicks at the Burwood Bush facility.  Each season, the pair raised at least six chicks, teaching them important feeding and survival skills.  The two have been loving and dedicated parents as well as important contributors to the conservation effort.

After so many years as model parents, Hamilton and Guy have deserved their retirement!  The couple will spend their time in their enclosure at Willowbank, acting as ambassadors of the takahe conservation programme.

So far the pair have taken to retirement quite well and are definitely enjoying their new home.  Stop by to say hello and have a peak into the life off the rare, New Zealand takahe!

At Willowbank, we too were shaken up by the earthquake. But the animals and staff here can count themselves as the lucky ones and have been relatively unscathed by the recent earthquake.

Our Willowbank family would like to open its arms to your family and offer you a refuge to get away from it all for a few moments if you need a break.

• We open at 9.30 am and are currently accepting our last visitor at 7pm daily.
• We now have the power back on, so all our facilities including the kiwi house are open.
• Willowbank has its own fresh artesian bore water, so you are welcome to fill up with some of Canterbury’s freshest water while you are here.

The team at Willowbank.

Picture of Bess from 2006

This week, Willowbank lost one of it’s long time residents and favourites, Bess, the 23 year old Clydesdale horse.  On Tuesday morning staff were saddened to find that ‘Bess’ had died peacefully in her paddock overnight. Bess had been at Willowbank since 1999 (having come to us from a farm in Omarama), and was at least 10 years old on arrival.

Previous owners considered her to be unruly and temperamental – however she was quite the opposite on arrival at Willowbank. Bess became known for ‘playing to a crowd’ – often banging her hooves on her feed box to let you know that she wanted the animal food in your hand.

Bess was a favourite with all visitors and one of the most photographed animals in the Park.  Bess was a big horse with a big personality and staff will take some time to get over her loss. We know many of our park visitors will have fond memories of her.

]]> http://www.willowbank.co.nz/blog/clydesdale-has-passed-away/feed/ 3 http://www.willowbank.co.nz/blog/polynesian-cultural-tours/ http://www.willowbank.co.nz/blog/polynesian-cultural-tours/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:08:00 +0000 Hairy http://www.willowbank.co.nz/blog/?p=133 Continue reading →]]>

Ko Tane Living Maori Village

Many visitors to New Zealand have questions about Maori life and culture.  As home to Ko Tane, one of the country’s premier Maori cultural tours, we’re always happy to share what we know!

‘Where did the Maori live before they arrived in New Zealand?’ is a question we get a lot.  The answer is that the Maori arrived in New Zealand from East Polynesia sometime before 1300.  Over several centuries of relative isolation from their Polynesian ancestors, Maori developed a distinct culture and identity.

Polynesia describes the islands found within a geographic triangle with Hawaii, New Zealand and Easter Island making up the three corners.  The diversity of the cultures found on these islands is fascinating, as are the many similarities.

To help you get a feel for Maori and Polynesian culture, we’ve come up with a list of some great cultural tours and experiences that will give you a fascinating peak into the lives of Maori and Pacific Islanders then and now.

Ko Tane Living Maori Village, New Zealand

Willowbank is home to Ko Tane, an authentic Maori cultural experience.  Tours of our Living Maori Village show guests what a traditional Maori village looks like and also offers a glimpse into traditional Maori life.   Founded by members of the Ngai Tahu tribe,  Ko Tane aims to entertain and educate, sharing the fascinating culture and lifestyle of the Ngai Tahu tribe before New Zealand was colonised by Europeans.

An evening at Ko Tane is an interactive experience, where guests take a tour of the village, experience a powhiri (traditional ritual for welcoming guests) and the opportunity to take part in the haka (men) or the poi dance (women). A classic New Zealand cultural tour!

Te Vara Nui Village in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Te Vara Nui Village in Rarotonga is the most interactive cultural experience on the islands.  The village tour includes a visit to the marae and demonstrations of traditional medicine, carving and medicines.  You can also choose to stay for the evening meal and entertainment, the highlight of which is the captivating traditional dance.

This is a fascinating stop if you’ve been to Ko Tane at Willowbank.  There are many cultural similarities between New Zealand Maori and Cook Island Maori, indicating a foundational kinship.  The opportunity to learn about the similarities and differences between the two cultures is not to be missed!

Pasifika Festival Auckland, New Zealand

Pasifika Festival, Auckland

The Pasifika Festival is an annual event, held in Auckland every March.  This week-long festival celebrates the Pacific Island heritage of many New Zealanders.  The festivities include dancing, music, food and art.  Definitely not to be missed if you’re in New Zealand in early March!  The Pasifika Festival in 2011 is looking to be a big event, with twelve stages of entertainment, featuring the art and culture of Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Aotearoa.

Polynesian Cultural Centre, Hawaii

Hawaii is the northern point of the geographic triangle that makes up Polynesia.  This neat centre on the island of Oahu is a comprehensive introduction to a range of Polynesian cultures, with interactive displays featuring the nations of Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti and the Marquesas.  After a whirlwind cultural tour, settle in for the evening for the nightly luau (Hawaiian feast).  This showcase of island culture includes a traditional Hawaiian feast, music and hula performances.

Able Tasman National Park

One of the biggest draws of New Zealand as an international tourist destination is our fantastic landscape and wildlife.  The great outdoors truly are great in New Zealand, and we might be slightly biased but we have to say that the South Island is unbeatable when it comes to outdoors experiences.  Here are some of the best nature-based South Island attractions.

Abel Tasman

Located at the top of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is home to golden, sandy beaches and stunning granite rock formations.  If you’re looking for a few days of sunny, outdoorsy paradise, this is the place!  Abel Tasman is ideal for camping, hiking and sea kayaking.  Keep your eyes on the water for seals and dolphins.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world, looking for up-close encounters with marine wildlife.  This is a major destination for whale enthusiasts, boasting the best sperm whale watching in the world, not to mention dolphin swimming experiences, fur seal colonies and seabird watching.  As if that wasn’t enough, Kaikoura also happens to be a picturesque town located at the base of an impressive mountain range.

Christchurch

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Christchurch may be the biggest city on the South Island but it’s still got plenty of outdoors attractions.  Known as the ‘Garden City’, Christchurch is famous for its green spaces and residents certainly do love to be outside!  Get lost in the expansive Botanic Gardens, or take a hike to the top of the Port Hills for a fantastic view of the city spreading out below.  And, of course, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is an ideal South Island attraction to escape the city and immerse yourself in New Zealand’s wild side.

Aoraki Mount Cook

The highest peak in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook is a major South Island attraction.  Whether you spend a few days hiking on the alpine trails and rafting in the glacial lakes or just stop for a few minutes to admire the view from across Lake Tekapo, you will appreciate the grandeur of our country’s tallest mountain.

Glacier Country

How would you like to see a glacier in the morning and then lay out on a beach in the afternoon?  Glacier Country in Westland is the only place in the world where glaciers can be found so close to the ocean.  The glaciers offer a whole new range of activities for outdoor adventurers, including heli-hikes and ice climbing.  The blue ice on these massive glaciers is something you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Queenstown

The adventure capital of the world!  Aside from a stunning location on Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown is notable as a mecca for adrenaline junkies from around the world.  For an especially intense commune with nature, try bungy jumping from 134 metres above the ground or jet-boating through Shotover Canyon.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is really like nowhere else in the world.  Rudyard Kipling once called it the eighth wonder of the world.  Take a boat tour through the remarkable fiords, but remember to bring a rain jacket—Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand.

James Natta correctly answered all five questions on the "Big Five"

12 year old James Natta (of Hornby) received a call from Willowbank Wildlife Reserve on the 1^st February to inform him that he was the winner of the “Big Five” competition held at Willowbank from the 1 December 2010 to 31 January 2011. During this time, any children (14 years and under) could enter the competition which took them around the Park to find the answers to 5 questions relating to the “Big Five” –  the takahe , kea, kiwi, kaka & tuatara.

James correctly answered all five questions.

James, already a big fan and regular visitor to Willowbank, was absolutely stunned and delighted to win the latest Apple IPAD, which he was presented with on Friday 4 February at the Reserve by Director Kathy Rangiwananga. He was presented this, in the enclosure with Hamilton the Takahe, who checked out James himself!

The delight and appreciation (let alone the shrieking in excitement when he took the original phone call to be advised he was the winner), was really pleasing for Willowbank who believed a very deserving young boy had been the lucky one drawn from  over 600 entries.

Aside from the prize at stake to correctly answer the questions, Willowbank felt it was a great educational opportunity for both young and old, whilst visiting the Reserve, to learn more about some of our rare and endangered species that we don’t necessarily know a lot about – let alone be able to see and interact with them in such close proximity.

A couple dining at our Christchurch Restaurant

There’s a new school of thought around the way we eat that’s getting a lot of attention around the world these days.  It’s called the Slow Food Movement.  Slow Food is about the connection between food and culture and encourages people to eat locally.  Started in Italy in the 1980s, it has since spread internationally—even a few chapters have popped up in New Zealand.

Maybe it’s no surprise that this philosophy has caught on in New Zealand—our local foods are the best in the world (with ingredients like kumara and Canterbury lamb, it’s hard to miss!) and the famous kiwi ingenuity has combined with European heritage and near-Asian geography to make our recipes particularly unique and tasty.  Here at Willowbank, we’ve always known that our local cuisine is great and that’s why we’re proud to operate one of the best New Zealand-themed Christchurch restaurants.

We kept New Zealand culture in mind when we designed our menus, and a number of dishes were inspired by kiwi culinary traditions like the ‘weekend barbeque’ influenced char-grilled steak.  We also pay homage to international influences that complement our local ingredients, like our New Zealand farmed salmon with wasabi mayonnaise or our ‘backyard garden’ vegetables with a yogurt pesto dressing.  Yum.

So while the Slow Food movement is spreading around the world, here in our Christchurch restaurant we’re just going to keep doing what we’ve always done—serve up local specialties made with the freshest ingredients, and then toast to New Zealand culture and heritage with a glass of Marlborough wine.

The combination of New Zealand culture, food, wine and wildlife makes an evening at Willowbank a kiwi experience like no other.  Come see what makes Willowbank a major South Island attraction and home to one of the best Christchurch restaurants.

Make a booking today.