Our team at Willowbank love providing entertainment for your whole family, which makes us a great place to start when you are looking for Christchurch things to do in the holidays, or year round. Our great value Family Day Pass means that 2 adults and up to three children can spend a full day in the Reserve or an Annual Pass gives unlimited entry for a full year for 2 adults and up to three children.
Lemur encounters
Lemur encounters are held at 1.30pm on any day. This is a great opportunity to get up close to these amazing animals as you enter their enclosure and help the keeper feed the lemurs their lunch. The encounter is approximately 20 minutes long. The cost is $20 per adult and $10 per child (minimum 8 years old). For non-holders of a Family Annual Pass, an entry cost will be additional: Adult @ $25.00 Child @ $10.00 Children must be accompanied by a paying adult, with a maximum of two children to an adult. There is a maximum of 6 people on one encounter. Bookings are essential. To book or for more information contact us by email or phone.
Junior Keeper
Become a Junior Keeper for the day! Help the Park Warden with the day to day duties of looking after the animals at the wildlife reserve. Learn how to care for some of the most exotic and endangered species. Junior Keepers need to be 10 to 14 years old. The cost is $55 per child, it runs between 10.15am and 2.30pm, and includes lunch. At 2.30pm the children receive their certificates. This program runs during the school holidays and bookings are essential. To book or for more information email us.
Feeding Times
Every day at Willowbank you can watch the keeper feed our fish at 12.40pm, and the eels at 12.45. During the school holidays there are extra feedings:
- Turtles: 1.10pm
- Otters: 1.15pm
- Gibbons: 1.20pm
- Lemurs: 1.30pm
- Meet the Llama: 1.45pm
Donkey Rides
Donkey rides run on the weekends, public holidays and school holidays between 11am and 3pm (weather permitting). The donkey hut is located in our picnic area.
Birthday Parties
Children’s birthday parties can be held on Saturdays and Sundays. Bookings are essential. To book or for more information contact us by email or phone.
Preschools
A visit to Willowbank is a wonderful experience for young children. Special rates are offered for preschools, kindergartens, and play centers. Under 5’s are free of charge, adult supervisors and extras are just $12.50 each. Animal food can be purchased for $3.00 a bag. For safety reasons we require a ratio of at least one adult for every five children. To book or for more information email us or phone 03 3596226
Schools
School and recreational groups are also entitled to special discounted rates at Willowbank. Children are $5.00 each, adult supervisors and extras are $12.50 each. A guided tour of the natural New Zealand section can be added for just $2.50 per child. Animal food can be purchased for $3.00 a bag. For safety reasons we require a ratio of at least one adult for every five children. To book or for more information email us or phone 03 3596226 ex. 707
Education Packages
Prices for Schools and other Educational Groups
(MUST HAVE 1:5 child to supervisor ratio (safety requirement)
(MUST HAVE 1:5 child to supervisor ratio (safety requirement)
Safety Guidelines at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
The following are guidelines to ensure the safety of your students as well as the residents of the Reserve. Please discuss the following with your group (including parent helpers) before arriving at Willowbank. Thank you.
- Please do not run through the park. Running can disturb nesting and/or feeding animals and can cause personal injury.
- Please keep voices at usual talking level as screaming and unexpected loud noise can frighten the animals.
- Keep to the track at all times to avoid accidentally stepping on birds nests or newly planted vegetation and to avoid personal injury.
- For the health of our animals please do not feed them unless it is with food purchased from the Willowbank counter. Animals will tend to accept most foods offered to them but some foods can make them sick.
- Please emphasize sensible behaviour from your students. Things like throwing sticks or stones at animals is cruel but can also be dangerous if the animal gets upset or tries to protect itself. Please explain that students seen disturbing animals in this, or like manner, will be asked by Willowbank staff to leave the Reserve immediately.
- Please use litter and recycling bins provided throughout the park. Litter can be dangerous to the animals. Please ask your students to respect their environment.
- Please ensure your ratio is 1 adult : 5 children and that your group stays together with the adult in charge.
- It is essential that students are made aware of water hazards throughout the Reserve. No running, pushing or fooling by waterways. Please reinforce this to your parent helpers and students.
- It is also essential that all KEEP OUT, STAFF ONLY and NO FEEDING signs are obeyed at all times.
The above points are in addition to your school's normal risk management policies. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve will take no responsibility for the welfare and behaviour of any visitors to the Reserve.
