From heartwarming stories to unforgettable photos, each submission has reminded us of the joy and wonder Willowbank has brought to so many families over the years. Take a look at all the incredible submissions below!
The stand out visit from over the years was last year when we did the capybara experience, it was so awesome getting to be so close and interacting with these lovely animals. - Sandra Worthington
We’ve loved having a willowbank membership! Such a great activity for my toddler. He especially loves feeding and patting (!) the eels! Thank you for creating a wonderful experience for us to do. - Leeza Young
My son loves the birds - Charlotte Louise
My partner and I on one of our many dates at willowbank, one of our favourite places to visit - Zharna McHarg
My son Harry loves peaking in between the fence pails to say hi to all his favourite animals! - Tracy Searle
Brought my oldest son Levi to visit while we were up in Christchurch last year. He absolutely loved that the wee ducklings would eat out his hand - Stephanie Orkney
This is Angus enjoying the cows in the farmyard section of Willowbank. The cow had just snuffled his neck after he fed it and he was laughing so much! This was about 16 years ago. He is now a committed environmentalist with a huge depth of knowledge of our native flora and fauna, and biology in general. We put this down in part to the regular visits to Willowbank growing up. We love it. - Pete Hay
The first couple of years of my daughter’s life have been enriched by the experiences she and I have had a Willowbank. We definitely make the most of our annual pass and enjoy learning more and more about the animals. Her favourite being the ducks! - Nicole Trayner
This is my daughter, Harriet, and her wee friend, Henry, when they were two years old. They’re now both 21! We had season passes and used to visit every couple of weeks. They loved it! I have always loved this photo of them checking out the fish 😊 - Mandy Martin
Visiting our favourite manu at willowbank - Millie Thompson
I remember as a kid when you could feed the little monkeys one of them clinging to the fence. I was holding feed out in one hand and while the monkey reached out with one to take the good from my hand he used his other hand to store the whole bag from my other hand. Very cheeky. - Lisa Chambers
My due date for our first baby, Benji, was 20 March of this year, and he stubbornly did not seem like he was wanting to be evicted just quite yet.
My friend invited me to Willowbank on his due date to take my mind off of everything, to relax, and maybe have the walking help him along.
We had an absolutely lovely day, and the trip did indeed help get things moving and Benji joined us the 25th of March this year.
Our friends who invited me out gifted Benji his own pass to the park, and we’ve visited at least once a month since he was born.
This picture is from his first visit to Willowbank (on the outside) at one month old. Willowbank has a forever place in our newly expanded family and we are so grateful for all of the memories we’ve made and will make. - Kristin Tweedy
My son thought it was hilarious when one of the Kea took a liking to my shiny earrings! - Kirstee Robinson
Our wee one’s first visit to Willowbank was earlier this year.
It’s such a magical place, and we visit at least once a month. Having such a place for him to grow up visiting and making memories at is truly a priceless gift. - Joshua Tweedy
The eels were a big hit on our recent visit. Spent over 2 hours with my granddaughters at Willowbank, lots to see. - Jenny Anderson
Came to feed the lemur and I managed to get this incredible picture.!!!!! - Jacinta Maguire
We love coming to Willowbank. My little lady is obsessed with ducks and luckily the ducks at Willowbank seem to be just as obsessed with her. - Danielle Robinson
Last year we did a family trip to Willow bank in this photo is My daughter and her cousin. They both love visiting Willow bank and making memories - Hayley Cox
My daughter LOVES the kea house. She’s always hopeful that one will land on her pram like it did one of the first times we took her there! - Charlotte Drene
Family days out are the best at Willowbank. Lots of cool animals, space to play and coffee to drink for the parents! - Colin Waghorn
After having a wonderful many visits with my own children, it is very cool to see my granddaughter Jovie and her best friend Reya start their journey with Willowbank :) - Anne Dolan-Price
Me and my daughter always love coming to willowbank and getting to see and feed all the wonderful animals - Briar Churchill
History in the making, watching the first Valais sheep being shorn in NZ! January 2019 - Angela Fenemor
Family visit, from England and New Zealand. Enjoying willow bank - Ann meredith
Binx has always had the most fun interacting with the farmyard animals, so we usually do the loop in reverse now to visit this area first! - Storm Halkett
Our sons first trip to Willowbank bank. He absolutely loved it. The most he had walked in one go. Cuddled a soft toy Kiwi with a Willowbank t-shirt his pops bought in the store the whole way home. We have been back many times since. - Sarah Melrose
Aria having a pat - Pav Shah
Both Arthur and Blake love visiting the animals at Willowbank. In this photo one of the sheep thought they’d take the opportunity to join in much to the boy’s amusement. - Olivia Preston
Years of entertainment for the whole family. When the children were really young we would go up to 3 days a week. It is always a great day out and we have so many fond memories as a family and with many of our friends.
I also recall trips from my childhood!
Happy 50th Birthday Willowbank. - Melissa Pimlott
Abel and Mason have been coming to willowbank together since before they could walk ! They are 3 and a half now and ask to come every week :) - Ella Houghton
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