Christchurch is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and cultural sites, yet many visitors are unfamiliar with its nature parks. If you find yourself in this part of the world, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, in close proximity to Christchurch International Airport, is a great way to spend an entire day with the entire family. The reserve was opened in 1974 by the Wills family, who still own and operate the park to this very day.

Where Africa can claim its Big 5, consisting of the rhino, lion, elephant, leopard and buffalo, New Zealand has its vey own ‘Big 5’. Although these animals may not be as majestic, what they lack in size they make up in their curious nature. These consist of the kiwi, the kea, the tuatara, kaka and the takahe – all as exotic and strange as their names. The park also stocks over 50 types of animal in enclosures and in free roam.

The park also includes Ko Tane (Maori for ‘The Garden of Tane’) which shows you what life was like for the South Island Maoris before the arrival of the Europeans, as well as the Willowbank Meeting House. This is a symbolic representation of man, with the rafter, main ridge and central column representing the ribs, spine and heart. The reserve is heavily involved in conservation alongside the New Zealand Conservation Trust, and in particular its contribution to the kiwi breeding programme known as ‘Operation Nest Egg. The park has managed to double its population of the national animal of New Zealand.