A visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve gives you the possibility of meeting one of the ‘Big 5’ up and close. However, we’re not talking about the African ‘big 5’ we’re talking about the New Zealand big five; that is, the Kiwi, the cheeky Kea, the ancient Tuatara, our bush parrot the Kaka and the very rare Takahē.

An excursion to this wildlife reserve, only 25 minutes drive from Rydges Latimer Christchurch, makes for an impressive, unique day out. Experience New Zealand as it was before man arrived, a time when birds and reptiles ruled the landscape.

Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm May – September 9.30am – 7pm October – April