Willowbank

Willowbank Review

In addition to familiar farm animals and other zoo regulars, Willowbank has a section devoted to New Zealand wildlife. The Big 5 are New Zealand's most special wildlife icons. They demonstrate all the characteristics that make this country's wildlife so unique, from the national symbol, the kiwi, to the tuatara—the world's only living dinosaur. There's the cheeky mountain parrot, kea; the bush parrot, kaka; and the very rare but majestic takahe. Willowbank is the only place in New Zealand you can see the Big 5 in one place. Adults NZ$25, children NZ$10; opening hours will change as visitor numbers increase again. It's also home to Ko Tane, a fun, interactive Maori cultural experience. You'll be greeted with a powhiri, a welcome ceremony, and you can try your hand at swinging the poi, flaxen balls on long strings used in traditional Maori dances (it's not as easy as it looks), or the famous haka. Ko Tane and the Guided Kiwi Tour; adults NZ$65, children NZ$30. Ko Tane Maori Cultural Performance provides complimentary return transport from most motels. Phone for times.