Protecting native New Zealand species is the mission of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve(willowbank.co.nz), 7km northeast of the airport. It has a nocturnal house for kiwi (which it breeds), is home to kea (alpine parrots), takahe and other at-risk birds, and also runs a wildlife hospital.
Rare and endangered animals such as Arapawa Island goats and kunekune pigs occupy its farmyard, and tortoises are among its exotic residents.
Willowbank and the International Antarctic Centre now have the same owners, so check online for possible combo deals and transport between the two attractions.
