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At the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve near Christchurch, locum tenens can see a wide range of interesting species from New Zealand and other countries around the world.
Willowbank touts itself as part of a "holistic New Zealand wildlife experience"—rather than just serving as a zoo, the reserve allows visitors to witness what the country was like in its early days before European colonization.
The main attraction at the park is the kiwi, a small flightless bird that is the national symbol of New Zealand. In its five-acre kiwi area, Willowbank works to further conservation efforts for this unique species through its breeding programs. Visitors can see hatchlings and juveniles in a special house on the premises, giving them an up-close look at this endearing bird.
Other species found at the wildlife reserve include fallow deer, ostriches, wallabies, capuchin monkeys, Asian small-claws otters, macaws, gibbons, lemurs, peacocks, llamas, bantams, eels, kunekune pigs, tuataras and more.
The park also offers guests access to a Maori cultural experience, where they can witness traditional ceremonies, songs and dances from New Zealand's indigenous peoples.