Nau Mai, Haere Mai, welcome to
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – an extraordinary part of New Zealand.
Visit us today!
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the largest fenced Sanctuary for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island.
Just a 10-minute drive from Nelson City but tucked away, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s native bush. Take a deep breath and engage.
“We endeavour to connect visitors, staff, and volunteers with nature. Our goal is to encourage environmental responsibility and contribute to the restoration of local and national ecosystems. We hope that visitors will experience the mauri (life force), vital essence, and spirituality of this natural environment.”
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This is your sign to visit the Sanctuary for free during Open Day this Sunday, 20 October from 10 AM to 4 PM to enjoy live music, yummy street food, guided walks, art workshops and more!
Bring the whole family for a day of fun for everyone🤩
#nzfauna #birdingnz #nzbirdlife #travelnzsouthisland #pestfreenz #nelsonadventures #nelsontasmannz #nelson #activitiesforkids
Oct 14
Who’s looking forward to our free guided walks this Sunday at Open Day? All walks will be led by an experienced educator and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No prior registration is required; simply visit the Sanctuary Info Stall just inside the predator fence to join.
10-11 AM: Native Plant Identification
10:30-11:30 AM: Bird Identification
11 AM-12 PM: New Mouse-Free Exclosure Tour
12-1 PM: Footsteps Through Time: A Historical Adventure
*The Native Plant Identification Walk will meet at the Kūmānu Plant Stall in front of the Visitor Centre.
We can’t wait to see you there!
#guidedwalks #education #nativeplants #nativebirds #environmentalawareness #environmentaleducation
Oct 13
Get your 2025 wall calendar now! These beautiful calendars feature photographs of our extraordinary wildlife, flora, and fauna taken by some of New Zealand’s leading nature photographers and volunteers.
All proceeds support the Sanctuary and our work to protect and restore nature in Nelson.
Sanctuary supporters and volunteers can purchase these at a discounted price ($10 each) from the Sanctuary Visitor Centre or the town office.
A4 size, one page per month, with space to note down birthdays, appointments or other important information. Note: postage is a flat $4.00.
A small supply is available, so order your calendars today!
#wallart #wallcalendar #calendar #donate #donations #christmasgifts #giftideas
Oct 11
Why pay to visit the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary when you can experience nature for free anywhere else?
Often we get this question and not many people have even been to the Brook Valley, despite being only a 10 minute drive from town.
Having a fully predator fenced space is probably the biggest point of difference. With the fence and tireless work of Sanctuary staff and volunteers, the Sanctuary is 100% predator-free. That means there are no rats, stoats, possums, or any other invasive species getting in to disrupt the native birds, lizards, bugs, trees, and any other part of the environment.
Although there are plenty of trapping and other conservation efforts in non-fenced areas, you really have to come to the Sanctuary to see the difference. To hear the increase in birdsong, abundance of thriving beech forest, and untouched understory filled with healthy ferns, fungi, mosses, and so much more🌳🌿
Your admission fee is a direct investment in the planet’s future🌍 Thank you for helping to protect endangered species and restore native habitats!
#nature #wildlife #hiking #naturegram #getoutside #birds #biodiversity #savetheplanet #environmentalism #conservationist #sustainabletravel #fightclimatechange
Oct 10
🌿SAVE THE DATE🌿
Get ready for Nelson’s Big Green Day Out on Sunday, 20 October! Join us at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary for a fantastic Open Day filled with fun, learning, and most importantly free entry.
🕙 When: 20 October, 10 AM - 4 PM
📍 Where: 651 Brook Street, Nelson
This year’s theme is Tuatara Discovery, in honour of 60 Tuatara being relocated to the Sanctuary very soon! Dive into a day packed with free educational activities for the whole family, delicious street food, guided walks, live music and stunning bush tracks to explore. Whether you’re looking to learn, relax, or enjoy nature, there’s something for everyone!
Grab your friends and whānau—this is a day out you won’t want to miss🦎🌱
#brooksanctuary #biggreendayout #familyfun #naturelovers #freeentry #freestuff #family #zerowaste #enviromentallyfriendly
Oct 9
Join @radionewzealand Critter of the Week researcher, illustrator, and author Lily Duval for a twilight romp through Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to learn more about our insect world – particularly the vital role ‘six-legged ghosts’ play – and how you can care for these creatures and their habitats on Monday 28 Oct, 8pm!
Make sure to buy your ticket before they sell out at nelsonartsfestival.nz 🦎✅
#spooky #sixlegs #insect #insects #artsfestival
Oct 8
