Haere mai / welcome to a special part of New Zealand: Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, the largest fenced haven for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island.

Close to Nelson city but hidden away, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of New Zealand native bush, breathe deeply and engage.

We want to connect people with the natural world in a way that promotes environmental responsibility and contributes to the restoration of our local and national ecosystems.

We hope visitors will experience the mauri (life force), vital essence and spirituality of this natural environment.

We are enriching the future – come join us.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We welcome your help: hands-on or from a distance.

GET INVOLVED

EDUCATION AT THE SANCTUARY

It’s never too late to learn about how we can care for and interact with nature.

BOOK A GROUP VISIT

SANCTUARY WALKS & FACILITIES

Be inspired by our 690-ha protected ecosystem just 6km from Nelson’s central city.

LEARN MORE

OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

Discover the extraordinary in our backyard.

Learn More

Find us on Instagram

@brooksanctuary

Share your photos with us #brooksanctuary

  • One of the friendliest birds in the sanctuary - these South Island Robins always make you smile when they come up to say hi!
  • Check out the awesome condition of our loop walk track! This is our easiest loop and it’s a great place to spot native birds 🐦
  • The bellbirds and tuis are loving all the fruiting Tutu trees right by the dam at the moment!
  • New Zealand has an unusually high number of fern species for a temperate country (over 200). Ferns aren’t like other vascular plants - they reproduce with spores instead of by seeds and flowers. If ferns are your thing then the aptly named Ferny Flats should be on your must visit list!
  • Don’t forget we’re open until 8pm tonight! Come and see how magical the sanctuary is in the evening 🍃
  • Spotted stream side - can anyone name this flying insect?

KEY PARTNERS

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

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