Reconnect With Nature
Haere Mai | Welcome
Just minutes from Nelson, the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the largest fenced wildlife sanctuary for endangered plants and animals in the South Island. Abundant with native species that both delight and surprise, visitors are able to immerse themselves in the beauty of New Zealand native bush, breathe deeply, and truly appreciate our sense of place and mauri (life force).
Home to iconic species like the kiwi, tuatara, and kākāriki, the Sanctuary offers self-guided exploration across 15km of walking tracks, as well as guided day and night tours. Don’t miss one of the South Island’s top attractions and your chance to hear (or maybe see) a kiwi in its natural habitat.
Lots to see and do
Nestled in Nelson’s Brook Valley, the Sanctuary spans 690 hectares of protected native bush, surrounded by 14.3 kilometres of pest-proof fencing. This predator-free environment enables the safe return of some of Aotearoa’s most endangered species.
The Sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the South Island and the second largest in the country; it is the only sanctuary to feature primarily mature New Zealand beech forest.
- 15km of walking tracks
- 45-minute easy loop walk with waterfalls, sculpture trail, picnic spots and more
- Guided day and night tours
- Home to kiwi, tuatara, the largest population of kākāriki karaka & many other endangered species
- Just 5km from Nelson City Centre
Find out more about our walks, facilities and what you can do at the Sanctuary here.
What’s happening at the Sanctuary?
Translocations, new chicks, competitions, children’s activities, corporate events – there’s always something new happening at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
What’s here?
Meet some of our amazing residents and our incredible flora
Choose your trail
Which trail will you take today? Choose from short, medium and long day walks. Explore some of the best walks in Nelson and immerse yourself in the Sanctuary for a day.
Visitor Reviews
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@brooksanctuary
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Yesterday, we celebrated the arrival of 29 tuatara from Takapourewa (Stephens Island) to the Sanctuary, marking another exciting milestone in our ongoing conservation efforts.
The translocation was led by @ngatikoatatrust kaitiaki of Takapourewa (Stephens Island) tuatara, alongside the @docgovtnz, bringing these incredible taonga into their new home at the Sanctuary.
The new arrivals have joined our existing tuatara population, strengthening genetic diversity and helping secure a future for this remarkable species in Te Tauihu.
Each tuatara was carefully checked before being released into a pre-drilled burrow within our mouse-exclusion fence, where they can settle into their new surroundings.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this special translocation possible, particularly @ngatikoatatrust and the @docgovtnz, and especially the team on Takapourewa, who put in some very long hours — and very little sleep — to make it happen.
And a special thank you to Elizabeth del Angel – @soft.currents.photography for capturing such beautiful images of this incredible moment.
@spinyback @nelsoncitycouncil @nbs.co.nz @nelsonpineindustries
Oct 4
👀 Someone was keeping a very close eye on the work!
Our Asset volunteer Barry climbed up his stepladder to finish the framing on the kākā release aviary roof — only to be met by a few very interested spectators!
Some of our kākā decided to take a cheeky look at Barry while he was busy carrying out the work.
Was it simple curiosity… or were our feathered friends making sure the job was being done properly?
Either way, it’s safe to say Barry had some very attentive supervisors on site!
When visiting the Sanctuary, you may be lucky enough to spot kākā too — so keep your eyes and ears open. You never know who might be watching you!
@ngatiapakiterato
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Kākā #NativeWildlife #Conservation #Volunteer #Nelson
Sep 30
🌿 Discover the Hidden Valleys of the Sanctuary this October – and save 30%!
Looking for a different way to experience the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary? Join our Hidden Valleys Tour and discover what makes this Sanctuary unique - even the most knowledgeable visitors are surprised by what they learn from our expert guides.
📅 Available Fridays & Sundays during the School Holidays
🎟️ Use promo code: HIDDEN30 for 30% off
👉 Book your Hidden Valleys Tour online:
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/events-activities
Sep 27
🌿 SANCTUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS | 26 SEPT – 11 OCT
Looking for a wild adventure, a little relaxation, or something different these school holidays? Come and explore the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
🎉 KIDS UNDER 15 GO FREE!
From 26 September to 11 October, children under 15 can visit the Sanctuary for FREE. Normal admission fees apply to adults and those aged 16+.
🔎 KIDS SCAVENGER HUNT
Keep the little explorers busy with our fun Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt as they discover the forest and its hidden gems.
🌙 25% OFF NIGHT GUIDED TOURS
Experience the Sanctuary after dark and discover what comes alive at night. Use promo code NIGHT25 to save 25% – available until the end of October.
Spaces are limited.
🥾 30% OFF HIDDEN VALLEYS TOURS
Join our special 90-minute Hidden Valleys Tour and discover what makes this Sanctuary unique - Use promo code HIDDEN30 during the school holidays.
🧘 SEATED & WALKING MEDITATION
Take some time to slow down, breathe and connect with the natural environment during a guided seated and walking meditation in the Sanctuary.
📅 Sunday 27 September | 9am–10am
📅 Sunday 11 October | 9am–10am
👉 Check out our Events & Activities page on our website for further details!
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/events-activities
Come explore, discover, connect and unwind in the wild these school holidays. 🌿
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasman #schoolholidays #nelson #kidsfun #adventure #naturenz
Sep 25
🔎 Volunteer Opportunity – Join Our Fence Inspection Team!
We’re looking for a few more volunteers to join our Fence Inspection Team and help play an important role in protecting the Sanctuary and keeping our pest-proof fence in top condition.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from someone with 4x4 driving experience, as some areas of the fence are accessed via challenging terrain.
If you enjoy the outdoors, getting stuck in, and supporting conservation, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Find out more and register your interest: www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/support-us/become-a-sanctuary-volunteer
Your time and skills can make a real difference in looking after the
#Volunteer #BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Conservation #Nelson #VolunteerOpportunity #ProtectOurWildlife
Sep 21
What an amazing team at @mdoutdoorsnz!
A huge thank you to the team at MD Outdoors for supporting the Sanctuary through their Great Outdoor Quiz Night at The Boathouse, Nelson which raised an incredible $1,700+ for the Sanctuary! 🤗
Some of our amazing volunteers also joined in to show their support — a fantastic effort from everyone! And congratulations to Team Randy Rampage for taking out the win!
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community and everyone who helped make the night such a success. 🌳
Make sure you pop into @mdoutdoorsnz store in Nelson City for all your outdoor needs — their gear certainly comes in handy when exploring the Sanctuary!
Sep 18
