Welcome to The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – an extraordinary part of New Zealand.
Just minutes from Nelson’s city centre, the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island’s largest fully fenced eco-sanctuary—690 hectares of protected native forest alive with rare and threatened species. This is a place where you can reconnect with nature, breathe deeply, and experience the mauri (life force) of Aotearoa’s unique environment.
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.
Opening Hours:
TUE - SUN, 9am - 5pm (last entry 4pm).
Find us on Instagram
Share your photos with #brooksanctuary
🌿 Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Open Days
📅 Sat 28 & Sun 29 March 2026
⏰ 10am – 4pm
Nelson’s Big Green Day Out is back — and you’re invited 🌱
Spend a FREE day immersed in nature, just minutes from the city.
Wander, learn, eat, explore… there’s something for everyone:
🦎 Up to 15km of beautiful forest walking tracks
☕ Street food, coffee & real fruit ice cream
🖍️ Hands-on workshops & learning
🎨 Arts, crafts + kids’ activities
⛺ Local community stalls
🌿 Conservation talks with experts
📍 Silent auction supporting the Sanctuary
🕶️ Virtual reality kiwi experience
✨ Make a day of it — bring your whānau, gather your friends, and enjoy a vibrant community weekend reconnecting with nature.
#BigGreenDayOut #nelsonnz #FamilyDayOut #NatureLovers #SupportLocal #Conservation #brookwaimaramasanctuary @nelsontasmannz
Mar 18
🌿 Welcoming kākā to the Sanctuary!
What an exciting moment to finally welcome kākā to the Sanctuary.
Following a moving iwi-led Tuku Toanga welcoming ceremony — joined by Sanctuary volunteers, supporters, and many of the people who worked tirelessly to bring these birds to Nelson.
For now, they will be cared for by our dedicated team alongside Natureland Wildlife Trust before their eventual release from the temporary holding aviary.
🌿 Post-release care is just as important:
📡 The kākā have been fitted with transmitters and banded so we can monitor their movements and wellbeing.
🤝 With support from @ngatiapakiterato, @natureland_wildlife_trust, @world_parrot_trust and the @docgovtnz we’ll be closely tracking their progress as they settle into their new home.
We can’t wait for the day these remarkable birds leave the aviary, spread their wings and begin exploring the Sanctuary.
Thanks to our supporters, including the Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary – South Island kākā programme.
@nelsontasmannz
#Kākā #NelsonNZ #ProtectOurBirds #brookwaimaramasanctuary #nelsontasman
Mar 13
A landmark moment for Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
Yesterday we welcomed three kākā to the Sanctuary. They have now been safely transferred into their temporary aviary, where they’ll spend time settling in before their eventual release into the ngahere.
This exciting milestone reflects the dedication of our incredible volunteers and staff whose ongoing mahi keeps the Sanctuary thriving. It’s also thanks to everyone who supported the aviary project and the return of kākā to the valley.
A special thank you as well to @ngatiapakiterato who lead a Tuku Taonga to formally acknowledge the gifting and return of this taonga species within our rohe, @natureland_wildlife_trust @docgovtnz for their work behind the scenes and @nelsonairportnewzealand , @airnz, @bowatermotors, for their support and partnership in helping bring kākā back to this special place.
We’re looking forward to the day these remarkable birds spread their wings and explore their new home.
Be sure to stop by and check out our live kākā cam!
🌐 www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/live-camera
#kaka #brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasmannz @nelsontasmannz
Mar 10
📢 Sanctuary Closure Notice – Tuesday 10th March
The Brook Sanctuary will be closed to the public on Tuesday 10th March as we welcome kākā to the Sanctuary.
This is an exciting and significant milestone, and the temporary closure allows our team and Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō to ensure the birds settle safely into their temporary aviary before being released into the ngahere (forest) at a later date.
We will reopen on Wednesday, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Sanctuary to enjoy the many tracks.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue restoring our native wildlife. 🌿
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Kākā #ConservationNZ #NelsonNZ #PredatorFree #NativeWildlife #Biodiversity
Mar 9
Great morning at the @kiwikidstry - Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon! Awesome to be there showcasing the Sanctuary and the incredible mahi we do.
Our Virtual Reality Kiwi experience was a real highlight.
Thanks to @bowatermotors and @toyota for hosting us under their marquee.
#WeetBixTRYathlon #BrookSanctuary #kiwiconservation #VirtualReality #Kiwi
Mar 8
🌙 Discover the Sanctuary After Dark
When the sun goes down, the Brook Sanctuary truly comes alive.
Join us for a Night Guided Tour and experience the magic of the forest in a whole new way. Walk beneath the stars with one of our knowledgeable guides and listen as the daytime birds settle and the night shift begins. You may hear the haunting call of ruru, maybe kiwi pukupuku, spot wētā and glowworms.
These small-group tours offer a rare opportunity to explore the Sanctuary after hours, learn about our conservation work, and witness the unique rhythms of the ngahere at night.
✨ An unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
🎟 Spaces are limited and bookings are essential.
Come and see — and hear — the Sanctuary in its most magical light.
Visit our website to book your night experience: www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/night-tours
#nelsonnz #nelsontasman #thingstodonelson #kiwipukupuku #littlespottedkiwi #naturelovers #supportlocalnz #conservationnz #brookwaimāramasanctuary
Mar 3
