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.
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Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 | Take a moment for yourself
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our wellbeing is slow down, get outside and reconnect with nature.
At the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, we’re lucky to be surrounded by native birdsong, towering trees and the peaceful sounds of the forest. Spending time in nature can help us feel calmer, lift our mood and give us space to reset.
Have you ever tried forest bathing? Also known as shinrin-yoku, it’s the practice of immersing yourself in the natural environment and mindfully connecting with your surroundings. It’s not about how far you walk or how quickly you get there; it’s about slowing down, noticing the sights and sounds around you, breathing in the fresh forest air and being present in the moment.
This Mental Health Week, we encourage you to take a little time for yourself. Wander beneath the trees, listen to the birds, feel the breeze on your face or simply pause and take a few deep breaths. Sometimes, a little time in nature is just what we need to recharge.
Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Looking after your mental wellbeing matters.
Find out more at the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand: www.facebook.com/mentalhealthfoundationNZ
Take a breath. Slow down. Reconnect with nature.
📽 Video credit: Nicholas Roosen @nickjroosen
#MentalHealthWeek #ForestBathing #Wellbeing #NatureForWellbeing #BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #taketimeforyou
Oct 14
A big thank you to @patagonia and @mdoutdoorsnz for their recent generous donation to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. 💛
Through Patagonia’s Impact Incentive Programme, MD Outdoors had the opportunity to select a charity to support and chose the Sanctuary. We’re incredibly grateful to both organisations for their commitment to supporting conservation and protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique wildlife and natural environment.
Every contribution helps us continue our work to protect threatened species, restore our native ecosystem, and ensure future generations can experience the wonders of our natural heritage.
MD Outdoors is proudly 100% locally owned and operated, and we’d also like to congratulate the team on recently opening their new store in Wakefield. It’s fantastic to see businesses supporting conservation and making a positive difference in our community.
Thank you, Patagonia and MD Outdoors for backing our mahi and helping us make a difference.
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Patagonia #MDOutdoors #Conservation #ProtectingOurFuture
Oct 13
Support the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary at The Spectacle 2026! 💛
@runthespectacle brings runners and walkers of all abilities together in the heart of Whakatū Nelson, with challenges ranging from a mile to an incredible 100 miles.
You can support the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary by making a donation or taking part and fundraising for us. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect and restore our precious native wildlife and ngahere.
We’re thrilled to have 16 fundraisers already signed up to support the Sanctuary. Thank you for getting behind our kaupapa!
Want to go the extra mile? Sign up, choose the Sanctuary as your charity, and rally your friends, whānau and community to support you.
Together, we can make a difference for our native wildlife.
Donate or sign up today: 🔗Link in bio>>
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #TheSpectacle2026 #NelsonNZ #WhakatūNelson #ProtectOurWildlife #NativeWildlife #Conservation #Fundraising #SupportLocal #NewZealandNature #RunForNature #TogetherForNature
Oct 8
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
