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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🌿 Discover something truly special at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island’s largest fully fenced sanctuary for endangered plants and animals, with 14.3km of pest-proof fencing protecting 690 hectares of precious native forest.
Our thriving Sanctuary supports the return of rare and threatened species like kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet), Powelliphanta snails, tuatara, kiwi pukupuku, and the recently arrived kākā.
Bursting with native life that delights and surprises, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bush, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the land and its mauri (life force) with 15kms of public tracks to explore.
✨ Our Vision: to be a nationally-recognised eco-sanctuary known for its leading conservation practices – a place where wildlife, education, and research thrive together.
👉 Plan your visit, support conservation, or get involved today, every step helps protect this incredible sanctuary for future generations.
@nelsontasmannz @nelsoncitycouncil
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasman #nature #newzealand
Apr 20
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🍃
Gather at The Beech Glade classroom, within the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, for a gentle and grounding hour of guided meditation in nature.
This session weaves together simple seated and walking practices designed to help focus and quieten the mind, supporting a deeper experience of presence and awareness. Surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the natural world, you’ll be invited to slow down, reconnect, and come home to Presence.
🌳 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (starting 10th May), 9:00–10:00am
💦 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Meet at The Glade (please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to walk in)
🔥 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐚: $5–$10 donation, paid in cash directly to meditation teacher
🍃 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Not required, just turn up to the session.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠:
➡️Something comfortable to sit on such as a cushion or folded blanket (There are some plastic chairs and wooden benches available. If you wish to sit on the floor you may wish to bring a yoga mat as well)
➡️A blanket to keep warm
➡️Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲:
🌳Sanctuary Members: Free of charge as per annual membership
🌳Non-Sanctuary Members: Early-bird special of $10 per adult (This provides an opportunity for guests/visitors to explore after the session)
All are welcome—whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice.
#MindfulnessInNature #GuidedMeditation #NatureMeditation #ForestBathing
#PresencePractice #brookwaimāramasanctuary
Apr 18
There’s something special about spotting a ruru (morepork) in the quiet of Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
These striking moments were captured by photographer Chris Bernard while exploring the Sanctuary. Ruru are often heard and occasionally seen on our guided night tours.
Ruru are known for their iconic “more-pork” call, heard throughout the night, as well as a repetitive “quork-quork”, a rising “quee” call often mistaken for kiwi, and a yelping call similar to that of the little owl. 🦉✨
Learn more about ruru on our website:
🔗www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/nature-wildlife/ruru
@chrisbernard1520
#ruru #nelsontasmannz #brookwaimaramasanctuary #birdsnz
Apr 14
A rare and special sighting on one of our night tours — a kiwi pukupuku out exploring under the cover of darkness 🌙
Our night tours have been incredibly popular, with many groups hearing kiwi calls throughout the sanctuary, and on lucky nights, even spotting one in the wild like this.
We currently have limited spaces available for this Saturday and Monday night tours.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the sanctuary after dark — it’s something truly unforgettable.
Thanks to the team @mdoutdoorsnz for the new head torches.
Book now to secure your spot. 🎟
@nelsontasmannz
#kiwi #kiwipukupuku #wildlifeNZ #nzwildlife #conservation #sanctuary #nighttour #naturelovers
Apr 8
Rain doesn’t stop nature… it awakens it 🌧️🌿
At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, wet weather brings the forest to life — leaves glisten, streams flow stronger, and the sounds of birds echo through the valley. It’s a different kind of magic.
Reconnect with nature, slow down, and experience the sanctuary in its most vibrant state.
Don’t wait for sunshine — some of the best moments happen in the rain. @nelsontasmannz
#brookwaimarama #ReconnectWithNature #RainyDayMagic #NelsonNZ #natureescape
Apr 8
🌿🐾 We’re OPEN today! 🐾🌿
Looking for something fun to do this Easter Monday? Come on out to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and dive into nature! 🌞
Wander our beautiful tracks, listen for birdsong, and see what you can discover along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy a little adventure.
Fresh air, native wildlife, and good vibes are waiting… see you soon! 💚
Apr 5
