Education
Inspiring the next generation is the first line of defence in our conservation efforts.
Our aim is to enhance understanding of our connection with the land and mauri (life force), and of the importance to human beings of a harmonious biodiversity.
We provide school visits, outreach events in the community and downloadable education resources. Learn about our translocations, read our growing collection of species information pages or join our Junior Ranger program for year-round fun.
EDUCATION IN THE SANCTUARY
Through our education work the Sanctuary is inspiring the next generation; we’re working with Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South) schools and training providers to be actively involved in conservation activities, allowing ‘learning by doing’.
Our fully equipped Beech Glade classroom is an ideal space from which to watch and listen for birds. Made possible through the generosity of one of our local iwi, Ngati Kuia, & Transpower this immersive classroom even has wifi and class sets of binoculars!
Download Educational Resources
The Sanctuary is passionate about inspiring our next generation. We’ve created various educational resources for you to download.
- See our range of educational resources around freshwater environments and wildlife
- Read our growing collection of species information pages, some with downloadable PDFs
- Download our beautiful colouring-in sheets created by our talented Biosecurity Officer, Steffi!
- Download seasonal kids newsletters with colouring, activities and information about the wildlife in the Sanctuary. These are sent out quarterly to our Junior Rangers – an annual membership just for kids aged 5+.
What’s here?
Meet some of our amazing residents and our incredible flora. Read our species pages and download our species PDFs.
Follow us on Instagram
@brooksanctuary
Share your photos with #brooksanctuary
Thanks @kumanunewzealand for the plant donation! This beautiful assortment of eco-sourced native plants will be well appreciated by our birds, bugs and lizards.
Oct 30
A magical kiwi encounter beneath the glowworms! 🌿
Last night’s guided tour delivered a truly special moment, when our visitors had an unexpected encounter with a kiwi! 💚
While taking in the magical glowworms lighting up the forest, our group was treated to an unforgettable sighting of a kiwi moving through the darkness. Moments like these are a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do — protecting precious native wildlife and creating a safe haven where these incredible species can thrive.
Come and experience the magic for yourself! 🌙
Join one of our guided night tours and discover the wonders of the Sanctuary after dark. You never know what special encounters await! we have a 25% discount throughout October to November - use promo code: NIGHT25 when booking online.
📍 Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, Nelson
🎟️ Book your guided night tour today!
🎥Video credit: Joelle
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #KiwiEncounter #Kiwi #purenz #nelson
Oct 29
🎭🌿 Junior Rangers Get Creative for the Santa Parade! 🎅
What a fantastic weekend of creativity at Brook Valley Holiday Reserve, Rātā Room ! Our Junior Rangers have been busy making masks for the upcoming Santa Parade in November, and we’ve seen some amazing creations taking shape.
With plenty of imagination and enthusiasm, the kids are now taking their ideas home to keep working on their costumes. We can’t wait to see the finished creations and have our young kaitiaki represent the Sanctuary in the parade! 🎄
A huge thank you to Faye and Karl at @communityartworksnz (Nelson Community Art Works) for generously providing masks, templates and materials for our workshops. Your support helped make these sessions possible, and we’re so grateful for your contribution.
Thanks also to Dave, our Sanctuary volunteer, who is leading our Santa Parade float project, for popping in to talk about the float and getting our Junior Rangers even more excited to be involved!
We love seeing our young kaitiaki getting creative, connecting with nature and representing the Sanctuary in our community. 💚
👉 Check out some of their fantastic creations below!
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #JuniorRangers #SantaParade #YoungKaitiaki #NelsonCommunity @brookvalleyholidayreserve
Oct 29
🌿 From the stage to the forest!
A big thank you to the incredible team from @machinedecirque for visiting the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary today - even spotted their very first tuatara!
Visiting Nelson from Québec, Canada, this internationally acclaimed contemporary circus company is bringing its spectacular blend of acrobatics, live music, humour and physical comedy to the @nelson_arts_festival.
It was a pleasure to welcome the team into the Sanctuary and share a little of the special place we’re lucky to have right on Nelson’s doorstep.
Wishing the team all the very best for their performances!
🎪 Find out more about Machine de Cirque and the festival programme: www.nelsonartsfestival.nz/event/machine-de-cirque/
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NelsonArtsFestival #MachineDeCirque #WhakatūNelson #NatureAndCulture
Oct 27
🌿 We’re open today for Labour Day!
Looking for something different to do this long weekend? Come and reconnect with nature at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
Explore our beautiful native forest, wander the walking tracks and keep your eyes peeled for some of Aotearoa’s special wildlife. You might spot a curious kākāriki karaka, a South Island robin, or even a basking tuatara!
🌳 15 km of scenic walking tracks to explore
🦎 Discover unique native wildlife
🌿 A peaceful nature escape just 10 minutes from Nelson city centre
Bring the family, enjoy the fresh air and discover something new. There’s plenty to see and explore, and every visit supports our work protecting threatened species and restoring our native forest.
📍 Open today, Monday 26 October, 10am–4pm.
We look forward to seeing you at the Sanctuary today! 🌿
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NelsonNZ #LabourWeekend #ReconnectWithNature #ExploreNelson #NativeWildlife #ConservationNZ #NatureEscape #FamilyFun #ProtectOurWildlife
Oct 25
🌿 We’re open this Labour Weekend!
Looking for something different to do this long weekend? Come and reconnect with nature at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
Explore our beautiful native forest, wander the walking tracks and keep your eyes peeled for some of Aotearoa’s special wildlife. You might spot a curious kākāriki karaka, a South Island robin, or even a basking tuatara!
🌳 15 km of scenic walking tracks
🦎 Discover unique native wildlife
🌿 Enjoy a peaceful escape just 10 minutes from Nelson city centre
📍 Open Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October, 10am–4pm.
Bring the family, enjoy the fresh air and discover something new. Every visit supports our work protecting threatened species and restoring our native forest.
We look forward to seeing you this Labour Weekend!
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NelsonNZ #LabourWeekend #ReconnectWithNature #ProtectOurWildlife
Oct 22
