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.
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🌿 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
🌿 BINGO NIGHT at Spring and Fern – The Meadow! 🎱
Looking for a fun night out while supporting a great cause? Join us for a night of bingo, good company and some fantastic prizes, all in support of the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary! 🌱
📅 Tuesday 20 October
⏰ 7pm
📍 Spring and Fern – The Meadow
💰 Remember to bring cash!
🎁 Great prizes are up for grabs, so bring your friends, bring your lucky streak, and get ready for a fun night supporting our native wildlife and conservation work.
We’d love to see you there! 🌿
Oct 18
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
