Book a school visit to the Sanctuary
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!
There is a fee of $5 per New Zealand primary and secondary school student, as well as for accompanying adults. Teachers and school staff attend free of charge. A minimum booking of 10 students applies.
Complete the form below to start the process to organise your school visit to the Sanctuary. The form requests you upload a completed RAMS form which can be downloaded below.
Click here to download a PDF version of our RAMS form.
Click here to download an editable version of our RAMS form.
Stay informed: follow our Facebook page, and read the latest copy of our quarterly newsletter here.
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🐦H5 bird flu (HPAI H5N1) Avian Influenza was recently been detected in Wellington, and you might wonder what you can do to keep our manu safe.
There are a few easy steps you can take:
▪️Clean your shoes, clothing and tools after having worked in areas where birds congregate (shoreline, zoo, poultry farms, duck pond, and so on),
▪️Clean your shoes before visiting the Sanctuary if you have been in areas where birds congregate or if you keep any outside pet birds at home.
What best to do if you find sick or dead birds?
💚Always stay away from sick or dead birds,
💚Outside the Sanctuary, if you find more than three wild, sick or dead birds inform MPI on 0800 80 99 66,
💚Inside the Sanctuary, inform a staff member at the Visitor Centre. If you could show us a video or photo and describe the location where the bird was found that would be most helpful.
💚Please don’t bring sick or injured wildlife to the Sanctuary.
For further information, please check the Ministry of Health, DOC, or MPI website.
Thank you so much for your support!
Protecting wildlife from bird flu: know what to do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLCgdAZdTBw
Jul 19
Waimārama Wilding Ale 🍻
We`re excited to celebrate the launch of Waimārama Wilding Ale, brewed by @alimentbrewing with help from Wilding, a native NZ yeast captured & cultivated by Ryan & Simon of @frothtech – a delicious amber farmhouse ale crafted to support conservation at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
5.8% Waimārama Wilding Ale is all moreish banana underpinned with bright citrus, refreshing effervescence & lovely body. A special beer for a special place!
Find your nearest local and grab a pint! 🍺 Big, beautiful 500ml cans are starting to make their way across New Zealand, with the first pours happening from Saturday, 18 July.
Keep an eye out at your favourite local and be among the first to enjoy one!
Thanks to the team at Aliment Brewing, Froth Technologies and suppliers for donating cans, labels, hops, malt & kegs to make this effort incredible!
Colourcraft, Label & Litho, Bintani, Recorp, Konvoy, Gladfield Malt
#alimentbrewing #wildingyeast #brookwaimārama #staywild #nzfarmhouseale
Jul 17
🌿 Kiwi Breeding Season is Underway at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🐣
It`s one of the most exciting times of the year for our team – kiwi breeding season has begun!
Recently, our team captured this special moment of a kiwi pukupuku mating pair, a wonderful sign that the birds have settled well into their new home at the Sanctuary.
Since the reintroduction of 41 kiwi pukupuku in 2025, we`ve already celebrated the incredible milestone of kiwi chicks hatching in less than 12 months of their arrival. Seeing the birds now entering another breeding season is an exciting reminder that this population is beginning to establish itself.
Kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) form monogamous, often lifelong pairs and defend their territories year-round. During the breeding season, from July to January, females usually lay one egg, although occasionally two. The male takes on the remarkable job of incubating the egg for around 65 days.
Once hatched, the chick is independent surprisingly quickly, beginning to forage for itself from around 5–7 days old. The male remains close by while the chick returns to the nest for several weeks, and the female stays nearby at night, helping protect the territory.
Every breeding season brings us one step closer to establishing a thriving, self-sustaining population of kiwi pukupuku in the Sanctuary.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this incredible conservation journey. Together, we`re helping ensure future generations can once again experience the iconic call of kiwi in the hills above Nelson.
Special thanks to @nelsoncitycouncil @savethekiwinz and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, the kaitiaki of the translocated kiwi, for making this conservation success possible.
📽 Chelsea Haley
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #KiwiPukupuku #Conservation #PredatorFree #NelsonNZ #WildlifeRecovery #Nature
Jul 16
Have you visited the Sanctuary before? now is a great time to explore during the School holidays!
Jul 13
A special moment for guests on a recent night guided tour spotting a kiwi.
https://www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences
Jul 12
✨ Celebrate Matariki at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary ✨
This Matariki, take time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
As we celebrate the Māori New Year, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary offers a peaceful place to enjoy the ngahere (forest), listen to birdsong, and spend quality time with whānau and friends. Wander our walking tracks, discover native wildlife, and experience the beauty of the largest fence eco-sanctuary in the South Island.
🌿 We`re open throughout the Matariki holiday, so it`s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and celebrate the beginning of a new season.
Whether you`re continuing a Matariki tradition or creating a new one, we`d love to welcome you.
📍 Open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday during school holidays.
🍂 Free entry for children under 16 years + kids scavenger hunt available
🧘♀️Sunday 12 July, guided meditation 9am - 10am
Mānawatia a Matariki! Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Matariki from the team at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
📷Photo credit: Tim Jansen
#Matariki #BrookWaimaramaSanctuary #NelsonNZ #VisitNelsonTasman #Conservation #Nature #NativeWildlife #EcoSanctuary #Whanau #ExploreNZ #ProtectRestoreInspire
Jul 9
