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
🐰🌿 Easter at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿🐰
Looking for something to do over the Easter break? We’ve got you sorted.
We’ll be open all Easter weekend from 9am–5pm, and on Easter Monday from 10am–4pm.
Bring the whānau along to enjoy the beautiful surroundings—and don’t miss our kids’ Easter scavenger hunt, a fun activity to keep the little ones entertained.🐣✨
It’s a great chance to get outdoors, explore nature, and celebrate Easter with us.
We look forward to seeing you here!
#brookwaimaramasanctuary #easterholidays #nelsontasmannz #nature @nelsontasmannz
Apr 2
Summer Photography Competition Winners 🌞📷
We’re excited to announce the winners of our Summer Photography Competition:
📸 Amateur Winner: Diane Chandler — the tallest moss in the world, Dawsonia superba
📸 Junior Winner: Sam Moynan — a beautiful image of a tomtit | miromiro
A huge thank you to everyone who entered. We received 21 stunning photos from 8 photographers and loved seeing the Sanctuary through your lenses.
Prize packs include:
Amateur
🎟 A family ticket to a guided night tour
📰 A feature in our newsletter and on social media
Junior
📷 An instant camera
📰 A feature in our newsletter and on social media
🖼 Prints of both winning images will also be displayed at the Visitor Centre.
@nelsoncityframers will be producing these beautiful images as prints, to be awarded to Diane and Sam.
Now it’s your turn! Entries for the Autumn Photography Competition are open from 1 March - 31 May 2026!
Head out on the tracks, keep an eye out for those special ngahere moments, watch for fungi, and start snapping — we can’t wait to see what you capture.
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Whakatū #NelsonNZ #naturephotography #springinthenativeforest #summerinthenativeforest #conservation
#tomtit #naturephotography #summerinthenativeforest #conservation
Apr 1
🌿 Thank You for an Incredible Weekend🌿
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Big Green Open Days this weekend. It was fantastic to see so many people exploring the tracks, discovering the sanctuary, and spending time immersed in nature — especially so many new faces!
We’d also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our amazing staff and volunteers who made it all happen. From our dedicated team to the wonderful food stalls, vendors, and community tents — your support made the day truly special.
We’re still finalising the results of our Silent Auction, but we’re excited to share that we’ve already raised over $3,000, with every dollar going directly toward supporting the sanctuary. A big thank you to the generous businesses who contributed donations.
We hope you had an unforgettable day.
Ngā mihi nui 🌿
@natureland_wildlife_trust @nelsoncitycouncil @morefmnelson @littleblackcoffeetruck @bowatermotors Silex Tools, Umai Japanese Kitchen, Pakistani Food Stall, Sounds a bit fishy, Titoki Nursery, Right Now real fruit icecream
#opendays #nelsonnz #nature #brookwaimāramasanctuary #outdoors
Mar 30
🌿Sanctuary Open Days - We`re On!🌿
Despite the recent weather, we’re going ahead this Saturday and Sunday – and we’d love to see you there!
✨ Wander through our stunning nature tracks
🍴 Enjoy delicious bites from our local food stalls (bring cash!)
🌳 Take time to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature
🚶♀️ Listen to our stationed talks
🎁 Don’t miss our amazing silent auction items
🚗 Please follow directions from our parking wardens when you arrive
🚌 We encourage you to take the bus or carpool where possible - the bus stops at the entrance of the Brook Valley Holiday Reserve - just a short 5-min walk from there!
📅 We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!
#SanctuaryOpenDay #naturelovers #familyfun #nelsontasmannz @nelsontasmannz
Mar 27
🦜If you haven’t tuned in yet, you’re missing something special — our live cam is currently featuring one of Aotearoa’s most iconic birds, the cheeky and charismatic kākā.
These clever forest parrots are known for their playful personalities, curious nature, and unmistakable calls. Watching them up close in real time is a rare treat — whether they’re hopping about, showing off their aerial skills, or just being their mischievous selves. It won`t be long before they are released from their temporary aviary.
Jump on, take a look, and let us know in the comments if you spot them in action 👀www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/live-camera
@ngatiapakiterato, @naturelandwildlifetrust, @docgovtnz, @world_parrot_trust and special thanks to Bowater Motor Group for lending their van to transport the kākā to the Sanctuary.
@nelsontasmannz photo credit: Fraser Heal
##kaka #wildlifelive #naturenz #birdlovers #nelsontasman
Mar 20
🌿 Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Open Days
📅 Sat 28 & Sun 29 March 2026
⏰ 10am – 4pm
Nelson’s Big Green Day Out is back — and you’re invited 🌱
Spend a FREE day immersed in nature, just minutes from the city.
Wander, learn, eat, explore… there’s something for everyone:
🦎 Up to 15km of beautiful forest walking tracks
☕ Street food, coffee & real fruit ice cream
🖍️ Hands-on workshops & learning
🎨 Arts, crafts + kids’ activities
⛺ Local community stalls
🌿 Conservation talks with experts
📍 Silent auction supporting the Sanctuary
🕶️ Virtual reality kiwi experience
✨ Make a day of it — bring your whānau, gather your friends, and enjoy a vibrant community weekend reconnecting with nature.
#BigGreenDayOut #nelsonnz #FamilyDayOut #NatureLovers #SupportLocal #Conservation #brookwaimaramasanctuary @nelsontasmannz
Mar 18
