A Night in the Forest
Discover the magic of the ngahere at night on this unforgettable 75-minute guided experience at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
Your journey begins at the Visitor Centre for a briefing and introduction about the Sanctuary and the mahi. Our friendly, knowledgeable guides will welcome you, introduce the Sanctuary, and then lead you deep into the forest. Under the cover of darkness you’ll walk under towering trees, hear the rustling of nocturnal wildlife, and feel the forest awaken. Listen out for the haunting call of ruru — and if you’re lucky, the call of kiwi pukupuku. Along the way, you’ll encounter the magical bioluminescent glow of our resident glowworms — a truly enchanting sight.
This unique night-time experience is limited to just 10-12 guests per tour, with two guides leading each group.
FAQs
Can I see kiwi at the Sanctuary?
While the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is now home to kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), they are very shy. You may be lucky enough to hear their calls, during night tours, but sightings are rare and never guaranteed. Their elusive nature is part of what makes hearing them so special!
Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility??
Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, as it involves up to 1.5 km of walking on uneven terrain with low lighting conditions during the night.
