Kahukura
Red Admiral Butterfly
Vanessa gonerilla
Their Story
Kahukura (red admiral butterfly) is an endemic insect of Aotearoa, bold, beautiful and symbolic. Its bright red “cloak”-like markings give it its Māori name, and it once fluttered widely through New Zealand’s forests and gardens. Within Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, this rare butterfly serves as a visible reminder of ecological restoration and the importance of native host-plants and habitat.
Conservation Status
While the butterfly is relatively common in some areas, the general consensus is that population numbers have been slowly declining over the past 100 years.
Population
Endemic to New Zealand, kahukura are found wherever suitable food-plants and nectar sources exist: forests, scrub, gardens and parklands. Though once widespread, they have declined in some regions. At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, they highlight the value of native vegetation, host-plants and a predator-smart ecosystem.
Food
Adults feed primarily on nectar from native plants such as hebe and lacebark (houhere), and occasionally on sap. The caterpillars feed on native nettles, especially Urtica ferox (ongaonga) or the exotic nettle Urtica incisa, often in a folded-leaf “tent”.
Adults feed primarily on nectar from native plants such as hebe and lacebark (houhere), and occasionally on sap. The caterpillars feed on native nettles, especially Urtica ferox (ongaonga) or the exotic nettle Urtica incisa, often in a folded-leaf “tent”.
Endemic to New Zealand, kahukura are found wherever suitable food-plants and nectar sources exist: forests, scrub, gardens and parklands. Though once widespread, they have declined in some regions. At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, they highlight the value of native vegetation, host-plants and a predator-smart ecosystem.
Within the Sanctuary, kahukura serve as a “flagship invertebrate”, visible evidence that restoring forest structure, host-plant communities and safe insect habitat supports more than birds. Visitors may spot them flitting among flowering shrubs and please lookout for nettles (ongaonga) as host-plant zones.
The Māori name kahukura translates as “red cloak”, a reference to the striking red band across the butterfly’s wings.
Our other residents
Check out some of the other incredible wildlife that call the Sanctuary home
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Ngā mihi nui to @nbs.co.nz for their support of the Sanctuary.
As a longstanding sponsor, NBS plays an important role in helping us protect and preserve our 690-hectare pest-free Sanctuary for future generations.
Your generosity also helps support local people when they need it most. We’re incredibly grateful for your partnership and commitment to our community.
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May 10
Sideways roly-poly: kiwi chick edition 🐣
This kiwi pukupuku chick tries a shortcut, takes an almighty tumble, pops straight back up, and, full of determination, makes up the bank the second time.
Our tiny fluff ball is learning some important life lessons.
If this made you smile, share it with someone who needs that energy today.
#kiwi #kiwichick #newzealandwildlife #wildlifeofnewzealand #nznature #naturelovers #conservation #wildlifevideo #cuteanimals #feelgoodvideo #naturevideo #forestfriends #aotearoa #nelsonnz #visitnelson #savethekiwi
May 7
One year ago, something truly special arrived at the Sanctuary — 41 precious kiwi pukupuku ✨
Since then, it’s been an incredible journey. From careful monitoring to those quiet, thrilling moments of discovery, we celebrated our first chicks just before Christmas last year and now estimate that 10–15 have successfully hatched within the Sanctuary. A powerful sign that this tiny, rare kiwi is thriving.
Our night tours have brought visitors closer than ever to these elusive taonga, creating unforgettable experiences and deepening connections to Aotearoa’s unique wildlife.
Every visit, every donation, and every bit of business support help protect not only kiwi pukupuku, but all the species that call the Sanctuary home. Together, we’re building a future where they can continue to grow and flourish in a safe, pest-free environment.
We’re incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, and supporters for helping turn this vision into reality.
Here’s to one year of kiwi pukupuku in Whakatū (Nelson) — and many more to come.
🌿✨
📷Photo credit: Sean McGrath
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May 6
🔊 You’ll usually hear kākā before you spot them.
That scratchy, excited call from the canopy is often your first clue.
Listen for the harsh, rhythmic “ka-aa” as they fly above the forest canopy, or a sharp, grating “kraak” if they’re disturbed. They also have a range of loud, musical whistles that can vary from place to place.
Then look up for a large, olive-brown parrot cutting between trunks and branches, often quicker than your eyes can track.
How to spot them: Movement: a chunky forest parrot shape, often climbing and clambering rather than perching still
Watch for colour in flight: a warm red-orange flush under the wings when they take off
Check the ground: “falling fragments” like chewed seed pods, shredded bark, and nibbled plant pieces can mean a kākā has been feeding above you.
Save this for your next walk, and tag someone who always hears birds but never sees them.
“Let them be wild – never feed kākā”
This translocation is being carried out in partnership with @ngatiapakiterato , @docgovtnz and @natureland_wildlife_trust
📷 Photos: Phillip Cochrane
#WelcomingKākā #kākā #theSanctuary #BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #nativebirds #conservationnz #nelsonnz #tetauihu #ngahere
May 4
A Fantastic Fungi Adventure 🍄
Discover the hidden world of fungi at Brook Waimarama Sanctuary!
Join our guided Fungi Tours and explore the incredible diversity of fungi thriving in the ngahere. Learn how these fascinating organisms support the health of the ngahere, spot unique species with knowledgable guides, and experience the sanctuary in a whole new way.
Perfect for nature lovers, curious minds, and anyone wanting a deeper connection to Aotearoa’s native environment.
Spots are limited – book your Fungi Tour today and don’t miss out!
👉 Secure your place now and step into the world beneath the forest floor.
🌐 www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences
@nelsontasmannz
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Apr 29
We’re open this ANZAC long weekend! 🌳
The Sanctuary will be open across the ANZAC long weekend, offering the perfect chance to explore Aotearoa’s incredible native wildlife, forest tracks, and peaceful ngahere.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a peaceful nature walk, or simply looking to reconnect with the outdoors, the Sanctuary is ready to welcome you. Don’t miss your final chance to see our three kākā in their temporary aviary before they’re released into the wider Sanctuary next week!
👉 Saturday & Sunday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
👉 Monday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Come and experience the beauty and restoration of this special place.
Plan your visit and see us over the long weekend.
📷Photo credit: Rebecca Bowater - Fungi in the Sanctuary
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Apr 24
