Moko kākāriki
Nelson Green Gecko, Starred Gecko
Naultinus stellatus
Their Story
The starred gecko is an exceptionally beautiful, day active, foliage dwelling gecko. Their brilliant patterning and green colour allow them to blend seamlessly among the tops of the forest canopy. Here they evade their native predators on the ground, while remaining undetectable to predators of the skies. They are a splendid example of the beauty and biodiversity that remains unseen to most untrained eyes.
Conservation Status
Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable
Nelson green geckos are threatened with extinction. Their populations are highly fragmented due to the widespread destruction of native forest habitat and predation from introduced mammalian pests. Mice may continue to be a threat to this species within the Sanctuary, so it is hoped that a remnant population can recover within the mouse exclosure.
Population
Endemic to the western half of Te Tau Ihu(top of the South). Green geckos are canopy specialists, sometimes living in the leaves of one tree for their whole life. Their population size, distribution and stability is not well known for the Sanctuary.
Food
Moko kākāriki are omnivores, primarily eating insects like moths, flies, and spiders, but also consuming nectar, small native fruits, and honeydew from scale insects, playing roles in both pollination and seed dispersal.
Populations of Nelson Green geckos are highly variable across the range of the species. The animals at the Brook are somewhere between the highly patterned Nelson Lakes population and the less variable Maitai Valley population. Their colours include whites, browns yellows and various shades of green, with ‘plus’ or ‘star’ shaped patterns along their dorsal surfaces
Mostly diurnal, an unusual habit for a gecko, the green gecko utilises a sit and wait strategy. It will take flies, moths, beetles opportunistically, and will take fruit and nectar when it is available. Lizards require lots of warmth to remain active, which this species has in abundance.
Green geckos reach maturity in a few years and may live for tens of years. They can only produce up to two offspring each year. New Zealand geckos give birth to live young. Both their longevity and their viviparity(live birth) is completely unique among geckos globally, which usually live fast and die young, laying many eggs. The unique adaptations of New Zealand geckos reflect a long history on these islands as well as adaptations to the cooler temperate climate.
Endemic to the Nelson-Tasman region, the starred gecko varies across its range. At the north western end it is slender and relatively small with a plain green colour lacking any patterning. In the south east, this species becomes larger and highly patterned. Within the Sanctuary, the species likely lives in a variety of tree species, including beech, kānuka and likely broadleaf and podocarp trees.
Starred geckos are threatened with extinction as populations continue to decline, with very little data to inform their status. They are preyed on by introduced animals, wiped out by fires and forest clearance. Because of their slow replacement rate of two offspring per year, their recovery takes an exceptionally long time.
If you encounter this species within the Sanctuary, count yourself very lucky. They are difficult to locate even for those who know where and what to look for. We hope that this species is able to make a good recovery within our 3.7ha mouse exclosure. On islands free from predation, green geckos can reach spectacular densities after decades of recovery.
Our green geckos are known for vocalising when they are grumpy. These sounds are likened to barking or laughing, and can be very loud for such small animals.
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
@docgovtnz @nelsoncitycouncil @digitaldiligencenz @nelsontasmannz @nelsonairportnewzealand @savethekiwinz @terunangaotoa
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
#fungi #brookwaimāramasanctuary #forest #naturelovers #fungitours
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
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nature #explore #nz
Apr 24
