Rō
New Zealand Stick Insects
Phasmatodea
Their Story
Rō, or stick insects are a fascinating group of herbivorous insects. Stick insects display a classic example of crypsis. That is, their behaviour and physiology work in tandem to remain completely undetected and unharmed. There are six species that have been detected within the Sanctuary so far, including the New Zealand giant stick insect.”
Conservation Status
All rō of Aotearoa are endemic, and though none are listed as threatened, most species have likely declined since human arrival and the subsequent loss of habitat. Additionally there may be additional pressures like rodent and vespulid wasp predation that affect populations. “
Population
Endemic to New Zealand, stick insect species are found in forested areas across the country. At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, stick insects are regularly found.
Food
Rō feed on leaves high in the canopy of trees like kānuka. They are strict herbivores, so despite their often prickly appearance, they are completely harmless
Stick insects vary greatly in size and appearance, from small slender green forms to robust, bark-coloured adults that mimic branches. All native stick insects are flightless and have remarkable camouflage. Females are much larger than males. They will often hold their legs straight against their bodies to perfectly imitate a stick or stem.
Stick insects are generally nocturnal, moving slowly about the canopy feeding on leaves. Preferred food plants for some species are akatea – rātā vines and kānuka trees. Rō are large bodied, juicy insects and are mostly defenseless. To avoid being eaten by birds, they remain completely still during the day and rely on their camouflage to avoid predation.
Male stick insects are far smaller than females, and when breeding, the male will ride the backs of females for extended periods. Female stick insects may lay hundreds of small seed-like eggs, either on a host plant, in the ground or among the leaf litter. Some species, including the New Zealand giant stick insect, Argosarchus horridus, can lay eggs without male fertilisation. In some instances, whole populations can be made up of clones descended from a single female.
Endemic to New Zealand, stick insect species are found in forested areas across the country. At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, the restored beech/podocarp forest and predator-free valley provide secure habitat for these elusive insects. Increased observations here help enrich understanding and appreciation of them.
All modern New Zealand stick insects are the relatives of two colonisation events from New Caledonia around 30 million years ago. They radiated into nine separate genera and dispersed into coastal, lowland and subalpine habitats, distributed across the motu.
At least six stick insect species live out their slow and sticky lives within the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. On your visit you may find these species clinging to tree trunks or branches, If you have your eyes in! Others are very unlikely to spot as they live high in the trees. If you find an interesting stick insect, consider uploading an image to the amazing citizen science app, INaturalist so we can better understand our native biodiversity.
The New Zealand giant stick insect can grow up to 20 centimetres long! The juveniles in comparison, are generally only one or two centimetres.
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🌿 Discover something truly special at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island’s largest fully fenced sanctuary for endangered plants and animals, with 14.3km of pest-proof fencing protecting 690 hectares of precious native forest.
Our thriving Sanctuary supports the return of rare and threatened species like kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet), Powelliphanta snails, tuatara, kiwi pukupuku, and the recently arrived kākā.
Bursting with native life that delights and surprises, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bush, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the land and its mauri (life force) with 15kms of public tracks to explore.
✨ Our Vision: to be a nationally-recognised eco-sanctuary known for its leading conservation practices – a place where wildlife, education, and research thrive together.
👉 Plan your visit, support conservation, or get involved today, every step helps protect this incredible sanctuary for future generations.
@nelsontasmannz @nelsoncitycouncil
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasman #nature #newzealand
Apr 20
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🍃
Gather at The Beech Glade classroom, within the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, for a gentle and grounding hour of guided meditation in nature.
This session weaves together simple seated and walking practices designed to help focus and quieten the mind, supporting a deeper experience of presence and awareness. Surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the natural world, you’ll be invited to slow down, reconnect, and come home to Presence.
🌳 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (starting 10th May), 9:00–10:00am
💦 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Meet at The Glade (please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to walk in)
🔥 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐚: $5–$10 donation, paid in cash directly to meditation teacher
🍃 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Not required, just turn up to the session.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠:
➡️Something comfortable to sit on such as a cushion or folded blanket (There are some plastic chairs and wooden benches available. If you wish to sit on the floor you may wish to bring a yoga mat as well)
➡️A blanket to keep warm
➡️Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲:
🌳Sanctuary Members: Free of charge as per annual membership
🌳Non-Sanctuary Members: Early-bird special of $10 per adult (This provides an opportunity for guests/visitors to explore after the session)
All are welcome—whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice.
#MindfulnessInNature #GuidedMeditation #NatureMeditation #ForestBathing
#PresencePractice #brookwaimāramasanctuary
Apr 18
There’s something special about spotting a ruru (morepork) in the quiet of Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
These striking moments were captured by photographer Chris Bernard while exploring the Sanctuary. Ruru are often heard and occasionally seen on our guided night tours.
Ruru are known for their iconic “more-pork” call, heard throughout the night, as well as a repetitive “quork-quork”, a rising “quee” call often mistaken for kiwi, and a yelping call similar to that of the little owl. 🦉✨
Learn more about ruru on our website:
🔗www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/nature-wildlife/ruru
@chrisbernard1520
#ruru #nelsontasmannz #brookwaimaramasanctuary #birdsnz
Apr 14
A rare and special sighting on one of our night tours — a kiwi pukupuku out exploring under the cover of darkness 🌙
Our night tours have been incredibly popular, with many groups hearing kiwi calls throughout the sanctuary, and on lucky nights, even spotting one in the wild like this.
We currently have limited spaces available for this Saturday and Monday night tours.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the sanctuary after dark — it’s something truly unforgettable.
Thanks to the team @mdoutdoorsnz for the new head torches.
Book now to secure your spot. 🎟
@nelsontasmannz
#kiwi #kiwipukupuku #wildlifeNZ #nzwildlife #conservation #sanctuary #nighttour #naturelovers
Apr 8
Rain doesn’t stop nature… it awakens it 🌧️🌿
At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, wet weather brings the forest to life — leaves glisten, streams flow stronger, and the sounds of birds echo through the valley. It’s a different kind of magic.
Reconnect with nature, slow down, and experience the sanctuary in its most vibrant state.
Don’t wait for sunshine — some of the best moments happen in the rain. @nelsontasmannz
#brookwaimarama #ReconnectWithNature #RainyDayMagic #NelsonNZ #natureescape
Apr 8
🌿🐾 We’re OPEN today! 🐾🌿
Looking for something fun to do this Easter Monday? Come on out to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and dive into nature! 🌞
Wander our beautiful tracks, listen for birdsong, and see what you can discover along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy a little adventure.
Fresh air, native wildlife, and good vibes are waiting… see you soon! 💚
Apr 5
