Ruru
Morepork
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Their Story
Ruru (or morepork) is a small, dark, forest-dwelling owl. Found in both native and plantation forests, its distinctive “more-pork” call is commonly heard at night in many urban parks and well-vegetated suburbs. Ruru are relatively common throughout much of New Zealand but are sparse through the eastern and central South Island.
Like most owls, ruru are nocturnal. They rest during the day in shady roosts, though small birds may mob them and force them to move if discovered. Ruru cannot move their large yellow eyes within their sockets, but can rotate their heads up to 270°. Their soft-fringed wing feathers allow them to fly silently while hunting.
At the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, ruru appear to be thriving — and are commonly heard on night guided tours.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Populations are currently stable, though still at risk from habitat loss, predation, and secondary poisoning.
Population
Widespread and moderately abundant. Locally common within the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
Voice
Distinctive “morepork” call, often heard at night. Also produces mews, yelps, and “crees.”
Food
Feeds on insects, lizards, frogs, mice, and small birds. Usually hunts by “perch and pounce,” but also catches moths and beetles in flight.
The ruru (morepork) is a small, dark-brown owl with striking yellow-green eyes and a hooked bill. Its back is lightly spotted, and its breast is streaked with cream to reddish-brown tones. It’s mostly heard at night, known for its classic “more-pork” call, along with “quork-quork” and a rising “quee” that’s sometimes mistaken for a kiwi. The only similar species is the little owl, which is paler, more heavily spotted, and found mainly in open areas of the South Island.
Primarily nocturnal, ruru rest during the day in dense vegetation or hollow trees. They hunt at night, swooping silently to catch insects, mice, small birds, and bats. If discovered during the day, they are often mobbed by much smaller korimako. Their calls vary from the classic “ruru” to a range of mews, yelps, and sharp “crees,” used for communication between mates and defending territory.
Ruru are monogamous and territorial, occupying areas of around 3.5 to 7.8 hectares. Nesting occurs from late October to November, usually in tree cavities, hollow logs, dense vegetation, or sheltered hollows beneath roots or rocks. Females lay one to three eggs, incubating for about 30 days while the male provides food. Chicks fledge at around 35–40 days.
Ruru are found throughout mainland New Zealand and many offshore islands, inhabiting forests, farmland, and urban parks. They adapt well to mixed habitats so long as there are suitable nesting areas. They thrive in predator-controlled intact old growth native forests where nesting opportunities are available.
Ruru are classified as Not Threatened, as they are present in most remaining indigenous forests, though at a low density. They have however declined severely since human arrival due to the conversion of native forests and the introduction of exotic predators.
Ruru appear to be thriving within the Sanctuary, ruru sing alongside kiwi pukupuku and wētā at nightfall, when the forest comes to life with a whole new suite of characters.
🪶 Ruru can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees!
Our other residents
Check out some of the other incredible wildlife that call the Sanctuary home
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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
