Translocations
Bringing endangered species home to Nelson
Since the inception of the Sanctuary over 20 years ago, the aim was to bring many of the endangered species back home to the Nelson area. Translocations are a critical part of the reintroduction process. Since being declared pest-free in 2017, we have translocated 5 key species into the Sanctuary.
Translocations only happen thanks to the dedicated effort of many organisations and people. Department of Conservation and iwi are key, as are funding partners and translocation partners e.g. Save the Kiwi. Each translocation into the Sanctuary was supported by multiple parties. View each of our translocation information pages and videos to find out more.
Translocation refers to the capture, transport and release of individuals of a species from one location to another. A translocation is an integral part of reintroduction.
Each translocation is different but every one is meticulously planned. Planning starts years before and a permit must be secured. The comfort and care of the wildlife is key to the whole process and we take great care in minimising any stress on the animal.
Factors that contribute to a successful translocation include handling the wildlife with care, selecting healthy individuals, keeping the animals well-fed and watered, and minimising stress and overheating during transport and release.
View our individual translocation pages for more information on the specific processes for each species.
What’s here?
Meet some of our amazing residents and our incredible flora. Read our species pages and download our species PDFs.
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Thanks @kumanunewzealand for the plant donation! This beautiful assortment of eco-sourced native plants will be well appreciated by our birds, bugs and lizards.
Oct 30
A magical kiwi encounter beneath the glowworms! 🌿
Last night’s guided tour delivered a truly special moment, when our visitors had an unexpected encounter with a kiwi! 💚
While taking in the magical glowworms lighting up the forest, our group was treated to an unforgettable sighting of a kiwi moving through the darkness. Moments like these are a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do — protecting precious native wildlife and creating a safe haven where these incredible species can thrive.
Come and experience the magic for yourself! 🌙
Join one of our guided night tours and discover the wonders of the Sanctuary after dark. You never know what special encounters await! we have a 25% discount throughout October to November - use promo code: NIGHT25 when booking online.
📍 Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, Nelson
🎟️ Book your guided night tour today!
🎥Video credit: Joelle
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #KiwiEncounter #Kiwi #purenz #nelson
Oct 29
🎭🌿 Junior Rangers Get Creative for the Santa Parade! 🎅
What a fantastic weekend of creativity at Brook Valley Holiday Reserve, Rātā Room ! Our Junior Rangers have been busy making masks for the upcoming Santa Parade in November, and we’ve seen some amazing creations taking shape.
With plenty of imagination and enthusiasm, the kids are now taking their ideas home to keep working on their costumes. We can’t wait to see the finished creations and have our young kaitiaki represent the Sanctuary in the parade! 🎄
A huge thank you to Faye and Karl at @communityartworksnz (Nelson Community Art Works) for generously providing masks, templates and materials for our workshops. Your support helped make these sessions possible, and we’re so grateful for your contribution.
Thanks also to Dave, our Sanctuary volunteer, who is leading our Santa Parade float project, for popping in to talk about the float and getting our Junior Rangers even more excited to be involved!
We love seeing our young kaitiaki getting creative, connecting with nature and representing the Sanctuary in our community. 💚
👉 Check out some of their fantastic creations below!
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #JuniorRangers #SantaParade #YoungKaitiaki #NelsonCommunity @brookvalleyholidayreserve
Oct 29
🌿 From the stage to the forest!
A big thank you to the incredible team from @machinedecirque for visiting the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary today - even spotted their very first tuatara!
Visiting Nelson from Québec, Canada, this internationally acclaimed contemporary circus company is bringing its spectacular blend of acrobatics, live music, humour and physical comedy to the @nelson_arts_festival.
It was a pleasure to welcome the team into the Sanctuary and share a little of the special place we’re lucky to have right on Nelson’s doorstep.
Wishing the team all the very best for their performances!
🎪 Find out more about Machine de Cirque and the festival programme: www.nelsonartsfestival.nz/event/machine-de-cirque/
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NelsonArtsFestival #MachineDeCirque #WhakatūNelson #NatureAndCulture
Oct 27
🌿 We’re open today for Labour Day!
Looking for something different to do this long weekend? Come and reconnect with nature at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
Explore our beautiful native forest, wander the walking tracks and keep your eyes peeled for some of Aotearoa’s special wildlife. You might spot a curious kākāriki karaka, a South Island robin, or even a basking tuatara!
🌳 15 km of scenic walking tracks to explore
🦎 Discover unique native wildlife
🌿 A peaceful nature escape just 10 minutes from Nelson city centre
Bring the family, enjoy the fresh air and discover something new. There’s plenty to see and explore, and every visit supports our work protecting threatened species and restoring our native forest.
📍 Open today, Monday 26 October, 10am–4pm.
We look forward to seeing you at the Sanctuary today! 🌿
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NelsonNZ #LabourWeekend #ReconnectWithNature #ExploreNelson #NativeWildlife #ConservationNZ #NatureEscape #FamilyFun #ProtectOurWildlife
Oct 25
🌿 We’re open this Labour Weekend!
Looking for something different to do this long weekend? Come and reconnect with nature at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
Explore our beautiful native forest, wander the walking tracks and keep your eyes peeled for some of Aotearoa’s special wildlife. You might spot a curious kākāriki karaka, a South Island robin, or even a basking tuatara!
🌳 15 km of scenic walking tracks
🦎 Discover unique native wildlife
🌿 Enjoy a peaceful escape just 10 minutes from Nelson city centre
📍 Open Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October, 10am–4pm.
Bring the family, enjoy the fresh air and discover something new. Every visit supports our work protecting threatened species and restoring our native forest.
We look forward to seeing you this Labour Weekend!
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NelsonNZ #LabourWeekend #ReconnectWithNature #ProtectOurWildlife
Oct 22
