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.
Follow us on Instagram
@brooksanctuary
Share your photos with #brooksanctuary
Our friends at Teltrac showed up the other day with a gift. Teltrac and GoWifi have been helping us set up our new fence monitoring system. The new system is now capable of monitoring the weather for us too, thanks to the weather station the they have donated.
We have mounted the weather station above the fence at the top of the Sanctuary. The data from it include rain intensity and accumulation, wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, UV index and more. It will allow rangers to make more informed decisions before going into the field during bad weather. Knowing exactly how bad it is up on the ridge when we are called out during storms will really help keep our rangers safe.
Many thanks for your continued support!
Aug 11
EXPERIENCE THE SANCTUARY AFTER DARK – 25% OFF! 🌿✨
Step beyond the gates and into a forest transformed by night.
Join us for “A Night in the Forest”, our guided night tour through Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Discover glowing glow worms, listen to the sounds of the nocturnal forest, and keep your ears open for the distinctive call of a kiwi. 🥝🌌
Along the way, hear how the Sanctuary’s conservation work is helping restore native forest and protect some of Aotearoa’s most precious wildlife.
🎟️ GET 25% OFF
Book your night tour for August or September 2026 and use code: NIGHT25
✨ New bookings only
🌿 Every booking helps support the Sanctuary and its conservation work
🌙 Spaces are limited
👉 Book now: www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences
Come after dark. Discover a different side of the Sanctuary. 🌌
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #WaimāramaSanctuary #SanctuaryAfterDark #NightTour #NightInTheForest #NelsonNZ #NelsonTasman #VisitNelson #ExploreNelson
Aug 10
The Sanctuary is nestled into what seems like an untouched forest of around 166,000 hectares! The Richmond forest however, is not untouched by the paws and hoofs of invasive mammals. The understory is thin, dominated by inedible crown ferns and horopito. Mistletoes are sparse, snails are munched, and birds are few and far between.
This video depicts the stark contrast between forest that has never received pest control, and the pest-free Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. The Sanctuary`s plant and bird communities have bounced back incredibly after 9 years without mammalian pests. Listen to the overwhelming sounds of korimako, tūī, and even the kākāriki karaka that narrowly escaped extinction.
We expect that in 9 years from now, the Sanctuary will look even more starkly different, with mistletoes taking over the forest, kākā reigning the skies, and a wildly diverse birdsong.
#brookwaimāramasanctuary
Aug 10
✨ When the lights go out, the stars come alive... 🌌
On a clear night, the skies above Brook Waimārama Sanctuary put on an unforgettable show. Framed by native forest the Milky Way stretches overhead in all its glory, creating a truly magical experience.
Join one of our Night Tours and discover the Sanctuary after dark. Listen for the calls of our nocturnal wildlife, experience the forest in a whole new way, and, if the skies are clear, look up for a breathtaking view of the stars.
🌟 Clear skies. Native forest. Wildlife after dark.
🌿 A night you`ll never forget.
📍 Book your Night Tour and experience Brook Waimārama Sanctuary after sunset - tours run throughout the year!
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences
@nelsontasmannz
#BrookWaimaramaSanctuary #NightTour #DarkSky #MilkyWay #Stargazing #NatureNZ #NelsonTasman #VisitNelson #Conservation #newzealandnature
Aug 8
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 Sunday, 9 August - 9:00am–10:00am.
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.
Aug 6
🌿 Become a Kaitiaki of Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
Is your business passionate about conservation, community, and protecting Aotearoa`s unique wildlife?
By becoming a Kaitiaki Member, you`ll help support the vital work that keeps Brook Waimārama Sanctuary thriving, while also raising your business profile through a meaningful local partnership.
Your membership supports:
✨ Pest control and habitat restoration
✨ Protection of native species
✨ Environmental education programmes
✨ Community engagement initiatives
✨ The long-term future of the Sanctuary
As a Kaitiaki, your business will receive:
🤝 Opportunities for collaboration and social media promotion
🌐 Recognition on our website, including a link to your business
📧 Exposure through our newsletter reaching more than 5,000 subscribers
🏷️ Display the Sanctuary logo on your website or marketing materials.
✨5 individual or 2 family memberships and 10 general admission passes to share
✨20% off tours for your team or clients, up to 10 people
Every Kaitiaki plays a part in creating a safe haven for native wildlife and helping nature flourish for future generations.
Ready to make a difference? Join our growing community of Kaitiaki today.
Know a business that would be a great fit? Tag them below or put them in touch with us.
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/support-us/kaitiaki
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Kaitiaki #Conservation #NelsonTasman #CommunityPartnership #ProtectNature #SupportLocal
Aug 5
