Education
Inspiring the next generation is the first line of defence in our conservation efforts.
Our aim is to enhance understanding of our connection with the land and mauri (life force), and of the importance to human beings of a harmonious biodiversity.
We provide school visits, outreach events in the community and downloadable education resources. Learn about our translocations, read our growing collection of species information pages or join our Junior Ranger program for year-round fun.
EDUCATION IN THE SANCTUARY
Through our education work the Sanctuary is inspiring the next generation; we’re working with Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South) schools and training providers to be actively involved in conservation activities, allowing ‘learning by doing’.
Our fully equipped Beech Glade classroom is an ideal space from which to watch and listen for birds. Made possible through the generosity of one of our local iwi, Ngati Kuia, & Transpower this immersive classroom even has wifi and class sets of binoculars!
Download Educational Resources
The Sanctuary is passionate about inspiring our next generation. We’ve created various educational resources for you to download.
- See our range of educational resources around freshwater environments and wildlife
- Read our growing collection of species information pages, some with downloadable PDFs
- Download our beautiful colouring-in sheets created by our talented Biosecurity Officer, Steffi!
- Download seasonal kids newsletters with colouring, activities and information about the wildlife in the Sanctuary. These are sent out quarterly to our Junior Rangers – an annual membership just for kids aged 5+.
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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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
🌿 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
