Reconnect With Nature
Haere Mai | Welcome
Just minutes from Nelson, the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the largest fenced wildlife sanctuary for endangered plants and animals in the South Island. Abundant with native species that both delight and surprise, visitors are able to immerse themselves in the beauty of New Zealand native bush, breathe deeply, and truly appreciate our sense of place and mauri (life force).
Home to iconic species like the kiwi, tuatara, and kākāriki, the Sanctuary offers self-guided exploration across 15km of walking tracks, as well as guided day and night tours. Don’t miss one of the South Island’s top attractions and your chance to hear (or maybe see) a kiwi in its natural habitat.
Lots to see and do
Nestled in Nelson’s Brook Valley, the Sanctuary spans 690 hectares of protected native bush, surrounded by 14.3 kilometres of pest-proof fencing. This predator-free environment enables the safe return of some of Aotearoa’s most endangered species.
The Sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the South Island and the second largest in the country; it is the only sanctuary to feature primarily mature New Zealand beech forest.
- 15km of walking tracks
- 45-minute easy loop walk with waterfalls, sculpture trail, picnic spots and more
- Guided day and night tours
- Home to kiwi, tuatara, the largest population of kākāriki karaka & many other endangered species
- Just 5km from Nelson City Centre
Find out more about our walks, facilities and what you can do at the Sanctuary here.
What’s happening at the Sanctuary?
Translocations, new chicks, competitions, children’s activities, corporate events – there’s always something new happening at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
What’s here?
Meet some of our amazing residents and our incredible flora
Choose your trail
Which trail will you take today? Choose from short, medium and long day walks. Explore some of the best walks in Nelson and immerse yourself in the Sanctuary for a day.
Visitor Reviews
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✨ Celebrate Matariki at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary ✨
This Matariki, take time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
As we celebrate the Māori New Year, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary offers a peaceful place to enjoy the ngahere (forest), listen to birdsong, and spend quality time with whānau and friends. Wander our walking tracks, discover native wildlife, and experience the beauty of the largest fence eco-sanctuary in the South Island.
🌿 We`re open throughout the Matariki holiday, so it`s the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and celebrate the beginning of a new season.
Whether you`re continuing a Matariki tradition or creating a new one, we`d love to welcome you.
📍 Open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday - Sunday during school holidays.
🍂 Free entry for children under 16 years + kids scavenger hunt available
🧘♀️Sunday 12 July, guided meditation 9am - 10am
Mānawatia a Matariki! Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Matariki from the team at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
📷Photo credit: Tim Jansen
#Matariki #BrookWaimaramaSanctuary #NelsonNZ #VisitNelsonTasman #Conservation #Nature #NativeWildlife #EcoSanctuary #Whanau #ExploreNZ #ProtectRestoreInspire
Jul 9
🎉 Kids Go FREE These July School Holidays! 🌿
Looking for an unforgettable family adventure these school holidays? We`ve got you covered!
For a limited time, children aged 16 years and under receive FREE general admission when accompanied by a paying adult.
Spend the day exploring the South Island`s largest fenced eco-sanctuary, discover incredible native wildlife, and let the kids take on our free scavenger hunt as they explore the forest.
🦜 Keep an eye out for our newest residents – the kākā! Pick up a Sanctuary map and chat with our Visitor Centre team to find the best places to spot them.
🐦 Don`t miss our 3.00 pm kākā feed! Watch our team top up the feeding stations from behind a viewing screen, giving you a fantastic opportunity to see these charismatic birds up close while ensuring they remain undisturbed.
📅 Offer valid throughout the July school holidays.
✅ Free entry for children aged 16 years and under.
👨👩👧👦 Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm during the School Holidays!
Come and make some wild family memories these school holidays—we can`t wait to welcome you!
#kidsgofree #nelsontasman #nelson #schoolholidays #nature_lovers #familytravel
Jul 8
Wild weather, quick action! 🌬️🌳
Yesterday`s wild weather caused a large tree branch to fall, damaging part of the Sanctuary`s pest-proof fence.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of our dedicated team and volunteers, the damage was repaired the very same day. Their swift response ensured that the Sanctuary remained protected.
Maintaining the integrity of our pest-proof fence is vital. It safeguards precious native wildlife, including kiwi pukupuku, powelliphanta, tuatara, and the world`s largest population of kākāriki karaka.
A huge thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and helped keep the Sanctuary safe for these incredible species.
We hope everyone stays safe, warm, and dry while this wild weather continues around the Country. Take care out there! 💚
📷 Photo credit: Chelsea
#WildWeather #Conservation #NatureRecovery #NativeWildlife #VolunteerPower #Teamwork #PredatorFree #Kiwi #Tuatara #brookwaimāramasanctuary
Jul 6
🎉 Kids Go FREE These July School Holidays! 🎉
Looking for a fun day out with the family these school holidays?
For a limited time, kids aged 16 years and under receive free general admission entry when accompanied by a paying adult.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a great day exploring, learning, and making memories together.
Grab a Sanctuary map and get exploring - look out for our newest resident kākā - check in with the Visitor Centre team on the best spots to potentially view them.
📅 Offer valid throughout the July school holidays.
👧 Free entry for children under 16 years.
👨👩👧👦 Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
We can`t wait to welcome you these holidays!
Terms and conditions apply!
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/events-activities
#JulySchoolHolidays #KidsGoFree #FamilyFunNZ #nelsontasman #SchoolHolidayActivities #FamilyAdventure ##brookwaimāramasanctuary
@nelsontasmannz
Jul 3
Check out these winter greenhood orchids. They`re one of our many orchid species that have become exceptionally abundant since their release from pest pressure. Try spotting them along the track.
These odd, tongued hooded flowers are highly specialised for a rather mean form of pollination. The toungue-like labellum, a highly modified petal, is hair trigger sensitive to approaching fungus flies. The male fly, attracted by the false pheromone of a female fly emitted by the orchid, is catapulted inside the flower where it becomes covered in pollen.
Have you ever noticed these plants?
Jun 30
🌙✨ Explore the Sanctuary After Dark and Grab a 20% discount! ✨🌙
Experience the magic of the Sanctuary at night with our guided night tours. Discover luminous glow worms, immerse yourself in the sounds of the nocturnal forest, and keep your ears open for the distinctive call of a kiwi. Along the way, learn about the conservation efforts helping to protect and restore our native wildlife and habitats.
🎟️ Enjoy 20% off "A Night in the Forest" guided night tour bookings from the 1st - 20th July 2026!
📅 Valid for new bookings only
🌿 Every booking helps support the Sanctuary and its conservation efforts
Use promo code 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘𝟐𝟔 when booking.
🌐https://www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/guided-tours-experiences
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and join us for an unforgettable evening in nature.
@nelsontasmannz
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #NightTour #Conservation #NelsonNZ #WildlifeExperience #JuneSpecial #NatureAtNight
Jun 30
