Education Resources – Our Waterways
A variety of freshwater creatures call the Sanctuary home.
The pristine waters of Waimārama were essential to the existence of local iwi. It was a place to gather kai (food), plants used for rongoā (healing) and source pakohe – a valuable type of mudstone (indurated argillite) used to make tools.
With colonial settlement, the site that is now the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary was the location of Nelson’s water supply, fed by the Brook Stream, until being deemed obsolete in 1987.
New Zealand’s freshwater life is under threat – 72% of freshwater fish are endangered and 88% of our reptiles including frogs. Understanding and protecting our waterways as a vital part of the ecosystem is a key conservation aim for the Sanctuary; happily the Sanctuary’s streams are full of life – an important indicator of healthy waterways.
View and download our educational resources on waterways below.
Panel 1: Great NZ Climbers
Panel 2: Negotiating the Dam
Audacious Eels migrate upstream
Journey of an eel
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Support the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary at The Spectacle 2026! 💛
@runthespectacle brings runners and walkers of all abilities together in the heart of Whakatū Nelson, with challenges ranging from a mile to an incredible 100 miles.
You can support the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary by making a donation or taking part and fundraising for us. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect and restore our precious native wildlife and ngahere.
We’re thrilled to have 16 fundraisers already signed up to support the Sanctuary. Thank you for getting behind our kaupapa!
Want to go the extra mile? Sign up, choose the Sanctuary as your charity, and rally your friends, whānau and community to support you.
Together, we can make a difference for our native wildlife.
Donate or sign up today: 🔗Link in bio>>
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #TheSpectacle2026 #NelsonNZ #WhakatūNelson #ProtectOurWildlife #NativeWildlife #Conservation #Fundraising #SupportLocal #NewZealandNature #RunForNature #TogetherForNature
Oct 8
Yesterday, we celebrated the arrival of 29 tuatara from Takapourewa (Stephens Island) to the Sanctuary, marking another exciting milestone in our ongoing conservation efforts.
The translocation was led by @ngatikoatatrust kaitiaki of Takapourewa (Stephens Island) tuatara, alongside the @docgovtnz, bringing these incredible taonga into their new home at the Sanctuary.
The new arrivals have joined our existing tuatara population, strengthening genetic diversity and helping secure a future for this remarkable species in Te Tauihu.
Each tuatara was carefully checked before being released into a pre-drilled burrow within our mouse-exclusion fence, where they can settle into their new surroundings.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this special translocation possible, particularly @ngatikoatatrust and the @docgovtnz, and especially the team on Takapourewa, who put in some very long hours — and very little sleep — to make it happen.
And a special thank you to Elizabeth del Angel – @soft.currents.photography for capturing such beautiful images of this incredible moment.
@spinyback @nelsoncitycouncil @nbs.co.nz @nelsonpineindustries
Oct 4
👀 Someone was keeping a very close eye on the work!
Our Asset volunteer Barry climbed up his stepladder to finish the framing on the kākā release aviary roof — only to be met by a few very interested spectators!
Some of our kākā decided to take a cheeky look at Barry while he was busy carrying out the work.
Was it simple curiosity… or were our feathered friends making sure the job was being done properly?
Either way, it’s safe to say Barry had some very attentive supervisors on site!
When visiting the Sanctuary, you may be lucky enough to spot kākā too — so keep your eyes and ears open. You never know who might be watching you!
@ngatiapakiterato
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Kākā #NativeWildlife #Conservation #Volunteer #Nelson
Sep 30
🌿 Discover the Hidden Valleys of the Sanctuary this October – and save 30%!
Looking for a different way to experience the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary? Join our Hidden Valleys Tour and discover what makes this Sanctuary unique - even the most knowledgeable visitors are surprised by what they learn from our expert guides.
📅 Available Fridays & Sundays during the School Holidays
🎟️ Use promo code: HIDDEN30 for 30% off
👉 Book your Hidden Valleys Tour online:
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/events-activities
Sep 27
🌿 SANCTUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS | 26 SEPT – 11 OCT
Looking for a wild adventure, a little relaxation, or something different these school holidays? Come and explore the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary!
🎉 KIDS UNDER 15 GO FREE!
From 26 September to 11 October, children under 15 can visit the Sanctuary for FREE. Normal admission fees apply to adults and those aged 16+.
🔎 KIDS SCAVENGER HUNT
Keep the little explorers busy with our fun Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt as they discover the forest and its hidden gems.
🌙 25% OFF NIGHT GUIDED TOURS
Experience the Sanctuary after dark and discover what comes alive at night. Use promo code NIGHT25 to save 25% – available until the end of October.
Spaces are limited.
🥾 30% OFF HIDDEN VALLEYS TOURS
Join our special 90-minute Hidden Valleys Tour and discover what makes this Sanctuary unique - Use promo code HIDDEN30 during the school holidays.
🧘 SEATED & WALKING MEDITATION
Take some time to slow down, breathe and connect with the natural environment during a guided seated and walking meditation in the Sanctuary.
📅 Sunday 27 September | 9am–10am
📅 Sunday 11 October | 9am–10am
👉 Check out our Events & Activities page on our website for further details!
www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/visit/events-activities
Come explore, discover, connect and unwind in the wild these school holidays. 🌿
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasman #schoolholidays #nelson #kidsfun #adventure #naturenz
Sep 25
🔎 Volunteer Opportunity – Join Our Fence Inspection Team!
We’re looking for a few more volunteers to join our Fence Inspection Team and help play an important role in protecting the Sanctuary and keeping our pest-proof fence in top condition.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from someone with 4x4 driving experience, as some areas of the fence are accessed via challenging terrain.
If you enjoy the outdoors, getting stuck in, and supporting conservation, we’d love to hear from you!
👉 Find out more and register your interest: www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/support-us/become-a-sanctuary-volunteer
Your time and skills can make a real difference in looking after the
#Volunteer #BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Conservation #Nelson #VolunteerOpportunity #ProtectOurWildlife
Sep 21
