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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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
🌿🐾 We’re OPEN today! 🐾🌿
Looking for something fun to do this Easter Monday? Come on out to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and dive into nature! 🌞
Wander our beautiful tracks, listen for birdsong, and see what you can discover along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy a little adventure.
Fresh air, native wildlife, and good vibes are waiting… see you soon! 💚
Apr 5
🐰🌿 Easter at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿🐰
Looking for something to do over the Easter break? We’ve got you sorted.
We’ll be open all Easter weekend from 9am–5pm, and on Easter Monday from 10am–4pm.
Bring the whānau along to enjoy the beautiful surroundings—and don’t miss our kids’ Easter scavenger hunt, a fun activity to keep the little ones entertained.🐣✨
It’s a great chance to get outdoors, explore nature, and celebrate Easter with us.
We look forward to seeing you here!
#brookwaimaramasanctuary #easterholidays #nelsontasmannz #nature @nelsontasmannz
Apr 2
Summer Photography Competition Winners 🌞📷
We’re excited to announce the winners of our Summer Photography Competition:
📸 Amateur Winner: Diane Chandler — the tallest moss in the world, Dawsonia superba
📸 Junior Winner: Sam Moynan — a beautiful image of a tomtit | miromiro
A huge thank you to everyone who entered. We received 21 stunning photos from 8 photographers and loved seeing the Sanctuary through your lenses.
Prize packs include:
Amateur
🎟 A family ticket to a guided night tour
📰 A feature in our newsletter and on social media
Junior
📷 An instant camera
📰 A feature in our newsletter and on social media
🖼 Prints of both winning images will also be displayed at the Visitor Centre.
@nelsoncityframers will be producing these beautiful images as prints, to be awarded to Diane and Sam.
Now it’s your turn! Entries for the Autumn Photography Competition are open from 1 March - 31 May 2026!
Head out on the tracks, keep an eye out for those special ngahere moments, watch for fungi, and start snapping — we can’t wait to see what you capture.
#BrookWaimāramaSanctuary #Whakatū #NelsonNZ #naturephotography #springinthenativeforest #summerinthenativeforest #conservation
#tomtit #naturephotography #summerinthenativeforest #conservation
Apr 1
🌿 Thank You for an Incredible Weekend🌿
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Big Green Open Days this weekend. It was fantastic to see so many people exploring the tracks, discovering the sanctuary, and spending time immersed in nature — especially so many new faces!
We’d also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our amazing staff and volunteers who made it all happen. From our dedicated team to the wonderful food stalls, vendors, and community tents — your support made the day truly special.
We’re still finalising the results of our Silent Auction, but we’re excited to share that we’ve already raised over $3,000, with every dollar going directly toward supporting the sanctuary. A big thank you to the generous businesses who contributed donations.
We hope you had an unforgettable day.
Ngā mihi nui 🌿
@natureland_wildlife_trust @nelsoncitycouncil @morefmnelson @littleblackcoffeetruck @bowatermotors Silex Tools, Umai Japanese Kitchen, Pakistani Food Stall, Sounds a bit fishy, Titoki Nursery, Right Now real fruit icecream
#opendays #nelsonnz #nature #brookwaimāramasanctuary #outdoors
Mar 30
