Here at the Sanctuary we tend to get asked the same questions quite often, so here’s the answers to some of the frequently asked questions that come our way.
Are there toilets inside the Sanctuary?
There are toilets at the Visitor Centre (just before you enter the Sanctuary) but none within the Sanctuary itself.
What should I wear on my feet?
If you are only coming in for a couple of hours normal sports shoes will be fine, plus insect repellent and sunscreen. If going on a longer hike for several hours over the less travelled paths, sturdy hiking boots are best and we recommend you take extra clothing, food and drink, and a personal first aid kit. There is no, or limited, cellphone reception in the Sanctuary.
Do I have to wear a high vis vest?
No. People you see in high visibility vests are our volunteers working in the field, probably doing pest monitoring or maintenance work.
How difficult is the walking?
This depends on the track. The Loop and Extended Loop tracks are easy walking with the Loop track being wheelchair/pram accessible. The harder tracks have some significant slopes. The volunteers at the Visitors Centre can advise on the best track for you based on your fitness and available time.
Why do I have to pay when I am a ratepayer and the Sanctuary is funded by Nelson City Council?
The Sanctuary receives some funding from the Nelson City Council, plus other funding from our major partners, sponsors, donors and supporters, plus grants from philanthropic bodies. Unfortunately, this revenue is insufficient to cover all operating costs, so it’s necessary for us to charge and admission fee. The Trust is committed to keeping it affordable for locals to make multiple visits per year, locals receive discounted entry compared with the charges for New Zealanders from elsewhere and international visitors. We also offer discounted entry for people with Community Services Cards, students and senior citizens with a Gold Card.
We recognise that some locals will want to visit frequently so we suggest people join as a Sanctuary supporter and receive a Sanctuary Supporter card which entitles the holder to year-round (free) access for individuals and families.
What should I do if I see something caught in a trap?
Record the trap reference number. Tell the Sanctuary staff, or inform people running the Visitor Centre.
Is the Sanctuary 100% predator free?
Yes, we are introduced mammalian predator-free, there are no predator mammals within the Sanctuary as far as we can determine.
We have an extensive network of monitoring stations and traps within the Sanctuary which are monitored and regularly checked. In addition, several times a year we have specially trained dog teams sweep the Sanctuary to detect for rats or mustelids (weasels and stoats).
The Sanctuary manages breaches and pest incursions all the time. The important features for meeting biosecurity requirements lies in applying good systems and processes, rapid response times and follow up actions from our teams.
How can I check the current weather conditions in the Sanctuary?
Please visit the MetService website here:
If you think there’s something missing from our frequently asked questions page, then please let us know, you can do this through our ‘contact’ page, just fill in the quick enquiry form.
Click here to send through your suggested question.
