This Nelson green gecko (𝑵𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒔) was spotted sunning itself on the fence by one of our field rangers during a fence inspection this week. These geckos are only found in the Northwestern South Island. Their markings are highly ...variable and particularly beautiful so it is always a treat to spot one. They are very vulnerable to predation and really struggle without total predator control.
Easter orchid and climbing rātā are currently showing a beautiful flower display at the Sanctuary 🌸🌼🌞 The unique vanilla scent of raupeka (easter orchid) is worth the walk!
📍Location
- Raupeka: just 10m uphill once you have crossed Flagstone Bridge. Both sides of the track ...are loaded with a sea of orchids😍
- Rātā: about 20m past the Forks Crossing once the uphill is becoming less steep. First specimen on your left, and another 5m further to your right.
Enjoy! 🥾🌴🌺
Our thanks to everyone who purchased tickets for our Abel Tasman Vacation raffle, the raffle was a huge success raising $3,562 for the Sanctuary.
The winner has now been drawn and notified - congratulations Emily Wragg!
Enter to win a Brook Sanctuary Family Pass today!
🥳 Hip Hip Hurray and congratulations to ngāokeoke/ peripatus aka velvet worm for winning Bug of the Year 2025 🥇
They are often called living fossils as they have remained largely unchanged for millions of years. There are about 30 different species to be found in New Zealand, of ...which only 9 are described. These cuddly looking critters hunt by spitting on prey to trap it. 💦
The conservation status of velvet worms is uncertain due to a lack of research. At our sanctuary they don’t just find suitable habitat 🌴🪵 but are also safe from introduced predators such as hedgehogs and rats. 🦔🐀
"What an eventful night catching tuatara inside Brook Waimārama Sanctuary last night for body condition and health checks as part of my University of Otago masters research project 😍
The first two catches of the night were caught by Henry and Esther… at the same time 🫨 we ...didn’t even realize there were two until they both said “I’ve got it!”. To reassure you they were very fast and efficient with data collection despite having two in our hands at once!
We also caught our first juvenile!! Look at the size difference between our biggest adult and the juvenile! (Pics 5 vs 6)
And GUYS WE GOT COPULATION 🫨😍 what an unreal thing to witness, and on film too! Only three and a half months after release and we have mating between the adults, how awesome to see!! As a disclaimer, we did not disturb/catch these two during this mating event, and while we caught the male later in the evening we avoided the female to ensure we did not cause stress.
Disclaimer: as usual the work I am doing for my masters is done by experienced handlers (hey I can call myself that now!!) and we have permissions from Ngāti Koata and relevant DOC permits that allow for handling of this precious taonga species. Please do not EVER approach or pick up wildlife of any kind in this manner without prior approval and permission!!"
- Shaeleigh Maree
Fancy a getaway to Abel Tasman National Park this summer? The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary has partnered with Awaroa Lodge , Abel Tasman AquaTaxi and the Views restaurant to offer two lucky individuals an unforgettable overnight adventure!
What’s Included:
Accommodation at Awaroa ...Lodge: Nestled in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park, Awaroa Lodge provides a unique wilderness experience. Enjoy one night of free comfortable lodging surrounded by stunning natural beauty, accessible only by boat or foot.
AquaTaxi Experience: Get ready to explore the breathtaking coastline of Abel Tasman National Park with Abel Tasman AquaTaxi. Their eco-friendly water taxis will take you to hidden gems along the park’s shoreline, allowing you to experience its crystal-clear waters and golden-sand beaches. 2 roundtrip tickets from Marahau to Aqaroa included.
Dining at the Views Restaurant: Savor a delicious three course vegetarian meal at the Views Restaurant, where you can enjoy local cuisine while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding landscape at Kimi Ora Eco Resort.
How to Enter:
To participate in this amazing opportunity, simply buy a raffle ticket, maybe even a few for a discounted price here https://events.humanitix.com/abel-tasman-vacation-giveaway-raffle. You can also stop in the city office at Millers Acre or the Sanctuary at 651 Brook Street to buy them in person, too! One ticket is $9 and 3 tickets are $25. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary’s conservation efforts.
Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks! Giveaway will run from 24 February to 10 March. The winner will be notified via email from info@brooksanctuary.org.nz. Any other form of contact saying you have won is spam!
This adventure promises not only relaxation but also a chance to connect with nature in a truly remarkable setting. Whether you’re hiking along scenic trails or enjoying a peaceful evening at the lodge, this getaway is sure to be memorable.
Get ready for this incredible summer escape and tag the person you want to take with you!
#raffletime #raffles #giveawaytime #abeltasmannationalpark #nzmustdo #fundraiser #abeltasman
‼️ 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐦ā𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲
Early this morning, disaster struck at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary when a large, rotten tree 🪵 ...fell from great heights, completely destroying 💥 a 4-metre section of our critical pest-proof fence.
But... thanks to our state-of-the-art fence monitoring system, our duty ranger was alerted immediately. Braving the dark and pouring rain, she rushed to the site, fully aware of the stakes. Once the breach was located, she stood guard to prevent pests such as weasels, stoats, deer, and pigs from entering the sanctuary.
Reinforcements were quickly called in. Armed with a chainsaw, our dedicated fence ranger removed the fallen tree, while our legendary volunteer 𝘍𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘙𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 geared up with spare materials and tools. Within hours of arriving on-site, they had successfully repaired the breach.
However, the work doesn't stop there. A pest detection grid, complete with tracking tunnels and traps, has been set up around the breach site to intercept any potential invaders. For at least the next eight weeks, our volunteers and staff will monitor the area weekly for signs of pest activity.
A massive shout-out to our incredible Brook Waimārama Sanctuary team—volunteers and staff alike—for their tireless efforts in protecting our thriving ecosystem 🌳🌿 and taonga species 🦉🦎🦜. Whether rain or shine, they work 24/7 to guard this precious sanctuary from pest incursions.
True legends! 🦸♀️🦸♂️
Did you know the Sanctuary is now home to Tuatara? They arrived in November from captive populations at Natureland Wildlife Trust in Nelson, the West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef, Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, in Waikanae, Massey University and the Central Energy Trust... Wildbase Recovery in Palmerston North.
We're delighted to now release our latest translocation video telling the story tuatara and their journey to the Sanctuary.
#brooksanctuary #Tuatara #ngatikoata
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is now home to tuatara, the translocation of 56 tuatara to the Sanctuary is a significant milestone for the Sanctuary,...
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