Vision
To be a nationally-recognised eco-sanctuary known for its leading conservation practices – a place where wildlife, education, and research thrive together.
Ngaro reoreo tangata, kīkī e manu
No human voices, only the twittering of birds
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.
Location
Located just minutes outside Nelson City Centre and accessible by car (parking available) or by public transport
More details:
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is located just 10 minutes out of Nelson city centre. Getting here is simple – just follow Brook Street right to the end, pass through our campsite and you’re here!
Our address is 651 Brook Street, The Brook, Nelson, 7010
It is easily accessible by car and parking is available at the visitor centre.
Parking for large coaches/buses/motorhomes is available behind the reception in the Brook Valley Campground. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the Sanctuary
Public transport – The #4 bus travels from Nelson Airport, through Nelson City and to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Look out for our cheeky Kākāriki Karaka on the back! Running from approximately 7am – 7pm each day, the bus is an easy option to reach the Sanctuary. Click here to view the timetable.
Area
690 hectares surrounded by a 14.4 km predator-exclusion fence.
Organisations involved
The sanctuary is managed by the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust.
Management history
The idea of an ecosanctuary on the site of the city’s former water works was first considered in 2002 by a group of visionary individuals. The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust was formed in 2004, and since then committed trustees, hardworking volunteers and a small number of staff have been working to make this vision a reality.
A visitor centre was built and opened in 2007. Construction of the 14.4 km long pest fence around the sanctuary started in September 2014 and completed almost exactly two years later.
Threatened species reintroductions followed removal of all mammalian pests from the ecosanctuary, including South Island tīeke (saddleback) and kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet) in 2021. Powelliphanta snails were translocated to the sanctuary in 2022. Kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) were introduced in 2025.
Access
The Sanctuary is open daily with admission fee, including all public holidays except Christmas Day. Last entry 4pm.
Our opening days/times change throughout the year, so remember to check the website or Google for the latest opening days and times.