Immerse yourself in nature
Plan your visit to the South Island’s largest ecosanctuary. Explore our facilities, walking trails and meet our residents.
Admission Fees
*ID required. Does not apply to international visitors.
Become a Sanctuary Supporter
12 months FREE entry plus receive our quarterly newsletter.
Koha and donations welcome.
Entry fees are invested back into the Sanctuary
Conservation is the core focus of the Sanctuary. The admission prices we charge are directly allocated to our ongoing efforts to restore and develop this unique environment and ecosystem. The entry fees paid by visitors play a crucial role in supporting all of our conservation activities and initiatives.
Pre-paid entry vouchers can be purchased (click here). These make great gifts for friends, family, or employees. We also offer educational programs and guided tours to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the unique environment and the importance of conservation. Our goal is to not only preserve the Sanctuary but also to raise awareness about the significance of protecting natural habitats and wildlife.
Wednesday: 10am – 4pm*
Thursday: 10am – 4pm*
Friday: 10am – 4pm*
Saturday: 10am – 4pm*
Sunday: 10am – 4pm*
The Sanctuary is open on all public holidays except Christmas Day.
*Last entry 3pm
Our opening days/times change throughout the year, so remember to check our listing on Google for the latest opening days and times.
Start at the Visitor Centre
Start your journey at our Visitor Centre packed full of information on our history, our residents, fun activities for children to take around the Sanctuary and detailed information about our walks and tours.
Our friendly team are on hand to help you make the most out of your visit and plan your visit based on your available time and fitness levels.
Meet our Moa, see our live cameras, study our native freshwater koura (native crayfish) in our tank and meet Gordon the gecko!
- Pay your entry fee or learn about membership options
- Pick up a visitor map
- Listen and identify bird songs
- View our livestream cameras
- Meet our visitor centre residents
- Understand our conservation journey and see example tracking cards
- Use our facilities – toilets are available here, there are none in the Sanctuary
Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information
Getting Here
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.
Walk Trails
Explore our 15km of walking trails from our gentle loop track to our steep valley tracks. Explore waterfalls, towering trees and get a glimpse of how Aotearoa used to be.
Our circular tracks:
- Loop Track – Our most popular walk – wheelchair accessible. A gentle 45-minute walk with interpretive signage, artwork and plenty to see.
- 1909 Bridge
- Jacob’s ladder
- Flagstone Bridge
- Ferny Flats
- Carter’s Creek
- Upper Valley Extension (one-way extension to Carter’s Creek loop)
Some of our tracks are more challenging – some with river crossings and steep terrain. Last entry is at 3pm, allow time for your walk based on your fitness levels.
Download Map
- Download our visitor map
- Download the Avenza app and download the Brook Sanctuary Visitor Map which you can use offline, enabling you to identify where you are within the Sanctuary
Guided Tours
Our guided tours and immersive experiences offer a rare opportunity to connect with native New Zealand flora and fauna in a stunning, predator-free environment. Join us on our day or night tours or our seasonal special tours.
- Get the chance to hear and see kiwi on our night tours and get up close and personal with our glowworms
- Hear all about our conservation work from our dedicated team
- Learn what makes the Sanctuary so special
- Sign up to hear about our upcoming seasonal special tours
Don’t miss your chance for a close encounter!
What’s here
Meet some of our amazing residents and our incredible flora
