Loop Track
Length: XX km
Expected Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Easy
The loop trail is our most popular with visitors – an easy flat walk on a surfaced track giving you a window into the beauty and peace of the 690ha Sanctuary. Surrounded by diverse regenerating bush you will see a series of dams constructed to supply water to Nelson. The Beech Glade is a great spot to stop and listen to the birds, especially the korimako (bellbird) which are numerous here.
Walk Highlights
- Try our bird call devices so that you can learn some bird calls before going into the Sanctuary.
- Two picnic areas near the start of the loop
- Wētā ‘hotels alongside the track – open them to see these large nocturnal insects.
- You are welcome to swim in the cold water at the middle dam. You may be sharing it with a long-finned eel! (No sunscreen please as the water is very pure)
- 1868 dam – stonework remaining from the first municipal water supply in New Zealand.
- Beech glade classroom – a good place to sit and listen to the birds.
- Rough track leads down from the main track for a closer look at two of the dams.
- Tuatara Enclosure – you may see tuatara basking by their burrows.
- The big dam was completed in 1904 and flooded the bottom of the valley.
- This track is surrounded by regenerating bush – it was all originally cleared for grazing but is now lush native bush.
- View nature-inspired artwork along the trail
Walk Information
- The track is accessible for prams and wheelchairs
- Seating is available at places along the track
- There is a picnic area at the start of the track by the entrance to the bridge and also another picnic area on a small side track (signposted) after the Tuatara enclosure
Loop track
We are currently updating our visitor map & signage to show all our walk trails in loops. The loop track is marked as pink on the current map.
Directions
- When you enter the Sanctuary, turn right across the bridge towards our Tuatara enclosure where you might get a glimpse of one of our residents sunning themselves
- Start the pink loop track alongside the Brook stream with the stream on your left
- A while after the Tuatara enclose, there is an optional side track on the left which takes you towards the top of the dam – a great place to put your feet in the water and watch the water rushing down
- As you walk along the boardwalk with a mossy stone bank on your right, imagine this alight with glowworms at night time
- Stay a moment at the Beech Glade Bridge and see what you can spot in and around the water
- Take a quiet seat in the Beach Glade Classroom and immerse yourself in the bird sounds
- As you come down towards the dam, there is a small side track to the base of the waterfall – a great place for a photograph or quick swim
- Don’t forget to open the Wētā ‘hotels to see who is hiding inside
Be aware
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 and always check with our friendly team at the visitor centre about track closures and conditions.
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