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Wildlife Sanctuary

The 2 Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand

Nestled in the heart of Nelson, New Zealand, two remarkable wildlife sanctuaries offer an unforgettable rendezvous with nature. These sanctuaries are dedicated to the preservation and protection of indigenous flora and fauna, providing a safe haven for a diverse array of endangered species.

Step into a realm of tranquil beauty at the Nelson Tasman Wildlife Sanctuary, where native birds flutter amidst lush greenery. Discover the enchanting sounds of bellbirds, tūī, and kererū, while encountering playful kea and curious weka.

Top Wildlife Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is a nearly 700 hectare mainland "ecological island" sanctuary located 6 km south of Nelson, New Zealand. The sanctuary is the largest fenced sanctuary in New Zealand's South Island and the second largest in the country; it is the only sanctuary to feature mature New Zealand beech forest.
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust was established in 2004 with the intent of restoring the flora and fauna of the Brook Valley, a former water supply for Nelson with intact beech forest. A predator-proof fence was completed in 2016 at a cost of NZD $4.2 million, and introduced mammalian pests were eradicated from within the sanctuary in 2017. The sanctuary reopened to the public in 2018, and an entrance fee regime was introduced in 2020. Reintroductions of species such as the Okarito kiwi and tuatara are planned.

Top Wildlife Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand

Natureland Wildlife Trust

  • Address: Tahunanui Drive, Tāhunanui, Nelson 7011, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (700)
  • Phone: +64 3 548 6166
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand
The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Wildlife Sanctuary in cities like Whangarei, Tauranga and Hastings across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

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The 2 Best Wildlife Sanctuary near Nelson, New Zealand

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand
The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary

  • Address: 651 Brook Street, The Brook, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (150)
  • Phone: +64 3 539 4920
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Closed
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Alan Dunlop✭✭✭✭
    4 weeks ago
    A fantastic hill walk in the bush other day. Lots of bird chatter to accompany you on the walk with a fair few sightings as well. Some areas are real thick bush with steep winding narrow pathways so be sure to go prepared with good walking/hiking shoes and water. A really good wildlife project right next to Nelson and highly recommend if you’re in the area.
    Andrew Nigh✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    This sanctuary sets the standard for preserving native landscape and all life within. Incredible work by volunteers through the years. The tracks are well marked and maintained. HIGHLY recommend a visit!
    Josh✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    Fabulous place to go for a hike. I could’ve easily spent all day there. As it was I did a great loop hike for 3 hours and saw waterfalls, lush plant life, and soooo many birds. Highly recommend spending as much time as you can there. Very peaceful and informative. Incredible place for photography.
    Di Connor✭✭✭✭✭
    2 weeks ago
    We are so blessed to still have this on our doorstep, the immersion into nature, the sights & sounds has filled my soul ✨️???
    Jaimie Little✭✭✭✭✭
    8 months ago
    Beautiful day exploring our back yard first time for myself, and wow it is just beautiful ? the birds were singing the sound of the water trickling was so peaceful definitely a great place to escape for a few hours you dont even feel like you’re only a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, they have Weta Hotels too so awesome to see Weta up close! We did the shorter track as we had a pram but we will be back to explore the reserve more ? great price too!

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5 Replies to The 2 Largest Wildlife Sanctuary in Nelson, New Zealand

  1. Absolutely loved Natureland Wildlife Trust. I’m an adult, and my inner child squirmed with excitement. There were so many animals to see and get close to. It was more of a personal feel with how you got to get close to the animals. Some you could buy food for and feed. There’s so much to do and see, and I love the fact that its compact and not too spread out. There’s still plenty of space, but you aren’t walking miles to get to places. Their toilet facilities are great. Their staff are attentive and caring. There’s even a playground for the under 5 yr olds! I just loved the differing variety of animals to see. Definitely a family adventure and even better if you have small children. They will have an absolute ball! Highly recommend to all !!!

  2. Awesome place to be! I could spend all day here. Staff were super friendly. Kids loved watching the monkeys be fed and have their obstacle courses changed around.

  3. Absolutely amazing experience. I loved the walk, the staff were helpful, and it was a treat to feed the animals. I do however have a complaint about one member of staff, Gemma the goat who jumped over the fence rather uncouthly and chewed my mother’s purse. I think it would be good to have a meeting with her and let her know its very unprofessional behaviour to try and steal food pellets from me and her coworkers.

  4. This was a lovely wee spot, with the most hilarious animals. It was a cooler, wet day when we went, so some animals weren’t as active as they could have been, but other people have said that they’re usually really active so it was probably the rain. You can tell that the keepers really care about the animals, and do their level best for them.
    It’s fun to feed the farm animals, and Gemma the Houdini goat was a source of great amusement!

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