1 / 3The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
📍 The Brook, Nelson
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary spans 690 hectares of mature beech forest 5km from Nelson, protected by 14.3km of predator-proof fencing. Guided night tours feature kiwi calls, glowworms, and native insects.
Took an amazing night time tour with Chris, he was so passionate and knowledgeable about the wildlife of New Zealand, and very engaging, happy to answer all of our questions as well as friendly and funny! We saw lots of amazing critters including the amazing glow worms, and even heard the call of one of the kiwis! Would definitely recommend tour for all visitors to Nelson, I’m looking forward to going back during the day for a better view of the surrounding landscape.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
The night tour is the experience families remember for years — hearing a kiwi call in the dark as a guide explains exactly what you are listening to is genuinely special. Guides are warm, funny, and encyclopaedic about native species. Valley track families need proper footwear and should expect stream crossings and real elevation.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →211 Google reviews
Danielle Buckett
2 months ago
“Took an amazing night time tour with Chris, he was so passionate and knowledgeable about the wildlife of New Zealand, and very engaging, happy to answer all of our questions as well as friendly and funny! We saw lots of amazing critters including the amazing glow worms, and even heard the call of one of the kiwis! Would definitely recommend tour for all visitors to Nelson, I’m looking forward to going back during the day for a better view of the surrounding landscape.”
MD Outdoors
4 weeks ago
“We had an awesome time on our night tour at the Brook Sanctuary. The guides were super knowledgeable, lovely and passionate about what they do. We loved hearing kiwi and seeing one at the end was so special! Loved learning all about the bugs, flora and fauna, & the glowworms were a highlight! Thank you for having us all :) Highly recommend! MD Girls xx”
Silas K.
2 months ago
“Had a fantastic time here. The valley track is very adventurous and fun. Bring good shoes for that one, as you cross the river several times. Lovely views and sounds of nature on the way. There’s also easier / casual walks to choose from. The people & volunteers at the visitors centre are also very nice and helpful.”
Alexa Halford
3 months ago
“Amazing, definitely bring your hiking shoes. When they say you'll cross a stream, be prepared to get a bit wet, and when they say "not that steep"... Perhaps for them, but it was steep for us. But the views are so worth the treck!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary protects kiwi, tuatara, kākāriki karaka, and other endangered species inside 14.3km of predator-proof fencing. Guided night tours are led by passionate, knowledgeable guides who cover native insects, flora, fauna, glowworms, and kiwi — visitors regularly hear kiwi calls and some spot them directly. Self-guided tracks range from a 45-minute easy loop with waterfalls and picnic spots to longer valley routes that cross streams multiple times.
