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.
🏆 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 →238 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Arron Redmore
a month ago
“We did the night tour at The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and absolutely loved it. The whole experience was fascinating, and we were lucky enough to see wētā and even hear a kiwi calling out in the darkness, which was a real highlight. The staff were amazing, incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the sanctuary and its wildlife. Walking through the forest at night gives you a completely different perspective and made the experience feel really special. Highly recommend the night tour if you’re in Nelson. A fantastic experience and a great way to support the incredible conservation work happening here.”
Danielle Buckett
8 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.”
Lisa Campbell
a month ago
“Had an amazing night out with Brook Waimarama Sanctuary last night on their 'Night in the Forest' tour. Lots of gorgeous creepy crawly things, absolutely passionate guides even a brush with the elusive kiwi. I'm mildly ashamed to say I've lived in Nelson for the last 15 years, and this was my first visit. I'll definitely be back - the Sanctuary is by far more wilder and lovelier than any zoo I've seen. Thanks Sanctuary crew, love your work!”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsGlow worms
20 reviews
Knowledgeable guides
19 reviews
Helpful volunteers
17 reviews
Tuatara
11 reviews
Native plants
8 reviews
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.
