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.
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Updated Now costs $8 for a local per visit - I just can't put into words how absurd and enormously disappointing this is. Where we could once visit the lush, native bush only 5 mins for Nelson 24/7, we now have to pay and limit it to the weekend. It's hard to understand how ridiculous this is, fence or no fence.
Pretty dissaponting compared to what it used to be like. Now have to get the door opened by staff, closes at 4pm during daylight savings, and only open for 3 days. I understand the limitations of having the new fence, but that pretty much kills it.
Updated edit* It seems money is the motivator based on the response I received to this review. What was once open and free 24/7 is not to be compared to the price of 2 cups of coffee for 6 hours 3...
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Lovely place for a walk among greenery, birdsong and rushing water (this is July, after a lot of rain). Good signage throughout, directional and instructional, about the flora and fauna. There are picnic areas, benches, footbridges, historic dams and a gift shop at the visitor centre. Volunteer staff will offer suggestions for walking routes. I walked The Loop, Valley Track partway (temporarily closed farther on), Nikau Track and The Loop’s west side - a very enjoyable hour or so. The fencing, traps, tracking tunnels, small staff and many volunteers help to keep this area a true sanctuary for New Zealand plants, animals,...
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Amazing wildlife sanctuary with great tramping trails. There are a lot of trail options, from easy accessible short loops to more adventurous trails through old growth native bush, and if you keep an eye out there are some beautiful swimming holes in the rocky streams for a cold dip after a few hours tramping too. The volunteers at the visitor center are really friendly and passionate about the work being done at the sanctuary and are happy to recommend which walks are suitable for your timeframe and level of fitness. The price of admission might seem a little high but it's an amazing unique spot and a project well...
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