THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Pair up-close zoo encounters at Natureland with a walk through the pest‑fenced Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. This Summer Wildlife Pass is a family-friendly way to see native birds and conservation in action.
Pair up-close zoo encounters at Natureland with a walk through the pest‑fenced Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. This Summer Wildlife Pass is a family-friendly way to see native birds and conservation in action.
Book with The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary · Nelson, Nelson Region
Nelson is the gateway to two of the region’s most engaging wildlife experiences: Natureland and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary on New Zealand’s South Island. The Summer Wildlife Pass bundles family entry for two adults and two children and offers flexible visits between the zoo and the 690-hectare, pest-free Brook Sanctuary. Valid from 1 November 2026 through 28 February 2027, the pass must be presented and stamped at each attraction and can be used on separate days. At Natureland, encounters are close and educational: meerkats, monkeys, porcupines and kea join heritage sheep, alpacas and free‑range hens in accessible displays. Handlers lead interpretive talks and family-friendly meet-and-greets that explain captive care, breeding programs and how local institutions connect to global conservation efforts. The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary represents landscape-scale recovery: a predator‑fenced forest reserve where native birds and reptiles rebound within regenerating beech and mixed broadleaf stands. Interpretive signs, short loop walks and longer ridge tracks give visitors a range of ways to notice kākā swooping, kākāriki foraging and, after dark, the furtive calls of kiwi pukupuku. Together the sites teach two scales of conservation: hands-on species care at Natureland and habitat restoration across hundreds of hectares at Brook. Practical planning helps: allow two to three hours for Natureland and two to four hours at Brook, bring sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, insect repellent and a rain layer, and book dusk kiwi activities through the sanctuary. The pass is ideal for families, curious travelers and conservation-minded visitors who want a compact, two-site view of Nelson’s wildlife story without long drives between attractions. Show your stamped pass at each entrance, respect onsite rules, and leave no trace so these animals and their habitats stay healthy for future visits. Natureland sits within easy reach of Nelson city center, making it a convenient stop on a loop of Tasman Bay attractions; parking is usually available on site and check opening hours before you go. At Brook, trails follow streams, wetland edges and ridgelines, so bring layered clothing and expect variable weather even in summer; the changing light makes for excellent bird photography late morning and at dusk. Staff and volunteers at both sites are active in education and pest control, so conversations with them reveal practical conservation techniques you can support, from backyard trapping to native planting. This pass is non-transferable and best for families; bring snacks and water, allow time for slow wildlife viewing, and pair your visit with a stroll along Nelson’s waterfront or a stop at a local café to round out the day. Reserve the pass early in high season to secure dates, and use it as a compact conservation itinerary that introduces kids to species protection and habitat recovery for future visitors.
The Summer Wildlife Pass covers two adults and two children aged 5–15.
Yes. The pass can be used on separate days but must be presented and stamped at each site.
The pass is valid from 1 November 2026 through 28 February 2027; present it at each entrance for stamping.
Natureland and the Brook Sanctuary have on-site parking; availability can vary at peak times so arrive early.
Dusk kiwi activities are offered by the sanctuary but are usually booked separately—reserve in advance.
No. The pass is non-transferable and intended for the named two adults and two children per the terms.
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is a predator-free ecological sanctuary on the outskirts of Nelson, New Zealand, dedicated to protecting native forest and wildlife. It manages fenced conservation areas and restores habitats for indigenous species, combining pest control, habitat restoration, and community engagement. The Sanctuary offers a variety of visitor experiences including guided daytime walks, self-guided general admission, and specialist events. Night tours highlight nocturnal species such as kiwi and ruru, and give visitors the chance to see glowworms and hear native bird calls. Small-group formats ensure intimate wildlife encounters and low visitor impact. Brook Waimārama Sanctuary works with local iwi, conservation organisations, and volunteers to deliver education, restoration, and species protection programmes. Facilities support walking tracks, maps, visitor information, and seasonal events. Purchasing admission or participating in guided experiences supports ongoing conservation and pest management efforts. The Sanctuary is managed by a charitable organisation focused on long-term ecological recovery. Visitors can expect knowledgeable guides, clear track information, and opportunities to learn about local fauna and conservation science. The experience suits families, small groups, and people seeking wildlife encounters in a protected forest setting. Brook Waimārama Sanctuary remains a recognised conservation site near Nelson, contributing to regional biodiversity and public education. On-site signage and guided commentary explain ecological history, species recovery, and the Sanctuary's conservation role. Visitors are asked to follow track guidelines, respect wildlife, and support ongoing initiatives. Gift cards and public events raise funds for habitat protection, reinforcing community involvement and long-term ecological recovery across the Nelson region.
Book with The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary