Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, Wildlife refuge in Nelson, New Zealand.
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is a 690-hectare fenced wildlife refuge 6 km south of Nelson, in the Brook Valley. It is the largest fenced sanctuary in the South Island and the only one centred on mature New Zealand beech forest. A 14.4 km predator-proof fence encloses the valley, which was formerly Nelson's water-supply reserve.
The sanctuary developed from Nelson's former waterworks site in the early 2000s as land was protected for ecological restoration. Major conservation work followed to establish a secure environment for native species to return.
The sanctuary holds special meaning for the Nelson community as a place where native nature thrives and is actively restored. Visitors experience how local ecosystems function and observe species that are central to New Zealand's natural identity.
The sanctuary is easy to reach and offers trails suitable for different ability levels, from accessible paths to more demanding routes. Good footwear is recommended as many trails pass through wet forest areas or require stream crossings.
The fence is 14.4 km long and carries an electric wire along its hood that detects fallen branches which could let a predator climb over. It was finished in September 2016 after 12 years of planning and 18 months of construction, at a cost of NZD $4.2 million.
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