Wharariki Ecosanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Puponga, New Zealand

Wharariki Ecosanctuary is a protected coastal headland area near Puponga surrounded by a predator-proof fence to keep out introduced animals.The site covers roughly 2.5 hectares within Puponga Farm Park and sits along the Wharariki coastline.

Peter Butler set up a trust in 2017 to protect wildlife from Wharariki Beach to the tip of Farewell Spit. The HealthPost Nature Trust, the Department of Conservation and Manawhenua ki Mōhua then built a 200 m pest-exclusion fence above the cliffs from September 2019; it was finished in January 2020, when Eugenie Sage opened the 2.5 ha sanctuary.

The sanctuary is a partnership between the Collingwood-based HealthPost Nature Trust, the Department of Conservation and Manawhenua ki Mōhua, representing Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua of the Golden Bay/Mohua area. The name Wharariki is also that of the coastline and beach beside the fenced headland.

The area is accessible through marked walking tracks and guided tours offer information about protection programs.Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing coastal conditions.

The site has successfully relocated hundreds of young fluttering shearwater chicks from Long Island since 2022 and established new breeding colonies.This relocation program demonstrates how well the protection measures work for endangered seabirds.