Nelson Tasman: A region full of diverse nature and wildlife, welcomes New Zealand Kiwi back to the South Island after a 100-year absence

The Nelson Tasman region boasts a diverse range of natural landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can encounter native species like the kea, tui, and bellbird, as well as marine life, including seals, dolphins, and occasionally orcas. And now, after almost a century-long absence from the mainland New Zealand South Island, Little Spotted Kiwi (kiwi pukupuku) are back. Last month, 40 Little Spotted Kiwi were translocated into the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson Tasman from their offshore island breeding ground.

Together with its larger relations, the great spotted kiwi and rowi, the Little Spotted Kiwi used to roam the Nelson area before all three species became locally extinct after the arrival of introduced predators. 

Bringing kiwi to the Sanctuary marks the first attempt to re-establish the species on the mainland of the South Island. 

Released under the cover of darkness into the Sanctuary, the milestone event marked the culmination of two decades of eliminating pests to create the environment in which kiwi can once again thrive in Nelson.

The pest-proof fenced Brook Waimārama Sanctuary (BWS) is an ambitious conservation project to restore the natural ecosystem of 690ha of native forest in the heart of Nelson City. All introduced pests (other than mice) have been removed, and two critically endangered species have already been reintroduced, as well as the at-risk’ Tuatara, a rare reptile found only in New Zealand. Run by a small team and over 300 volunteers, the Sanctuary and this translocation are a testament to the power of community. 

Nelson Regional Development Agency’s Chief Executive, Fiona Wilson says “We look forward to welcoming visitors to hear the call of the kiwi at such a special place here in our region, and so close to Nelson City. It’s important for us in Nelson Tasman to protect and restore our natural biodiversity and spectacular inland landscapes, and to be able to share this effort with visitors is amazing.”

Chris McCormack, the Sanctuary Chief Executive, says, “This is not only a significant milestone for the Sanctuary, but also for Nelson and New Zealand as a whole. So many of our native animals are under threat due to introduced predators, so to bring kiwi pukupuku back to the South Island and release them into their natural environment is a momentous moment for national conservation.”

He added, “Most visitors to New Zealand may only see a kiwi in a zoo-like setting. Here in the heart of Nelson City, people will soon be able to hear the kiwi calling at night and come on one of our night tours to spot them in their natural habitat. This is a huge asset for the region.”

The translocation project was a partnership between local iwi on both North & South islands, the Sanctuary, Save the Kiwi, and the Department of Conservation.