Orokonui Ecosanctuary is the flagship biodiversity project for the South Island where multiple species of plants and animals are protected from predators.

A predator fence surrounds 307 hectares of Coastal Otago forest, pests have been removed, habitat enhanced with weed control and planting, and many rare and endangered species re-introduced.

Our vision

A healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem, free of all introduced mammals and comprising indigenous species that are appropriate to the Orokonui forest, where people can enjoy a peaceful encounter with nature, and from which they may take recreation, refreshment, new knowledge, new skills and a new commitment to conservation.

The objectives of the ecosanctuary can be summarised as:

• To restore the ecological integrity of the Orokonui Valley by providing a pest-free environment where existing native species can thrive and into which absent native species can be safely introduced
• To facilitate the accumulation of and to disseminate knowledge about biodiversity conservation
• To provide opportunities for public participation in biodiversity conservation and management, for advocacy, and for education.
• To maintain financial viability.