[visitor centre] Orokonui Ecosanctuary Other · Dunedin

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.