The couple moved from Dunedin to a 4ha section just outside Owaka in 2006 in what Mr Thompson describes as "starting my mid-life crisis early".
Naming the property Earthlore, they started regenerating the area with native bush and trees, some of which are endangered, and have been amazed by the amount of bird and insect life which has entered it.
"There is just this hum on a nice sunny day," he said.
Native moths and butterflies abound, as do tui, and pukeko have made a visit.
"It's a 20-year project and we are only at the start. It will evolve as we go along," Mr Thompson said.
The monarch trust certification, which recognises Earthlore as a shining example of butterfly habitat, helped with the project's credibility, the couple said.
Trust spokeswoman Lyn Ridge said there were many organisations working to protect kiwi, kokako and even giant snails.
"But New Zealand has very few species of butterflies and they are becoming less known each year."
Mr Thompson said about 50% of the nation's insects were not even classified, as people did not have a full grasp of what existed and how breeds were surviving in the country.
He and his wife hoped to change that by educating children and encouraging others to think about their environments and conservation.
Their website already contains a section for children, "Inspector Insector", which uses stories and challenges to interest children, and people can sponsor trees to improve their ecological footprint.
Earthlore might be running on a "shoestring" at present, but in the long term, the couple hoped to turn it into a commercial venture and offer a new experience for schools and tourists.
As far as they knew, they were the only outdoor conservation area which was open to the public, Mr Thompson said.
• An open day will be held at Earthlore, 129 Hinahina Rd, Owaka, on January 30, from 10am. There will be a butterfly release, weather permitting, along with other activities, and entomologist Brian Patrick will be on site to answer any questions about insects.
