Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain attractions, things to do

TOP SIGHTS

• Lush green forest paths snaking up and down the mountain
• Forest sounds with bird song trilling haunting notes
• Extraordinary contrast between the rolling farmland dotted with cows and sheep and sanctuary

The world’s largest predator proof fence, 47 km, protects 3400 hectares of forest from introduced predators such as rats, feral cats, possums and ferrets.

The mountain’s distinctive pointed peaks and rich dark green forest coat creates a striking landmark against the pastoral landscape. Ancient native trees, rimu and, rata soar over native bush.

Volunteers, farmers donating land, local iwi (Maori tribal group) and the scientific community have contributed towards the jewel in the conservation crown that is Sanctuary Mountain. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a charitable trust and all entry fees into the southern enclosure go towards maintaining visitor facilities and supporting their conservation work. The visitor centre is open 364 days a year and from there a variety of guided and self-guided walks are on offer.

There are also trails across the mountain for individual exploration with free access. The Kiwi Health Check occurs intermittently during the year. See sanctuarymountain.co.nz

A favourite guided tour is the Tautari Wetland tour. The recently created wetlands are home to one of the rarest flightless birds in the world; the ancient takahe. Listen for the hooting alarm call of the male and look for the brilliant flash of blue plumage to sight these magnificent birds.

Explore Te Tūī a Tāne (Southern Enclosure) at your own pace. Call into the Manu Tīoriori visitor centre (99 Tari Road), to collect your Sanctuary Explorer Pass and Visitor Guide with the map. You can pre-purchase your  Sanctuary Explorer Pass. Plan your self-guided visit.

Join a  guided tour

Be guided on your visit with one of our knowledgeable guides, consider our classic Ancient Forest Tour or if you’re short on time enjoy our Seasonal Forest Highlights Tour to learn about this amazing project. Families will particularly enjoy a visit to the Tautari wetlands with a guide to meet our taonga species, tuatara and takahē. You might also enjoy an experience to support your wellbeing. Learn more about our guided tours.

Download a map of the mountain.

While the tracks are wide with a firm surface you are walking up and down a mountain.

If you can easily climb a set of stairs, walk up a hill and continuously walk several kilometres you will have no issues. The easiest walk is less than 2 km (although there is an additional 1 km walk from the visitor centre to the security gate entrance). Allow up to 1 hour to allow for time listening to the sounds of the forest with the option of climbing the staircase (16 metres) above ground level to the treetop canopy viewing platform.

A definite highlight is to puff your way up through the forest and then peer over the sides of the platform into the forest below. A bird’s eye view is the reward for the climb.

The highest point is marked by a trig station at 797 metres above sea level. There is a picnic table to collapse against when you arrive at the summit. Wairere Traverse (Over the Mountain track) is accessible at any time of the day however for safety of the public and of our flora and fauna we do not recommend visiting after dark.