Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

Experience an ancient, vibrant forest alive with native wildlife including many of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered wild life.

Hours of operation

9:00am - 4:00pm, 7 Days.

Months of operation

All Year

Phone number

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is an ancient, vibrant forest alive with native wildlife. Surround by a 47km fence, it is the largest pest-proof fenced sanctuary in Aotearoa New Zealand and home to many of our most endangered native species.

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.

Pricing

$30 (Adult)

$15 (Child)

Proximity to Airport:

Approximately a 45 minute drive. No public transport available

Proximity to Town:

26km from Cambridge

Activity Duration:

Guided tours of 1.5 hours; other durations available on request

Parking:

Plentiful carparking at Tari Rd, Pukeatua

View all Things to do

Rotor Work

Helicopter Flight Simulator (Hire)

Located 40 min south of Hamilton in Kihikihi is a fully functioning full VR helicopter flight simulator. Great for the individuals, families and or as a team building activity. This helicopter flight simulator is the perfect way for people, young and old, to experience helicopter flying without the costs. It utilises real aircraft airframe and controls, making it an ultra-realistic simulator. It can be experienced on site or hired out for approved events.

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

Commemorating Rangiaowhia

Our latest focused exhibition invites visitors to explore the remarkable life of Rahapa Te Hauata — a woman whose courage, resilience, and voice continue to resonate through Aotearoa’s history. To commemorate and remember the events at Rangiaowhia on 21 February 1864, this small focused exhibition is on show until 20 March. Discover her powerful first-hand accounts of the sacking of Rangiaowhia and the extraordinary ways her whānau endured and survived this devastating moment in Aotearoa’s history.

Camjet (2011) Ltd

Camjet - 60 Minute Ecological Tour (Slower Speed)

Camjet is certainly an amazing jet boat New Zealand experience along the mighty Waikato River. Therefore, you can enjoy the stunning and breathtaking scenery as you travel via jet boat from Cambridge to the base of the Karapiro hydro power station. Learn about the history of the region as your tour guide or his manager has a diploma in environmental management. Therefore, his knowledge for the flora and fauna in the area is second to none. Bird species you may encounter during the Ecological Jet Boat New Zealand River Cruise may include: fantail, kingfisher, tui, harrier hawk, New Zealand falcon, heron, shag, mallard. Also, you will see many fish species also, koi, rainbow trout, brown trout, mullet and many more.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Enjoy a fully guided walking tour showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole doors including the iconic Bag End, before arriving at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. End your day with an exclusively brewed beverage at the Green Dragon Inn to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Takapoto Estate

Takapoto Wine Tastings at the Cabana

The tastings. To make the most of the journey, we recommend one flight per table so the room can explore together. Every tasting is redeemable with a three-bottle purchase. Groups of more than ten, please call ahead. Classic includes: Crossing Point Rosé, Takapoto Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Crossing Point Chardonnay and Crossing Point The Red 'The Blend' Pinot Noir. Five pours · Waikato & the wider range Premium includes: Takapoto Estate Reserve Chardonnay, "Gibbston" Pinot Noir, "Bannockburn" Pinot Noir, Forager's Gin and Estate botanicals. Four pours · Central Otago & the gin Ultimate includes: The Classic flight, in full and The Premium flight, in full. All nine pours, taken slowly.

Kowhai Forge

Kowhai Forge Blacksmithing Courses

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring pro, our forge is the perfect place to shape hot steel into a one-of-a-kind creation you can take home. Located in the beautiful Waikato countryside, this is an all-weather activity - rain or shine, it’s always a great time to get forging. Plus, all classes are fully catered, so you can enjoy delicious refreshments while you work. Our team of skilled blacksmiths, led by Rob - one of New Zealand’s few time-served blacksmiths with over 30 years of experience - are passionate about sharing their craft. With their combined expertise, infectious enthusiasm, and friendly Kiwi humour, they create a welcoming environment where every class is memorable.

All things to do

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider complies with its safety obligations. Users should seek more information from the provider concerned. While Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will do its utmost to ensure the information contained within this website is accurate, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, offers or details of any information or operator listings. Prices, timetables and other details or terms of business may change without notice. The information included in this website is not advice and does not imply any endorsement by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism.