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

Phillip Bartlett

2026 New Zealand Photography Workshop and Tour: South Island Winter 12 Days

The winter light in the South Island offers superb conditions and we will be photographing an incredible variety of landscapes including Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, Moeraki Boulders, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. We will also photograph at hidden backcountry locations which few others know of. One of the highlights of our journey is the private helicopter flight into the untouched wilds of the Fiordland National Park, where we capture compelling images of the glacier-carved landscape.

Dave Owen

Te Awamutu Space Centre

Te Awamutu Space Centre is an inspiring educational attraction for all ages. Experience the world of space and astronomy through displays and interactive activities. Our centrepiece exhibit is a small but fascinating collection of artifacts from the American and Russian space programmes. You'll find informative displays about the Universe, the history of space exploration and scientific research. Use the interactive screens to see what's in the night sky, tour the Solar System, create your own orbital systems and more. Watch videos, ask us questions and just hang out chatting about space. See our website for details and opening hours.

Avantidrome

Grassroots Trust Velodrome

Our Have-a-Go session is a one-hour track cycling experience on the Velodrome. A Home of Cycling coach will guide you through the basics of track cycling in a safe group environment, whilst building your confidence to get on the track. The session is tailored for those taking part, whether you are an experienced cyclist looking for a new challenge, or haven't spent much time on a bike. Have-a-Go sessions are open to anyone, provided you are at least 10 years old and 135 cm tall. Bike, helmet and coach provided.

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.

Te Awamutu Museum

ANZAC: Remembering War, Whānau & Home

A temporary focused exhibition highlighting local stories that inspired, confront, and challenge our historical knowledge around ANZAC here in the Waipā district, and how we can remember this important event in our 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.

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.