Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

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

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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Sanctuary Mountain At Night Private Tour

Upon the setting sun, your experienced guide will take you through the pest-proof fence to experience the nocturnal forest wonders. Marvel at the twinkling lights of glowworms, see the brilliance of the undersides of silver fern fronds and gaze up at the stars from the top of the tower on a crystal clear night, away from the bright lights of the city. Search by torchlight for spiders, millipedes, beetles and the many species of wētā that venture out at night in search of food. Keep an eye out for the many native birds coming in to roost and discover the Sanctuary's important role as a kiwi stronghold as you listen for their distinctive, piercing calls along with the two-pitched call of the ruru (morepork).

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

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This leisurely paced tour takes place in striking pest-free native forest dominated by towering tawa, rewarewa, pukatea, rimu and a wide variety of characteristic ferns. You will stand at the foot of a mature northern rata in the heart of the sanctuary and see the coalesced mass of roots that form the trunks of these magnificent trees. You’ll listen to the birdsong, take in the majesty of our indigenous forest and try to spot the numerous bird species that call the maunga their home. Spend time in the clearing where cheeky New Zealand forest parrots - the kākā - like to hang out then take an optional walk up the viewing tower for a unique perspective of the forest canopy from above.

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