New Shuttle Service Launched For Adventurists Taking On One Of The Waikato’s Best Day Hikes
21 October 2025
Outdoor adventurers keen to traverse one of the Waikato’s premier one-day hikes, now have a new way to experience the ancient forest of Maungatautari - without the logistical juggle.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is launching a weekend shuttle service starting Saturday 25 October, connecting the southern Tari Road visitor car park with the northern Hicks Road trailhead.
The service unlocks access to two spectacular crossing tracks and removes a major barrier for trampers and trail runners who previously had to coordinate multi-car drop-offs.
"This new shuttle service was totally demand-driven," said Helen Hughes, CEO of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. "We were getting more and more enquiries from individuals and groups wanting to traverse the maunga and asking about shuttle options, so it just made sense.”
Operating Saturdays and Sundays with two departures, 7:30am and 9:00am, the 30-minute shuttle opens the world's largest pest-proof fenced eco-sanctuary to the wider adventure community of trampers and trail runners.
Hughes says the two tracks that traverse the mountain cater to different experience levels and preferences.
“With the two tracks offering options for different levels of fitness and experience, we are excited to offer the shuttle service and have the wider outdoor adventure community come and explore the maunga,"she says.
“Both crossings provide a fantastic challenge. The Wairere Traverse is an all-weather, gravel track that takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete one way. This track is well formed but requires a high level of fitness. And for those up for more of a challenge, the Over The Mountain track (Te Raki track and Te Tonga track) is a more advanced track that takes the historic route to both Maungatautari and Pukeatua Peaks and takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. The Te Raki and Te Tonga track is much more advanced and suits experienced trampers," Hughes explains.
The shuttle removes a significant barrier for small groups wanting to experience the mountain traverse. Previously, parties needed to organise complex car shuttles or arrange private transport to complete the crossing.
The 3,400-hectare sanctuary, surrounded by 47 kilometres of pest-proof fencing, is one of New Zealand's most significant conservation success stories.
The ancient forest ecosystem has been restored to support over 730 native species, including some of our most endangered, creating a distinctly unique tramping experience.
"There's something truly special about walking through this ancient forest, hearing and seeing species such as tīeke, kākā, kōkako and other rare birds thriving again,” Hughes says. “There is nowhere else as
accessible on mainland New Zealand that you can experience this type of birdsong.”
The shuttle service launches Labour weekend, positioning it perfectly for the spring and summer tramping season, and shuttle tickets cost just $20 per person as an introductory offer.
Located just 50 minutes from Hamilton and 30 minutes from Cambridge makes it an ideal weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Each departure can accommodate up to 11 walkers or runners (12 years of age and over), with a minimum of two people to operate. Advanced bookings are essential through Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari’s website or Visitor Centre.
The crossings are not recommended for beginners or children under 12 years of age. Those looking for a gentler walking option can buy a day pass from the Visitor Centre and enjoy the 5km network of well-graded tracks with interactive interpretation boards and a 16m high canopy viewing tower in the sanctuary's Southern Enclosure.