Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

+64 7 870 5180 Visit the website
View on map
99 Tari Road, Pukeatua, Te Awamutu
Hours of operation
Visitor Centre: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Phone number
+64 7 870 5180
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve) is the largest ecological ‘island’ on mainland New Zealand. A haven for native wildlife and plants such as kiwi, kokako (wattlebird), tuatara and more, Maungatautari also provides great walking and hiking tracks.

Southern Enclosure

The Southern Enclosure’s five walks vary from 30 minutes to two hours and provides some of the best bird watching opportunities on the mountain. The Southern Enclosure features a bird feeding area where visitors can watch the kaka and other birds as they come to feed, weta boxes (open the door to see if anyone is home) and the Canopy Tower which takes visitors 16 metres up into the treetops of the forest canopy. Guided day and after-dark night walks are also on offer by appointment.

Guided Walks

Learn all about the Sanctuary Mountain project and the history of Maungatautari Mountain with a guided tour of the Southern Enclosure. Guided tours provide the opportunity to learn about indigenous plants, the numerous bird species that call the mountain home, plus much more.

For a truly unique experience, a guided night-time walk will open up a completely different world of this ancient forest. The night-time tours allow visitors to see curtains of glowworms, native crayfish (koura), search for weta and listen for the call of the Kiwi.

Northern Enclosure

The Northern Enclosure is a smaller section but is of great significance as this area is where the conservation work started. Walks in the Northern Enclosure take around 30 minutes to 1 hour, showcasing some of the different fauna growing on the mountain and picturesque forest streams. There is also the Te Ara Tirohia Loop Track (meaning the viewing platform) which is 1.1km long.

Over the Mountain Walk

The final option for visitors is a ‘Walk over the Mountain’ – this is recommended for experienced trampers and will take most of the day (5-6 hours). For those suitably equipped this trek provides great views from Pukeatua Peak. If you are not familiar with the mountain it is advised that you seek advice before attempting this trek.

Pricing
Free
Proximity to Town:
26km from Cambridge
Activity Duration:
35 min - 12 hours

More recommended things to do nearby

top pick Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
from
$15
Te Awamutu

Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

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.
top pick Hobbiton Movie Set
from
$120
Matamata

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.
Te Papa Museum
Free
Te Awamutu

Rūaumoko: Restless Land

Exhibition on now until Monday, January 26, 2026. Rūaumoko: Restless Land is our new and exciting interactive touring exhibition from Te Papa. Experience elements from Te Papa’s Te Taiao Nature zone that combines cutting-edge science with mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) to explore the powerful, natural forces that continuously shape Aotearoa. Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake have teamed up to promote natural hazard awareness and preparedness through this exhibition. It introduces Rūaumoko to illustrate the forces of nature and presents a wero (challenge) for visitors to learn about natural hazards and ways to be prepared in our communities and at home.
top pick Hobbiton Movie Set
from
$180
Matamata

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Second Breakfast Tour

Make the first footsteps in the morning dew on the Movie Set as part of our first tour of the day. Your tour guide will escort you through the 12 acre movie set, recounting fascinating details from filming the trilogies and pointing out the most iconic sites and scenes. After a visit to The Green Dragon™ Inn where you will be offered a complimentary beverage from our exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range, follow your guide back over the double arch stone bridge to The Millhouse, just across the water from The Green Dragon Inn, where you will be treated to a breakfast spread fit for a Hobbit. After you've had your fill, it's time to make your way back to The Shire's Rest, after all, this is only the second of a Hobbit's seven daily meals.
Cambridge Museum
Free
Cambridge

Cambridge Museum

Located in the Old Courthouse in Victoria Street, the Cambridge Museum aims to preserve Cambridge's rich historical legacy for future generations. In the late 19th century, Cambridge residents started collecting items of local interest relating to historical research, pre-European settlement, and the development of Cambridge. The Museum now has a fine collection of artefacts and archival material including biographies, historical information on local businesses, clubs, people and societies, buildings information, land and property records, military records (particularly the 3rd Waikato Militia and WWI Cambridge soldiers), school records, family histories and a wealth of photographs, postcards and ephemera.
Phillip Bartlett
from
$2000
Cambridge

Capture New Zealand - 20 Years of New Zealand's most inspiring photo workshops.

We specialise in exciting and inspiring New Zealand photography workshops, tours and expeditions with effective photography guidance from a New Zealand professional landscape photographer with 20 years' expertise. Wherever you are on your photographic journey we work with you to become a more skilful and confident photographer. Our photo workshops will take you on a journey through the natural wonders of this awe-inspiring country, while also providing guidance and instruction from a New Zealand professional nature photographer with 20 years' expertise. From generous and relevant photography instruction to quality private lodgings and fine New Zealand cuisine, we are committed to providing a premium experience which is second-to-none.
All things to do
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.