It's all about sanctuary

Our Vision - Share the Mauri and Mana of the Maunga

Our Purpose - Inspired Kaitiaki

Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari began with a dream to protect the plant and animal species living on Maungatautari. This ancient eco-system has been recognised as a reserve since 1912 and 90 years later the community came together to restore and protect this precious environment installing one of the largest pest-proof fences in the world.

It's a compelling story, have a read through our history, our flora and our wildlife that has only been made possible through the vision and aspriaton of a community.

Sancturay Mountain Maungatautari History

Our History

From the dawn of time, to the first arrival of humans and onwards to this current day, Maungatautari has endured.

Our Wildlife

Bird sanctuary for endangered species, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is home to kiwi & takahē.

Our Flora

Filled with ancient forest both the canopy and ground of the sanctuary provides insight of a time long past.

Book a tour

To get the best experience book a guided tour. Guides will give you a deeper appreciation of the sanctuary, it's history and it's future.

Location

The Manu Tioriori visitor centre is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily (closed 25th December). Entrance to the southern enclosure is available during Manu Tioriori visitor centre opening hours.

FAQs

Interested in our education programme? Questions about lunch options at our Maunga? Find out the answer to the most frequently asked questions!

What our visitors say

Incredible what has been created to protect the animals in this area. Ample parking and a bit of an uphill walk to get to the office, followed by a really awesome walking trails. Lucky to get a video of a kingfisher bird at the entrance. A must do walk!!

Rene Lind-Steyn

Outstanding. A must visit. Give yourself plenty to soak in everything. The staff are amazing and chock full of interesting knowledge. Don't miss this.

A L Lomas

Incredible project and will only get even better with time.

Andy Williams

Really cool place to see some unique birds and enjoy a beautiful peaceful nature walk. Extremely friendly staff as well.

Kelly Kaufman

An awesome project done solely by the community. Many thanks! Our friend from Switzerland and we hiked for more than 6 hours on parts of Te Tonga and Werere Traverse tracks and encountered many beautiful birds and scenery. After the hike, we had a rest at the visitor center with a great view and...

Jeffrey Ke

Wonderful experience seeing tuatara on a wetland tour. Southern Enclosure surrounded by native trees, bush and birds soothes the soul.

Desley McFarlane

I loved going here. It's a little piece of calm. Staff are welcoming and helpful.

Carlos

Great experience and wonderful staff so friendly and helpful. The bush and birdlife are amazing, have to go back to do the wetland tour to see the tuatara.

Gary Chapman

Thank you. It was an informative and engaging day. Engaging the children with what you were doing conservation wise and the guides information on the track were excellent. Excellent knowledgeable staff, friendly and plenty of them to help guide the students (and teachers) around.

Fairfield Intermediate

Great walks and reserve in what is now pristine North Island forest. Jake's 90-minute guided tour of the Southern Enclosure was fantastic. A must for every tourist and NZ folk to see Kākā and Tīeke in the wild.

Peter Symington