Explore the world's largest fenced eco-sanctuary at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Our ancient forest is home to over 730 native species including some of New Zealand's most unique and endangered wildlife such as kiwi and kākāpō. Come and experience the mauri (life force) of our mountain.
Experience for yourself the New Zealand environment the way it used to be - an ancient, vibrant forest alive with native wildlife including many of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered species. Step through the pest-proof gate into another world where ancient New Zealand forest towers majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Enjoy a variety of hikes and bush walks around our eco-sanctuary, take a guided eco or cultural tour or nature walk and learn about why this place is so special. Located in the heart of the mighty Waikato between Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is easily accessible from Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Rotorua.
Visitor Experiences
Check out the range of experiences on offer as part of your visit - from sanctuary entry passes and day or night-time guided tours to interactive cultural offerings and accommodation options.
New Cultural Tour - The Moa Hunter
Join the Moa Hunter for an immersive cultural journey through the ancient ngahere (forest). Led by a mana whenua guide, explore Maori bush lore, discover traditional survival skills, and connect with the natural world through all your senses.
Nature Credits Launched
A New Era in Biodiversity Funding
After four years of development, Ekos and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari have launched Nature Credits under their BioCredita Programme - a pioneering biodiversity credit system that funds real, verified conservation outcomes. These credits support completed work, are independently audited, and offer a transparent, tax-deductible way for organisations to invest in nature.
Kākāpō Are Booming!
For the first time in over 100 years, the deep, resonant booming of the critically endangered kākāpō has been heard on the mainland North Island at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari! This historic milestone marks a sign of hope for the species and for their conservation. This summer season, 11-year-old Taeatanga led the way, beginning his booming in December. He was soon joined by 6-year-old Tautahi. While visitors are unlikely to see these nocturnal, masters of camouflage, visitors can still experience the magic of Maungatautari: explore ancient forests, encounter native wildlife, and witness conservation in action.
Photo credit: Aotearoa Science Agency
H5 Bird Flu Update
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is open for all visitors. Find out what Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is doing in response to H5 Bird Flu and the simple steps you can take to help.
Just one hour from
Hobbiton Movie Sets in Matamata
Waitomo Caves
Hamilton Gardens
30 minutes from Cambridge
We were a group of 8, Sue was our guide. Would so recommend having Sue to guide. We would not have noticed or learnt anything by ourselves, noticed birds and plants with understanding the importance of sanctuary. Will be bringing the grandies next.
Helen Bingham
I wanted to email you and tell you how literally amazing our day was and that we were absolutely blown away by the whole experience. You and your team are fantastic [Phil and the educators]. All of the parents who attended raved about the whole day.
Ohaupo School
The team are still absolutely buzzing about their time at Maungatautari! We all learnt SO much - about Rongoa, about the forest and how different plants can heal our ailments - but also how the forest as a whole can heal our inner-selves too. Everybody took something of great value...
Huka Honey Hive, Taupo
A truly spectacular day for me thank you, and trust me I've done some really cool things before but this was right up there. The passion, the pride, the service beyond self and the truly intergenerational and transformational work you and the team have done and are doing is inspirational...
Simon
