Our HistoryFrom the dawn of time, to the first arrival of humans and onwards to this current day, Maungatautari has endured.
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 aspiration of a community.
Our WildlifeBird sanctuary for endangered species, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is home to kiwi & takahe.
Our FloraFilled 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, its history and its 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? Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
WHAT OUR VISITORS SAY
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Because one THANK YOU is not enough! We felt very honoured and privileged to witness the health check and transfer process of two kiwi yesterday. To be so close to our iconic bird was very surreal for many of our team.
- Nicola Greenwell
I'm honestly still smiling after my afternoon on the maunga yesterday, so I had to write and thank you SO MUCH. The team is doing extraordinary work with the whole sanctuary, and to see the kiwi team, volunteers, dogs, it was absolutely amazing. It was very moving to see the kiwi close up...
- Katy Scoullar
I've hiked many, many forests around New Zealand, but this one hits differently. You just know you're in as native of an NZ forest as it can get, thanks to the predator-proof fence that takes a lot of work and money to maintain. The forest is alive with the beautiful songs of many...
- Meggie Tran
A beautiful and peaceful place.
- Tony Nicholls
My wife and I live in Miami and visited Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari during a trip to New Zealand a month ago. Our guide was Jenny. We were very impressed with her sincerity as well as your organization and the success of your work.
- Anonymous, Miami, USA
If you want to see New Zealand's nocturnal animals, go here. Of course, there are day tours as well as night tours. I went on a night tour and it was great. I was happy to see glow worms, go up to the observatory, and see many stars in the night sky! This is not a zoo, but a conservation...
- HyoJin Yang (YY)
