In 2024 we connected with over 4700 students through our Conservation Education Programme. This ranged from preschoolers to university students. Groups travelled varying distances, ranging from walking up the hill from Pukeatua, visiting us on the way to camp from Auckland or incorporating us on their international visit from Japan, America, Canada or Australia.
School groups typically start their visit with a hands-on and interactive session in the Manu Korokii Profile Group Education Centre. Smaller groups will then venture into the ngahere to explore Te Tūī a Tāne, the Southern Enclosure.
Here students have the opportunity to be immersed in our ancient native forest, to smell the earthy air, hear the sounds of the wind in the trees and see the taonga species that have been reintroduced. They will experience the life force that the sanctuary creates and interact with nature that is hundreds of years old.
There is the potential to see the impressive reds and oranges that adorn the wings of kākā as they swoop past. Or maybe a friendly pītoitoi (North Island robin) will come and search for insects near their feet. They can climb the 16m tall tower to get a unique view from the forest canopy.
The Tautari Wetland offers a chance of seeing the rare (and often elusive) takahē and tuatara, a potential once in a lifetime experience for students and adults alike.
Each school group that visits us takes away some delicious fruit sticks or oaty slices from our partner Mother Earth. Sometimes groups who have had an extra long walk finish these off before even getting back on the bus! Others take them back to school to eat at their leisure.
We also offer night walks for those school groups wanting to experience the maunga after dark (and who are comfortable with spiders and cave wētā). In these cases the Mother Earth treats make a great snack when we get to the top of the tower to do some star gazing.
We are extremely proud of our Education Programme. But don't take our word for it. Check out what some teachers who have visited us recently have said:
“Incredible opportunity for the students to get out and have a look and the quality of the information provided to them was exceptional.”
“I just feel that each year it keeps getting better and better.”
“The excitement, passion and knowledge from the educators was great.”
“Seeing the tuatara and takahe was incredible for all. We're really grateful for the experience.”
“I personally feel that every school student in the Waikato should be coming through Maungatautari. Such an incredible place.”
“Kids were discussing the visit with family members well after their return home. Most kids were excited about revisiting with their families.”
If you'd like to find out more about the Education Programme at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari or would like to start planning a class visit you can get in touch by emailing education@maungatrust.org.
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