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There are many ways you can experience our sanctuary, from day time tours of either an ancient forest with its meandering pathways or take a guided tour and explore the secrets of the Tautari wetland with the endangered species the takahe and tuatara, through to a dusk to dark experience where you may have the opportunity to listen for kiwi calling and marvel at a curtain of glow worms lit up under a night sky.

As a charitable trust every cent we make goes straight back into the maintenance of the facilities and the conservation work. By visiting us you are directly helping to restore, protect and sustain a New Zealand eco-system and all of its inhabitants.

As we are a mountain environment please ensure you have adequate warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. We have refreshments available for purchase at the visitor centre located near the southern enclosure, Tari Road, Pukeatua.

Some important information

For more information, view out FAQ’s page or contact us

Opening hours of Sanctuary Mountain:

Open from 9.00am to 4:00pm daily.

Closed 25th December

The Southern Enclosure (Te Tui a Taane) is only accessible during Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre opening hours (see above).

The Tautari wetlands and Tuatarium is only accessible on a guided tour (gates are locked) during Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre opening hours (see above) or by prior arrangement. Contact us for more information.

Wairere Traverse (Over the Mountain track) – is accessible at any time of the day however for safety of the public and of our flora and fauna we do not recommend visiting after dark. You will need to return to Tari Road as accessing the northern enclosure from Hicks Road is not possible at this time.

The northern enclosure located at Hicks Road is NOT able to be accessed by public. There are access issues between the private landowners and Waipa District Council.

Until the issues are resolved, Council advise all visitors to use the Tari Road entrance. If you are using Wairere Traverse you will need to return to Tari Road for access off the Mountain.

Council is disappointed at this situation and is working hard to restore public access as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

For enquiries, please contact the Council at 0800 924 723.

Admission fees

We charge a facilities fee for entry to the Southern Enclosure (Te Tui a Tane). No fee is charged for entry to the land owned by the Maungatautari 4G IV block, where no entry to the Reserve is intended. The fee helps us maintain facilities in and around the Southern Enclosure including the visitor centre, viewing tower, tracks, toilets and signage, as well as supporting our conservation work.

Standard Rates for access to Southern Enclosure:

Adult 17 yrs and over: $25.00
Child 5 - 16 yrs: $12.00
Senior / student with ID: $20.00 (A valid NZ SuperGold card, NZ student ID or Community Services Card is required)
Family: 2 adults and up to 3 children 5-16 yrs: $56.00
Additional child: $12.00

Ask us about our locals rates for Waikato residents.