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Visit us

Planning a visit to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari? We look forward to welcoming you!

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 walking tour or a nature walk and discover why this conservation project is so special. 

Explore the options below for more information on the experiences Maungatautari has to offer.

Explore our showcase

Explore Te Tūī a Tāne (Southern Enclosure) at your own pace. Call into the Manu Tīoriori visitor centre (99 Tari Road) to collect your Sanctuary Explorer Pass and Visitor Guide with the map. You can pre-purchase your  Sanctuary Explorer Pass. Plan your self-guided visit.

Keen to visit more regularly throughout the year? Consider purchasing an Annual Explorer Pass - these are great value for return visitors.

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Guided walking tours

Get the most out of your visit by joining one of our knowledgeable guides on a tour. Consider our Ancient Forest Guided Walk or for an introduction to the sanctuary, enjoy one of our shorter highlights tours to learn more about Maungatautari. Families will particularly enjoy a visit to the Tautari wetland to meet taonga species, tuatara and takahē. You might also enjoy an experience to support your wellbeing or explore the night forest. Learn more about our guided walks.

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Free walks & hikes

The northern enclosure is located at Hicks Road. There are minimal facilities, however the bush walks make a lovely day trip. The Wairere Traverse (Over The Mountain) Track takes approximately 5 hours to complete, north-to-south. This area is a public reserve and is completely open to the public to enjoy year round. Plan your trip with care

Group visits

We cater for all groups both local and international and are keen to help you plan your visit, whether with one of our exceptional guides or educators, or as a self-guided group. We also offer health and wellbeing experiences designed for corporates and have a reputable conservation education programme. Get in contact to ensure a great experience for your group. Learn more about options for groups.

Some important information

What you need to know

Opening hours & access

Manu Tioriori visitor centre is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily (closed 25th December). Snacks and beverages are available only.

Entrance to the southern enclosure (Te Tui a Tāne) is available during Manu Tioriori opening hours.

The Tautari wetlands and tuatarium are only accessible to the public on a guided tour during Manu Tioriori opening hours.

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.

Environmental care code

Protect plants and animals.

Please do not feed the animals.

Carry out all of the rubbish you take in.

Keep to the tracks.

Enjoy your visit and toitū te whenua (leave the land undisturbed).

No dogs (please contact us if you have an assistance dog).

No bikes are permitted.

Biosecurity

Before you go through any of the double gates which protect the forest from pests, please:

Check - your gear for introduced pests such as rodents, skinks or insects.

Clean - your footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds.

Close - ensure your gear is zipped up and food is in a sealed container to avoid attracting rodents or insects.