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Experience our Maunga

Stand still, breathe in the forest air and experience the life force of the maunga (mountain). Hear birdsong, feel the rustle of the wind through ancient trees and experience the energy of nature - it's all here, waiting for you.

Experience our Maunga

We have so much to show you! Step through the pest-proof gate into another world where Aotearoa/New Zealand's ancient ngahere (forest) towers majestically above well-maintained walking tracks.

In order to retain what makes us so special we limit the number of visitors to 300 per day and we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Stand still, breathe in the forest air and experience the life force of the maunga (mountain). Hear birdsong, feel the rustle of the wind through ancient trees and experience the energy of nature - it's all here, waiting for you. Come and explore Te Tui a Tane (Southern Enclosure) and enjoy a variety of hikes and bush walks around Aotearoa/New Zealand's largest pest proof fenced eco-sanctuary. Take a guided walking tour or explore by yourself by purchasing a day pass and get to truly appreciate what predator free New Zealand was like.

We have so many experiences that we want to share with you! Go on a treasure hunt, learn about herbal medicine, ramble the rata (loop) track, meditate, connect with the wonders of our ancient ngahere (forest). If you want to spot a takahe or a tuatara then come and join one of our guided tours in the Tautari wetlands and tuatarium.

A family sitting on a bench in the forest looking up into the canopy

Day Pass into the Sanctuary

Explore Te Tūī a Tāne (Southern Enclosure) at your own pace. Call into the Manu Tīoriori visitor centre (99 Tari Road) to collect your pass, guide and map.

From $34.00 per adult

The Tautari Wetland fringed with flax on a sunny day

Tautari Wetland Highlights Tour

Nestled in the valley below the visitor centre is the Tautari Wetland. This picturesque wetland habitat is a safe haven for two of our taonga species.

From $50.00 per adult

Aerial view of Maungatautari rising above green farmland

Annual Explorer Pass Membership

Enjoy access to Te Tūī a Tāne Southern Enclosure within Aotearoa New Zealand's largest fenced ecosanctuary for an entire year. See the changes across the seasons.

From $70.00 per adult

Visitors on the canopy tower looking out over the forest

Private Guided Tour

Join one of our knowledgeable and engaging guides on a private 45 minute to 4 hour guided tour tailored to your liking.

From $143.50 per person (45 min)

Visitors shining a torch up into a tree fern at night

Sanctuary Mountain at Night

4

Join us in exploring the magical night-time world of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari with our experienced guides leading you in search of nocturnal forest wonders.

From $369.50 per group of 1-4 people

A group of adults on a guided walk looking up into the forest canopy

Living Connections Team Experience

Take time away from work demands and immerse the team in nature. This well-being investment is essential for replenishing resources so your team can balance home and work demands.

From $105.00 per person

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What our visitors say

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

1 / 10

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

2 / 10

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. All of the parents who attended raved about the whole day.

Ohaupo School

3 / 10

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

4 / 10

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. Many photos were taken and I'm sure...

Nicola Greenwell

5 / 10

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

6 / 10

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

7 / 10

A beautiful and peaceful place.

Tony Nicholls

8 / 10

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

9 / 10

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)

10 / 10
 

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