Fungaling in the Forest
Discover the hidden world of fungi this autumn on a guided 2‑hour walk through Maungatautari’s ancient forest. Learn how to spot and identify fascinating fungi while slowing down and exploring one of the region’s richest seasonal habitats.
Step into the magic of autumn at Maungatautari and discover a hidden world beneath the trees.
Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a relaxed 2 hour walk through stunning old-growth forest, where fascinating fungi thrive on the forest floor and along fallen logs. You’ll learn about the main groups of fungi you’re likely to encounter, how to recognise their key features, and the tools that make identification easier — from handy field guides to useful apps.
This experience is perfect for the curious at heart. Slow down, look closely, and deepen your appreciation for our remarkable fungal friends in one of the richest autumn fungi habitats in the region.
Spaces for this unique experience are limited — come and see what’s waiting under the canopy.
Tour Details
Duration: 120 minutes
Group size: Small groups for a personal experience
Location: Te Tūī ā Tāne - Southern Enclosure
Check-in: Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour at the Manu Tīoriori Visitor Centre (99 Tari Road, Pukeatua). Here you’ll collect your Sanctuary Explorer Day Pass, visitor guide map, and meet your guide.
After the tour, feel free to explore more tracks, enjoy a Barista coffee or an ice cream at the Visitor Centre, or bring your own snacks to relax and reflect on the beauty of the forest.
Your tour includes a complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Day Pass, giving you the freedom to keep exploring after your guided walk. Discover more tracks, relax in the forest, and make the most of your visit.
120 minutes (approx.)
Complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Day Pass included
Standard booking terms and conditions apply
Thank you! Every booking supports our vital conservation work, helping protect rare and endangered species on the maunga.
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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