Will this be your first time visiting? Naumai, haere mai!

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 or consider purchasing an annual pass (great value for return visitors). When purchasing online prior to your visit you recieve a discounted rate.

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We recommend taking in the Rātā track from the entrance to the tower (800m). This will take approximately one hour to return. Alternatively, walk up to the tower and clearing area (30mins) and then decide which tracks you'd like to continue exploring from there. There are 5km of wide, metalled walking tracks that loop together throughout Te Tūī a Tāne, the southern enclosure.

Rātā track

Continue exploring the Rātā track - 2.2km. Allow 1 and a half hours. Medium fitness. If you only have time for one walk, we suggest this one. Head up to the 16m observation tower to experience the forest canopy and spend time in the clearing where kākā might visit.

Maungatautari Pūrākau
The Maungatautari Pūrākau self-guided audio tour shares cultural stories about Maungatautari from the perspective of mana whenua – Ngāti Koroki-Kahukura. Listen to five wonderful stories along the Rātā track using the Arataki Cultural Trails app.

Rātā track loop

From there, continue on the Rātā track loop – experience a more open forest with wider tracks, suitable for families and groups. Visit the kōura pond. How many can you spot? Are any kōkopu swimming underneath the overhanging vegetation today?

Wharepaku (toilet)
There is one toilet located on the Rātā track loop, just down from the crossroads junction with the Rimu track, near the event centre.

Nīkau track

Return from the tower, via the Nīkau Track - 700m. Allow 20-30 minutes. Medium fitness. There are a couple of slightly steeper sections along this track.  New Zealand's only native palm, the Nīkau abounds on this scenic track.

Rimu track

Explore the Rimu track - 2km. Allow 1 hr. Medium fitness.

This track takes you alongside a stream into the tranquil interior of the enclosure. This track is recommended for bird sightings amongst some of the most magnificent native trees. Listen for the wingbeat of Kererū, the constant chatter of Pōpokotea (Whiteheads) in the treetops and the unmistakable voice of the Tīeke (North Island Saddleback).

Special features

• Directional signs and maps are located at track junctions
• Interpretation panels and plant identification signs are located along the tracks
• 16m observation tower to experience the forest canopy
• Seats are placed around the enclosure to rest or quietly observe and take in your surroundings.

Keep the kids engaged

Te Tūī a Tāne Treasure Hunt
This activity sheet takes you on a multi-choice adventure from the Manu Tioriori visitor centre to the Tower within Te Tūī a Tāne (the southern enclosure) – our showcase site! The answer to each multi choice question can be found along the Rātā track trail on the interpretation boards with the matching title. There are numbers on the map to help you find each sign along the way.

Rātā Ramble
This activity booklet encourages you to continue to explore the full Rātā (loop) track. Beginning at the magnificent Northern rātā opposite the tower, continue on your journey around the rātā track and try the numbered activities represented on the map as you go. 

Bush Bingo
Play ‘Bush Bingo’ – a fun and creative way to engage with the younger members of your family and connect with the wonders of the ngahere as you explore the tracks of Te Tūī a Tāne (southern enclosure) together.