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. Viewing of species has seasonal variation. Complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Day Pass included.
Discover Unique New Zealand Wildlife
Join one of our knowledgeable guides as they lead you through the tuatarium in search of the well-camouflaged tuatara, often seen basking near the entrances to their burrows. Tuatara are the sole surviving members of an ancient group of reptiles found only in New Zealand. You may also encounter the endearing and extremely rare takahē, and perhaps even witness a supplementary feeding. This large, flightless bird played a pivotal role in shaping modern conservation techniques in New Zealand. This special tour offers a wonderful opportunity to observe these remarkable species in their natural environment - a memorable experience for all ages.
By booking this tour, your contribution helps Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari continue its vital work protecting rare and endangered species that thrive in the Tautari Wetland.
Seasonal Availability
Tuatara viewing: Dependent on seasonal temperatures. During the colder winter months (June–August), tuatara prefer to stay tucked inside their burrows.
Takahē viewing: May be limited during their breeding season (October–January).
Please note that due to seasonal changes and natural behaviour, sightings of both species cannot be guaranteed as described above.
For the latest tour schedule and to check which species are most likely to be seen during your visit, please call our Visitor Centre team on 07 870 5180.
A complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Day Pass is included and we invite you to explore the forest at the end of the tour.
50 Minutes (approx.). Please allow 10-15 minutes to walk to and from the wetland enclosure.
Complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Day Pass included
Please check in at least 10 minutes prior to your tour at the Manu Tīoriori visitor centre (99 Tari Road, Pukeatua).
Standard booking terms and conditions apply
Please note this tour has seasonal availability:
Viewing of tuatara is reliant on seasonal temperature variations and, like us, they prefer to be tucked up inside their burrows during the winter months of June-August.
Viewing of takahē may be restricted during their breeding season October-January. Tours currently restricted to Tuatara only whilst it is the takahē breeding season.
This highlight tour is seasonally available in response to the needs of our endangered wildlife.
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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