Welcome to our Maunga

Surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences, we are New Zealand's largest fenced eco-sanctuary. Our ancient forest is home to many of New Zealand's unique and endangered wildlife. Come and experience the mauri (life force) of our mountain.

Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari is easily accessible to the public. Come and experience for yourself the New Zealand environment the way it used to be – an ancient, vibrant forest alive with native wildlife including many of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered wild life. 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 tour or nature walk and learn about why this conservation project is so special.

Tickets are available NOW!

Join us for a decadent evening of food, conservation and art on Wednesday 5th June, 6pm-11pm

One of the largest ever kiwi translocation seasons is underway

New Zealand's biggest movement of North Island brown kiwi is underway, and we couldn't be prouder! This year we are aiming to have around 300 kiwi move to other conservation projects around the North Island. This is a world first in terms of scale and complexity. Working alongside Save the Kiwi, iwi and recipient sites we are paving the way for the future of the species.

We are hoping to offer some kiwi encounter experiences, stay tuned whilst we hatch the plan!

To learn more about what we have been up to, read the most recent news articles here:

Balloons over Waikato who? 19 kiwi take to Hamilton skies

Kiwi road trip: How to drive with the national bird in the back seat

Read our latest news!

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - Helping kiwi thrive, since 2005!

Kids go FREE into the Southern Enclosure for the school holidays. Ts & Cs apply.

Kids go FREE! Book Now!

Just one hour from

Hobbiton Movie Sets in Matamata
Waitomo Caves
Hamilton Gardens

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Book a tour

To get the best experience book a guided tour. Guides will give you a...

FAQs

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Mauri of the Maunga Gala Dinner & Art Auction

Tickets on sale now!

Join us for a decadent evening of conservation and art.

What our visitors say

Sanctuary Mountain has a beautiful array of native New Zealand birds. The tracks are well signposted and easy to navigate I would highly recommend for any nature or bird lover or photographer.

Lydia Gillies, Auckland, New Zealand

My wife and I live in Miami and visited Sanctuary Mountain during a trip to New Zealand a month ago. Our guide was Jenny Collins. We were very impressed with her sincerity as well as your organization and the success of your work.

Anonymous, Miami, USA

Thank you so much for putting in tremendous effort to reserve this beautiful forest and native animals! As a tourist, I had the most wonderful memory with our guide - Kate. She has taught us so much!

Javier