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 Tūī a Tāne (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 rātā (loop) track, meditate, connect with the wonders of our ancient ngahere (forest). If you want to spot a takahē or a tuatara then come and join one of our guided tours in the Tautari wetlands and tuatarium.

All Experiences

All Experiences Guided Tours General Admission Night Tours Cultural Experiences Wellness Experiences Accommodation Groups & Corporates Education

Ancient Forest Guided Walk

Join one of our knowledgeable and engaging guides on gently graded walking tracks. They’ll help you spot species such as tomtits, kākā, tūī, bellbirds, hihi and tīeke.

FROM $65.00 per adult

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Tautari Wetland Highlights

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 $45.00 per adult

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Secrets of the Tautari Wetland

One of our knowledgeable guides will take you through to the wetlands to experience the incredible takahē and view the tuatarium in search of the well-camouflaged tuatara.

FROM $65.00 per adult

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Bring your ākonga along to see the maunga in a totally different light.

What do glowworms, wētā and batman have in common? Yes, you’re more likely to see them when it’s dark! We are now offering educational night walks.

FROM $30.00 per student

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 $30.00 per adult

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Rongoā rākau – an introduction to Māori herbal medicine

Join one of our knowledgeable and engaging local rongoā practitioners on a gentle walk in the ngahere.

FROM $65.00 per adult

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Sanctuary Mountain at Night

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 $335.00 per group

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Annual Explorer

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

FROM $100.00 per adult

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Your Sanctuary at Our Sanctuary

Yes, that's right, we have accommodation available. Stay for a couple of days in our two-bedroom AirBNB to fully immerse yourself in our wonderful sanctuary.

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Mirimiri Traditional Māori Massage

Enjoy a traditional Māori massage using natural oils. This deeply relaxing massage is designed to minimise stress levels and to re-energise.

FROM $60.00 30 minutes for 1 person

Bringing the sanctuary to the world in our virtual classroom!

Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari would love to bring conservation to your classroom through a virtual online learning session. It's the next best thing to a visit!

FROM $100.00 per session

Conservation Education Programme (NZ Schools and NZ Tertiary)

Come to the sanctuary and learn!

We plan our conservation education programme in collaboration with teachers to meet local curriculum needs.

FROM $11.00 per student

Kaihōpara Kid (Annual Flexi Explorer)

Take up this great value offer to visit the maunga again and again. Unlimited entry for a child with any accompanying adult FREE as long as it's the same child.

FROM $135.00 One child + any accompanying adult

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Nature of Work

Nature of Work is a one and a half or two day programme designed to enhance the wellbeing of employees and provide natural inspiration. We can help you take care of your people.

FROM $540.00

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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 $65.00 per person

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Forest Immersion

To be at your best for family, friends and workplace you need to take care of yourself. Take time away from the fast-paced world and immerse yourself in nature for the day.

$315.00 per group

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Kids Activities

Go on a treasure hunt, solve riddles and play bingo at Sanctuary Mountain...

FAQs

Interested in our Education Programme? Questions about lunch options? Find...

Location

The Manu Tīoriori visitor centre is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily...

What our visitors say

The team's knowledge of the sanctuary's work, the culture of the land, bringing in Maori myths about the birds, the way they interact with the children. Our kids where engaged the entire time - ages from 5-12yrs old. The programme was brilliant!

Kio Kio School

Sanctuary Mountain is meant for nature and bird lovers and those who wish to learn more about the native flora and fauna. The maintained trails provide an opportunity to see some unique biodiversity, including endangered species (when they come out of hiding). Our knowledgeable guide Sue...

Mike Cristello

Great walks and reserve in what is now pristine North Island forest. Jake's 90-minute guided tour of the Southern Enclosure was fantastic. A must for every tourist and NZ folk to see Kākā and Tīeke in the wild.

Peter Symington

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

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

Thank you. It was an informative and engaging day. Engaging the children with what you were doing conservation wise and the guides information on the track were excellent. Excellent knowledgeable staff, friendly and plenty of them to help guide the students (and teachers) around.

Fairfield Intermediate

Extremely organised, with clear communication. Tali and Sue were really engaging, working at an appropriate pace for the children. Lots of fun things to see and do. We also really appreciated having sanitizer and a tarpaulin already there for us. We really appreciated our day there and how well...

Horsham Downs School

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

A really great sanctuary, with some incredible birdlife. If you’re slow and quiet enough you may get a little show from the Piwakawaka.

Jack Howe

Wow wow wow ... I am ashamed to say this was my first visit here. Our company held a 'Bush Boardroom' Strategic Planning day with Nature and Nosh's lovely Kylie hosting us. The walk in transcended any expectation I may have held. The forestry was close to prehistoric and is...

Nikki Close