Discover Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Located just southeast of Cambridge, Maungatautari is a 797-metre-high volcanic mountain that formed 1.8 million years ago. Today, it is known as Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a haven for native wildlife. The mountain is encircled by a 47-kilometre predator-proof fence at approximately 400 metres above sea level, safeguarding 3,400 hectares of native forest. This sanctuary is a must-visit for those interested in New Zealand's unique ecosystems and conservation efforts.
A Conservation Success Story
Maungatautari was first designated as a reserve in 1912. In 2001, the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) was established by local community members, landowners, and iwi. Their mission is to eradicate pests and predators from the mountain, aiming to restore the ecosystem to its pre-human state. This ambitious project has made significant strides in preserving the area's natural biodiversity.
Exploring Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
You can access Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari from two main entry points: Maungatautari North entrance on the north side via Hicks Road, off Maungatautari Road, or the south side via Tari Road, off Arapuni Road. The visitor centre is located on the south side of the mountain. For a fee of $25 per adult, you can explore Te Tūī a Tāne, the premier section of the bird sanctuary. Open from 9 am to 4 pm, this area features several easy trails through the forest, complete with bird feeders.
Wildlife and Walking Trails
A highlight of visiting Sanctuary Mountain is observing kākā parrots from a treetop lookout. You may also encounter other rare native birds such as pītoitoi (robins), hīhī, tīeke, and kōkako. The separate Tautari wetland enclosure is home to the endangered tākahe.
For those interested in hiking, the Wairere Traverse offers free access and connects to Te Tonga Track. This tramping track leads to the mountain's highpoint, Pukeatua, in about 90 minutes. From there, you can either continue to the north side of the mountain or return via the Wairere Traverse for an easier descent.
Getting to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
To reach Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, head to the north entrance via Hicks Road, off Maungatautari Road, or the south entrance via Tari Road, off Arapuni Road. From Cambridge, the north side is a 19-minute, 18.2 km drive, and the south side is a 35-minute, 38 km drive.
In Cambridge, you can check out Lake Te Ko Utu and Soldiers Track. There is also Lake Karapiro, Arapuni, access to the Waikato River and Te Waihou Blue Springs.
