Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is one of New Zealand’s largest mainland ecological restoration projects. Located near Hamilton, this sanctuary is a protected native forest enclosed by a 47 km-long pest-proof fence. It is home to many rare and endangered native species, including birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. Visiting the sanctuary offers a unique chance to experience New Zealand's original forest environment, which has been carefully restored and maintained.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is about 45 minutes’ drive from Hamilton City.
By Car: Drive south from Hamilton along State Highway 1 towards Cambridge or Te Awamutu, then follow signs to Maungatautari Road. From there, follow signs to the southern enclosure or visitor centre.
By Tour: Several guided nature tours and private operators from Hamilton offer day trips to the sanctuary with transport included.
By Public Transport: There is no direct public transport, so a rental car or tour package is the best option.
The weather in this area is similar to Hamilton, with a temperate climate. Summers (December to February) are warm and ideal for exploring, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C. Winters (June to August) are cooler, between 7°C and 14°C, and can be damp. Rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year, so it’s recommended to bring a waterproof jacket and wear proper walking shoes, especially during winter and spring months.
Opening Hours: The visitor centre is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Southern Enclosure walking tracks are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer (September to March) are great times to visit, when bird activity is high and the weather is pleasant for walking.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is famous for being a safe haven for New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. It’s surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences, which keeps out predators like rats, possums, and stoats. Because of this, rare species such as the kiwi, kaka (native parrot), takahe (a flightless bird), and tuatara (an ancient reptile) can thrive here.
This sanctuary is also special because it preserves the last remaining significant stand of native podocarp forest in the Waikato region. It’s an incredible opportunity to see what New Zealand’s forest looked like hundreds of years ago.
Entry Fees:
The idea for Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari began in the early 2000s when conservationists and the local community envisioned a space where native wildlife could live without the threat of introduced predators. Construction of the 47 km pest-proof fence was completed in 2006, enclosing over 3,400 hectares of forest.
The “architecture” of the sanctuary is ecological rather than structural. The fence is a marvel of conservation engineering — 1.8 meters tall and designed to stop climbing, burrowing, and jumping animals. Inside the fence, the forest has regenerated, and species once driven out are slowly being reintroduced. The sanctuary also respects Maori cultural values, as Maungatautari mountain is considered sacred (tapu) by local iwi (tribes).
1. Nature Walks: Several well-maintained walking tracks lead through the southern enclosure, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
2. Bird Watching: Spot native birds like bellbirds, tui, kererū, and the rare takahe in their natural habitat.
3. Guided Tours: Take a tour with expert guides who explain the unique ecology, conservation work, and native species.
4. Ancient Forest Experience: Explore centuries-old trees such as rimu, kahikatea, and totara.
5. Night Tours: Book a twilight tour to hear kiwi calls and see glowworms in the forest.
6. Visit the Canopy Tower: Climb the observation tower for treetop views of the forest.
Interesting Facts: