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Description
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is one of the best places on mainland New Zealand to see Stitchbird and North Island Saddleback. These birds were nearly wiped out by introduced predators and now only exist on pest-free off shore islands or in predator-fenced sanctuaries. With introduced pest species removed, all native flora and fauna can flourish. Re-introductions of North Island Brown Kiwi, New Zealand Kaka, North Island Kokako, South Island Takahe and Rifleman have also been made.
The southern enclosure contains the most species (with walks at night to look for kiwi) and you will always hear plenty of birdsong. The bush is quite dark and in some places dense so photography can be challenging. The Takahe are in a separate wetland enclosure and are generally obliging for photos.
There is a less visited northern enclosure and there is general access to the entire fenced area via an over the mountain track but this is rugged bush requiring good footwear and appropriate clothing as conditions can change rapidly (it is a mountain after all!)
The visitor centre is located between the southern enclosure and the wetland enclosure and is open 7 days - staff and volunteers are always on hand and very friendly and informative. Guided walks in the southern enclosure and wetland are available (best to book in advance).
The southern enclosure has plenty of information as you walk around the trails and has loops ranging from about 1-2 hours walking. There is also a 16m observation tower adjacent to one of the tracks, interactions with wild kaka around and even on the tower are not uncommon.
Kakapo have recently been released onto the mountain but are not avaiable for viewing. However, there is a lot of information about this species at the visitor centre and you will be closer than most people have ever beeen to a Kakapo!
Details
Access
From SH1 at Putaruru head west on the Arapuni Road which will take you to the small settlement of Pukeatua (about 30 minutes), the Sanctuary is on the northern edge (signed north onto Tari Road). There is ample free visitor parking. There is no cafe but the visitor centre sells hot drinks, cookies and ice-creams (as well as some awesome books, rongoa and native merchandise).
Northern enclosure (accessed separately off Maungatautari Road) and Over the Mountain access is free. There is a charge for the Southern Enclosure access and any guided walks. Proceeds go towards conserving the flora, fauna and fungi in the Sanctuary and maintaining the fence
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , WetlandConditions
HillyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring , AutumnRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The trail zig-zags down to the Southern enclosure entrance and then up to the main joining point for the tracks within. The gradient is such that prams and young or elderly will cope.