World famous in New Zealand

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Just a 30-minute drive south of Cambridge, this is the biggest pest-free sanctuary on Earth: 3400 hectares protected by a 47-kilometre fence.

Inside is a precious remnant of old-growth native bush covering the slopes of Maungatautari, a volcanic peak 797 metres high.

Even more special than the magnificent rimu, rata, pukatea and more, is the native wildlife that has been able to flourish in conditions close to those that existed before humans came to Aotearoa, bringing the first of a succession of efficient predators with them.

Why go?

Because the inspiring co-operation of local landowners, iwi and volunteers means the sanctuary is going from strength to strength.

Wildlife at home in the bush and wetlands include tuatara, skinks and geckos, bats, frogs and we¯ta¯, but the stars are the birds. As well as good numbers of the more usual suspects, you’ll hear, and if you’re sharp-eyed see, kaka, ko¯kako, stitchbird, saddleback, ka¯ka¯riki and takahe¯. The 16-metre viewing tower is a big help with this.

Of course, there are also kiwi. The sanctuary plays an important role in the national Kiwi Recovery Plan, and takes pride in its population of Western North Island brown kiwi.

Several times a year, health checks are carried out on these shy birds, and visitors can tag along as named individuals are tracked by radio and brought out – sometimes with a struggle. They are weighed and their transmitters replaced then, most special of all, visitors are given the chance to pose with and even stroke a kiwi.

We call ourselves Kiwis, but very few of us can claim to have laid a gentle hand on the real thing.

Insider tip

If you just want to experience the mountain and its bush by yourself, for no fee, you can hike the Over the Mountain Track. Check the sanctuary’s website for details.

On the way/nearby

Matamata’s Hobbiton is within reach, as is T¯ırau’s corrugated iron arty buildings, but spend some time in Cambridge, too. Labour Day brings its biannual Craft and Collectible Fair, and there’s always the Saturday Farmers’ Market. You can visit alpacas and black-nosed sheep, walk or cycle, and get on to the water, river or lake, in a variety of craft. Follow an art trail, go to the museum, or take your pick of the town’s restaurants and cafes.

How much?

Guided tours of 65-hectare Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari are from $33 a person, up to $270 for the three-hour, private night experience. The two-hour Kiwi Experience costs $150 each. As a charitable trust, all funds received support its work. Bookings are essential. You can explore by yourself for $22.

Best time to go

The kiwi health checks and night tours are special and limited so make an inquiry via email. The Visitor Centre is open seven days a week, 8.30am to 4pm. sanctuarymountain.co.nz.