Northern Enclosure, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Welcome to Northern Enclosure, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari! Located at Hicks Road in Maungatautari, New Zealand, our institution is an establishment, park, point of interest, and zoo all in one. We are dedicated to preserving and protecting the native species living within our sanctuary.

To access the northern enclosure, park your vehicle in front of Maungatautari marae at the base of the mountain. Please follow the signs and refrain from parking on private property near the entrance. As the entrance is surrounded by private farmland, we kindly ask that you stick to the available track and stay on the designated path. The path to the northern enclosure is approximately 1.5km long and includes some steep areas.

To ensure the safety of our native species, dogs are not allowed in the sanctuary at any time. We appreciate your understanding in helping us maintain a protected environment for our wildlife.

For your convenience, there are outdoor (long-drop) toilets available near the northern enclosure. Please note that these toilets are not maintained daily. Additionally, the loop track within the northern enclosure is approximately 1.5km long and takes around 35 minutes to complete. It's a great option for a day trip in Waipā.

If you're up for a longer hike, the Maungatautari Mountain track (Te Raki track and Te Tonga track) offers a historic route to Pukeatua Peak. This track spans from Hicks Road on the northern side to Pukeatua on the south. It is recommended to allocate 5-6 hours for this hike, as you'll be treated to stunning views of the forest and lush Waikato landscape from the two southern peaks.

Please note that the 'Over the Mountain' track is not suitable for children under 12 years old. It is meant for experienced hikers and adventurous walkers with a good level of fitness. This track can be steep and becomes very muddy and slippery in wet weather. Independent walkers are welcome to embark on this challenging journey.

On the northern side of the mountain (Hicks Road), there are no toilet facilities available. However, bioloo composting toilet facilities can be found on the southern side (Tari Road, Pukeatua).

During your visit, be sure to check out our Visitor Centre, Manu Tioriori. It offers limited snacks, cold drinks, tea, coffee, and a small selection of ice creams for purchase between 9am and 4:00pm. Please remember to check the weather before starting your tramp.

If you plan to explore the Wairere Traverse on your way up to the Saddle, please exercise caution as it can be slippery in certain areas. Additionally, be aware that there may be heavy machinery operating as we upgrade the track.

Ultra-marathon runners might be interested in warming up on the Wairere Traverse Over the Mountain Track, a gravel all-weather track that spans the entire Maungatautari.

Please note that there is no visitors centre on the northern side of Maungatautari. You will need to return over the mountain to retrieve your vehicle.

Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily (closed on December 25th). Snacks and beverages are available for purchase during these hours. The entrance to the southern enclosure, Te Tui a Tāne, is accessible during Manu Tioriori opening hours. The Tautari wetlands and tuatarium can only be accessed through guided tours during these hours as well.

While the Wairere Traverse (Over the Mountain track) is accessible at any time of the day, we strongly advise against visiting after dark for the safety of the public and our flora and fauna.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Northern Enclosure, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and remember to leave the land undisturbed. Before you leave, please check your gear for any introduced pests, clean your footwear and gear to remove soil and seeds, and ensure that your gear is properly sealed to avoid attracting rodents or insects.