Private Guided Tour 24/25

Join one of our knowledgeable and engaging guides on easy, gently graded walking tracks. They’ll help you spot North Island robins, tomtits, kākā, tūī, bellbirds, hihi, tīeke, fantails, kererū and wētā. They’ll introduce you to some of our local plants and trees and share stories about the history of this ambitious conservation project.

You’ll learn about the translocation programs that recently introduced kōkako and rifleman to a forest where they can thrive. Sanctuary Mountain® is now home to an estimated population of over 1000 kiwi.

This leisurely paced tour takes place in striking pest-free native forest dominated by towering tawa, rewarewa, pukatea, rimu and a wide variety of characteristic ferns. You will stand at the foot of a mature northern rata in the heart of the sanctuary and see the coalesced mass of roots that form the trunks of these magnificent trees. 

You’ll listen to the birdsong, take in the majesty of our indigenous forest and try to spot the numerous bird species that call the maunga their home. Spend time in the clearing where cheeky New Zealand forest parrots - the kākā - like to hang out then take an optional walk up the viewing tower for a unique perspective of the forest canopy from above.

By booking on this tour your contribution helps Sanctuary Mountain® continue to protect the rare and endangered species that live wild on Maungatautari. 

Please check in at least 10 minutes prior to your tour at Manu Tīoriori visitor centre.

• This a 50 - 90 minute private guided tour can be combined to include a visit to our Tautari wetlands where our taonga tuatara and takahē species reside.
• This private guided tour requires a minimum of two participants to go ahead.

Standard booking terms and conditions apply. If you need to reschedule please let us know as soon as you can.