Kiwi Experience

Discover the magic of New Zealand's national icon with our new Kiwi Experience Tour at Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari. Every year we undertake the country's largest kiwi translocation project, helping to establish and grow populations of North Island Brown Kiwi across the North Island and now for the first time our visitors are able to see this world-leading programme in action. 

On this interactive 1.5-hour tour, you'll learn about our 3,400-hectare sanctuary, and hear about our kiwi conservation efforts, and witness a kiwi health check (approx. 10-15 minutes), offering the rare opportunity to see a kiwi up-close and take photos. 

Come and be guided through the ancient forest in Te Tūī a Tāne, our southern enclosure. Enjoy walking in a forest like no other, surrounded by the majesty of our native forest trees and listening to our native birdsong. Witness first-hand the work of our teams of trained staff and volunteers as they carry out their kiwi translocation mahi. See our national icon, a precious kiwi, up close during a health check in preparation for their journey to a new home. A truly immersive experience, you will carry this special memory with you forever. 

The observation of the kiwi health check happens within our southern enclosure forest. It is a 30-minute walk involving both uphill and downhill walking at a moderate pace on gravel tracks in order to reach the site where the kiwi and accredited kiwi handlers will be. A moderate level of fitness is needed to participate safely.

Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari and Ngāti Koroki Kahukura are working in partnership with Save the Kiwi to translocate kiwi from the source population on the maunga, protected by our 47km Xcluder® pest-proof fence, and our pest management programmes. Maungatautari has become the stronghold for the western region North Island brown kiwi. The thriving kiwi population on Maungatautari now stands at an estimated 3000 birds, which allows the transfer of up to 300 birds from Maungatautari to other pest-controlled sites annually, regularly boosting wild populations of this national icon in the wild.

All proceeds from this tour go directly towards our kiwi programme. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of kiwi
conservation and help us invest in the future of New Zealand's unique biodiversity. 

Limited seasonal availability. A moderate level of fitness is required to walk the tracks to where the kiwi will be. Special terms and conditions apply:

- Only suitable for ages 5 and above.

- Children up to 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. 

- Must be able to walk for 30-minutes on gravel, well-graded tracks (both uphill and downhill sections) to reach the kiwi health area.

- Bookings need to be made at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Sanctuary Mountain reserves the right to cancel or postpone a Kiwi Experience as a result of health & safety concerns, inclement weather conditions, or unforeseen event or circumstance.

The welfare of the kiwi is our priority at all times. Kiwi will be handled by our accredited kiwi handler(s) only and Kiwi Experience participants must follow the instructions of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari staff at all times.  

By booking space/s on a Kiwi Experience you are agreeing to abide by these terms and conditions.