Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Waikato
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a protected natural area located in the Waikato Region of New Zealand, encompassing 3,400 hectares of forest on the volcanic mountain Maungatautari. This sanctuary is surrounded by a 47 km pest-exclusion fence, creating an ecological island that allows native ecosystems to recover by minimizing the impact of introduced mammals and invasive species. The area boasts a diverse terrain and relatively intact natural habitats, making it ideal for ecological restoration. Notably, the discovery of 100 silver beech trees, a species previously thought absent from the site, highlights the sanctuary's unique biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to endangered species such as the Hochstetter's frog, and evidence suggests the survival of the rare Duvaucel's gecko on the mainland for the first time in nearly a century. The Trust managing the sanctuary has reintroduced native birds like the North Island brown kiwi and kōkako, and continues efforts to establish populations of other native species such as kākāriki, tuatara, and kākā. The sanctuary also includes wetland areas like the Tautari Wetland, dedicated to supporting species like the takahē. Through innovative pest control methods including extensive fencing, poison drops, trapping, and hunting, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has successfully eradicated or controlled numerous pest species, enabling the regeneration of native flora and fauna in this significant conservation project.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari's official website for opening hours and guided tour availability. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when wildlife is more active. Booking tours or visits in advance is recommended to ensure access, and concessions or discounts may be available for groups, students, or seniors. Visitors should prepare for walking on uneven terrain and bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
Interesting facts
- •The sanctuary covers 3,400 hectares of protected forest on a volcanic mountain.
- •A 47 km pest-exclusion fence creates a large ecological island to protect native species.
- •The discovery of 100 silver beech trees surprised botanists as they were not previously known to exist there.
- •Endangered Hochstetter's frogs were found living naturally within the sanctuary in 2004.
- •A Duvaucel's gecko was sighted for the first time on mainland New Zealand in nearly 100 years within the sanctuary.
- •The sanctuary successfully eradicated numerous invasive mammals including rats, stoats, ferrets, and possums through combined pest control methods.
History
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari was established as an ecological restoration project in the early 2000s to protect and restore native biodiversity.
In 2003, initial exclosures covering 1.1 square kilometres were constructed to test pest control methods.
The main 47 km pest-exclusion fence enclosing 34 square kilometres was completed by 2006, marking a major milestone in creating a predator-free environment.
Following this, a series of pest eradication efforts were undertaken, including poison drops and trapping, successfully removing most invasive species by 2007.
The sanctuary has since become a pioneering model for ecological restoration and species reintroduction in New Zealand.
Place Guide
Pest-Exclusion Fence2006
A 47 km long fence enclosing the sanctuary to exclude invasive mammals, creating a safe ecological island for native flora and fauna to thrive.
Tautari Wetland2005
A 3 hectare wetland area gifted to the Trust to support wetland birds such as the takahē, featuring a specially designed Tuatarium for future conservation efforts.
Native Species Reintroduction Areas2000s
Designated zones where native birds like North Island brown kiwi, kōkako, kākāriki, and reptiles such as tuatara are being reintroduced and monitored to restore the original ecosystem.
Contact
Phone: 07 870 5180