A field trip to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
❤️ This a special event for our current, active volunteers. ❤️
Limited spots available, RSVP required through form below.
Come and experience for yourself the New Zealand environment the way it used to be – an ancient, vibrant forest alive with native wildlife including many of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered wildlife. Step through the pest-proof gate into another world where ancient New Zealand forest towers majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong.
There are a variety of hikes and bush walks around this eco-sanctuary, and on Wednesday 15 May, we will have the opportunity to partake in the Ancient Forest Guided Walk and learn about why this conservation project is so special.
We’ll join one of their knowledgeable and engaging guides on gently graded walking tracks. They’ll help us spot North Island robins, tomtits, kākā, tūī, bellbirds, hihi, tieke, fantails, kererū and wētā. They’ll introduce us to some of their local plants and trees and share stories about the history of this ambitious conservation project.
We’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 2500 kiwi.
This leisurely paced walk takes place in striking pest-free native forest dominated by towering tawa, rewarewa, pukatea, rimu and a wide variety of characteristic ferns. We 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.
We’ll listen to the birdsong, take in the majesty of this 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.
More about the Ancient Forest Guided Walk
This opportunity is possible thanks to the Community and Volunteering Capability Fund and support from Maungatautiri Sanctuary Mountain. Ngā mihi nui!