Sanctuary Mountain Secrets of the Wetland Guided Tour

Highlights

• Discover the secrets of the Tautari Wetland and learn why wetlands need to be restored
• Take in the majesty of an indigenous forest
• Explore the sanctuary further with an Explorer Pass included

Discover the secrets of the Tautari Wetland and learn why wetlands need to be restored. During this guided tour you’ll hear the story of the people behind the wetland; the family who gifted the land to the Trust as you walk along the inside of the boundary fence line.

What's Included?

• Guided tour
• Professional guide
• Explorer pass access to the sanctuary before and after your tour

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a mainland ecological island. Surrounded by the world’s longest multi-species predator-proof fence, this ancient forest offers a sanctuary for populations of many of the most endangered species – from birds to bats, frogs to reptiles, tuatara to giant weta.

Discover the secrets of the Tautari Wetland and learn why wetlands need to be restored. You’ll hear the story of the people behind the wetland; the family who gifted the land to the Trust. Walk along the inside of the multi-species predator-proof fence and find out how the wetland is kept pest-free.

Explore the Tuatarium with your guide for an insight into the fascinating world of tuatara - their history, life cycle and unique physical characteristics and hear about?how they came to be at Sanctuary Mountain. The wetland is also home to a breeding pair of flightless takahe. A species once thought to be lost forever, the takahe made history when they were rediscovered 1948. Encountering a takahe for the first time can transport you to a pre-historic world!

You will also have access to explore the sanctuary further at your own pace with an Explorer Pass as a part of your ticket cost.

Please note: Viewing of takahe may be restricted during their breeding season.

Session Length

• Please allow 90 minutes for this tour
• Open from 8.30am to 4pm daily
• Closed on Christmas Day