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Outdoor adventurers heading to one of the Waikato’s premier day hikes now have a new way to explore the ancient forest of Maungatautari, with Sanctuary Mountain launching a weekend shuttle service from Saturday, October 25.
The new service connects the southern Tari Road visitor car park with the northern Hicks Road trailhead, making it easier for trampers and trail runners to traverse the maunga without arranging multiple vehicles.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari chief executive Helen Hughes says the initiative responds directly to growing visitor demand.
“This new shuttle service was totally demand-driven,” says Helen. “We were getting more and more enquiries from individuals and groups wanting to traverse the maunga and asking about shuttle options, so it just made sense.”
Operating on Saturdays and Sundays with departures at 7.30am and 9am, the 30-minute shuttle opens the world’s largest pest-proof fenced eco-sanctuary to more trampers and runners.
Helen says the two tracks that traverse the mountain cater to different experience levels and preferences.
“The Wairere Traverse is a well-formed, all-weather gravel track taking around five to six hours to complete one way, while the Over The Mountain track is a more advanced route that takes in both Maungatautari and Pukeatua peaks and takes approximately six to eight hours,” she says.
“We’re excited to offer this new service and welcome the wider outdoor adventure community to explore the maunga.”
The shuttle removes a significant logistical barrier for small groups, who previously had to organise complex car shuttles to complete the crossing. Tickets cost $20 per person as an introductory offer.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari covers 3400 hectares and is enclosed by 47 kilometres of pest-proof fencing, home to more than 730 native species including tīeke, kākā and kōkako.
“There’s something truly special about walking through this ancient forest and hearing these species thriving again,” says Helen. “There is nowhere else as accessible on mainland New Zealand where you can experience this type of birdsong.”
Located 50 minutes from Hamilton and 30 minutes from Cambridge, Maungatautari is an ideal weekend destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts. Each shuttle can accommodate up to 11 participants aged 12 and over, with bookings essential through www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz.
For those looking for a gentler walking option, day passes are available for the Southern Enclosure’s 5km network of well-graded tracks, featuring interpretation boards and a 16m canopy viewing tower.
