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Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari has launched a new cultural experience that takes visitors on an immersive journey into ancient Aotearoa.
The two-hour Moa Hunter tour, available Fridays to Sundays, explores the forest through the eyes of the early Māori moa hunters, combining storytelling, ancestral knowledge, and hands-on learning within the 3,400-hectare pest-proof sanctuary.
Led by iwi representative and cultural educator Bodie Tihoi Taylor, the experience draws on ancestral stories and archaeological discoveries, including moa bones found near the northern boundary of the maunga.
Bodie says the tour was inspired by the story of how the last moa was caught — a moment that signalled deep change in Māori practices and environmental awareness.
“There are many tales that link moa back to Maungatautari. The tour delves into that time, uncovering mysteries while learning practical hunting skills,” he says.
“There was a point of transformation for tikanga as Māori learned from the extinction of the moa and ensured other species could thrive in the future. This tour is a celebration of the legacy of the moa, but it’s also an understanding of conservation from a Māori point of view.”
Visitors learn traditional tracking and navigation techniques and explore the relationship between Māori and the natural world. Along the way, they discover the role of manu (birds) as guides and messengers connecting people to place.
Bodie describes the experience as “teaching through culture, not at culture”, offering insight into how ancestral knowledge continues to shape modern understanding.
“When you see warriors performing haka and the pūkana — the fierce widening of the eyes — you might wonder where that comes from. With the Moa Hunter experience, we explore how these movements are inspired by nature,” he says.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari chief executive Helen Hughes says the experience offers a meaningful way to connect with both the forest and Māori values.
“This is about understanding the legacy of the moa, the values of kaitiakitanga, and the enduring relationship between Māori and the natural world,” says Helen.
“Visitors gain a richer appreciation of Maungatautari and the cultural knowledge that continues to shape its protection.”
Tours operate Fridays to Sundays at 9.30am and 1pm, in small groups to ensure a personalised experience.
Located 45 minutes south of Hamilton and two hours from Auckland, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari offers an accessible cultural experience for both domestic and international visitors.
