Standing like an island in the eco-friendly sea of the Waikato wilderness, Sanctuary mountain is the supreme nature reserve for native new Zealand flora as well as fauna. Hiking the tracks throughout this mountain haven is like stepping back in time to an age before humans ever came here.

Since 1912, Maungatautari – the Maori name for this 50km-circumference 800m-high mountain – has been a nature reserve. however it wasn’t up until 2001 that the vision for this amazing job truly took shape.

With a symphonic combination of cautious conservation, fantastic engineering as well as great ol’ difficult graft, Sanctuary mountain is a paradise for native species. Not only is it a risk-free habitat for unusual birds as well as plants, it’s a wonderful, relaxed location for visitors to find as well as experience true new Zealand nature.

Check out our quick video of Sanctuary mountain here:

Click right here to view the vid through YouTube.

Sanctuary mountain Maungatautari as well as its ancient forest is now one of the last staying locations you’ll discover wild kiwi as well as other endangered types like the kaka, hihi as well as kokako.

And it’s all thanks to a extremely special enclosure. however the fence isn’t right here to cage the birds within, however to keep all other animals out.

Sanctuary mountain – a cage for the outside world

The issue Sanctuary mountain faces is the exact same issue the whole of new Zealand is having a hard time with: introduced animal pests.

Humans only shown up on new Zealand around 2,200 years ago. before that, there were no mammals anywhere on the islands – only birds as well as reptiles.

But with humanity came rodents, carnivorous mammals as well as other creatures that damage the delicate ecosystem as well as have decimated bird species.

The fantastic wall of Maunga

Sanctuary mountain Maungatautari has a perimeter fence that goes all the method round. At some 47km long, it’s one of the highest-tech barriers as well as the longest pest-proof fence in the world.

It has several defences to keep the pests away.

At over three metres high as well as with a rounded top, the fence stops even the very best climbers. The 100,000m² of steel fit together the fence is made from is so fine, even a infant mouse is as well huge to get through.

And the buried polythene ‘skirt’ that lies a metre out from the bottom of the fence repels the most ardent of diggers.

So with all the pests in one place, it’s been a battle of attrition as well as extraction to eliminate them. however 2014 saw the last rabbits as well as hares leave the sanctuary.

It’s the end of a long listing of unwelcome animals introduced into this ancient environment. Deer, pigs, ferrets, stoats, weasels, possums, hedgehogs, rats as well as goats are all gone now. only mice, which breed as well quick as well as are commonly as well little to catch, remain.

Hiking in the ancient mountain forest

Even a few steps inside the walls of the sanctuary, you feel the environment somehow change. For certain, it’s cooler under the canopy. We were there on a warm day, however a few minutes in as well as we were thankful to have jumpers with us.

But as our feet took us deeper into the woodland, a sense of peace as well as ancient question – practically spiritual in its harmony – came over us.

And as we explored further, the mountain quietly told us a few of its tricks – a living land of verdant luxury.

Far into the forest, hidden amongst the fantastic as well as ancient trees of the mountain is the Canopy Tower, which you can climb to provide you an completely different point of view of the landscape.

From 16m up, you get to see life amongst the canopy – the method numerous of the bird types see the forest.

We were lucky sufficient to be gone along with by a guide from Sanctuary Mountain, which is the very best method to experience this amazing place. Our guide, Tali, was able to discuss so much that we’d have otherwise missed as we walked with the forest.

Tali likewise showed us hidden aspects to the conservation job that’s still in progress. We saw exactly how they keep a track as well as likewise trap the animal pests still at big in the reserve. as well as of course, she might tell us the names of the bird types we might hear as well as see on our walk.

There are a number of tracks that take you with this incredible, distinct ecosystem. From a quick 130m track that goes into the forest as well as back out to a full day’s trip over the mountain for 11km, there’s plenty right here for keen hikers.

Sanctuary mountain is available to wheelchair individuals as well as pushchairs, with 5km of broad metalled tracks. keep in mind though that this is a mountain, so you’ll be going uphill at some point, so a specific level of physical fitness as well as stamina is necessary.

Security is key

Sanctuary mountain truly is an outstanding place. So numerous dangers of pest intrusion have been mitigated by some truly wise thinking. The barrier is certainly the primary support from animals getting in, however there’s likewise a broad clearway between the fence as well as any type of tall plants or trees the other side.

Tali explained that if a tree within the perimeter falls because of storms as well as takes out a section of fence, on-call engineers are about 20 minutes away at any type of time to repair work the barrier.

And to get into the reserve, you have to go with a double door locking system as well as likewise have your bags inspected in situation of stowaways.

Getting to Sanctuary mountain as well as where to stay

Sanctuary mountain as well as its visitor centre is about two hours from Auckland as well as an hour from Rotorua by car.

However, it’s only half an hour from Cambridge as well as the gorgeous Henley Hotel, where we stayed.

You can see our full evaluation as well as video walkthrough of the Henley here.

From here, you’re close to the amazing Waitomo glowworm caves as well as the exceptional Black Water Rafting experience. likewise just down the road is the Hobbiton film Set, which is likewise well worth visiting.

You can discover much more details on all of these experiences as well as much more at the Mighty Waikato tourism site here.

Sanctuary mountain is a birder’s dream, a hiker’s paradise as well as a wonderful experience for those of us who delight in the peace of ideal nature.

We went to Sanctuary mountain as guests of Hamilton & Waikato NZ.