The Southern Enclosure is Maungatautari's showcase site, within which there are 5 kms of wide metalled walking tracks. Maps and signs at the main track junctions help guide your visit.

 

                                                   

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There are no dangerous animals or poisonous creatures in New Zealand so you can relax as you wander through the enclosure and enjoy being surrounded by its natural environment. 

 

Points of Interest

  • Aviary with action inside and outside - used to house new arrivals and birds in transit, however is empty when no birds are being introduced. During spring look for the video monitor which is linked to a nest camera, to see kaka eggs/chicks
     
  • The Clearing for an experience with birds who visit the feeders placed in this area, rest on the seating provided and enjoy the avarian antics
     
  • Canopy tower for treetop views - a 16 metre structure designed to allow visitors to get up close to the forest canopy – watch out for kereru and kaka flying amongst the tree tops
     
  • Supplementary feeding stations for birds - green metal feeders are designed for kaka and those with red flowers for hihi (stitchbirds), check out the clearing beside the canopy tower for viewing birds feeding most times of the day at the moment
     
  • Informative plant identification signs - these are best viewed when tracks are walked in a clockwise direction
     
  • Kaka nest boxes - located high in the trees - one box is likely to be fitted with a nest camera during spring; the video monitor for this is located at the aviary
     
  • Weta boxes - small wooden boxes affixed to tree trunks - open the door to see if anyone is home!

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tracks

  • Rata Track - 2.2kms (suitable for walkers with mild to medium level of fitness)  If you only have time for one walk then take this one which gives access to the canopy tower, the aviary and at least one supplementary feeding station. There are a number of seats located along the track.
     

  • Rimu Track - 2 kms (suitable for walkers with a medium level of fitness)  This track takes you into the tranquil interior of the enclosure where you will experience the peace of nature at its best with enhanced opportunities for bird sightings amongst some of the more magnificent of our native trees.
     
  • Nikau Track - 700m
     
  • Ponga Track - 130m

 

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Guided Walks

Guided walks of the Southern Enclosure can be arranged depending on the availability of volunteer guides. Use the 'Contact Us' page to book a guided walk.  Allow 2 hours for a walk.  Once you have enjoyed your walk please note that donations are gratefully accepted and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of visitor experience. 

 

Some of the sights you might expect our guides to show you on a walk include:

  • the amazing regeneration of plants now bursting forth without the impact of rats, mice and other predators
     
  • a birds eye view of the forest from the canopy tower
     
  • a glimpse of the nationally endangered hihi (stitchbird) with their unique whiskers
     
  • who's who in the aviary - drop in and say hi and watch out for wild kaka nearby

To book a guided walk use contact us or phone 07 823 7455

 

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Maungatautari After Dark - Night Walks

 

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Out in the Styx Guesthouse, and experience how a regenerating New Zealand forest comes alive at night!  One of our knowledgeable Night Guides will show you New Zealand's native nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • All night walks are by arrangement only
     
  • Maximum number for a group walk is 10 (minimum 4)
     
  • Headlights are supplied for the walk - otherwise dress warmly
     
  • Meet at Out in the Styx Guesthouse, Pukeatua
     
  • Bookings are essential - phone 0800 461 559
     
  • $90 per person including dinner (proceeds to Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust to support biodiversity management).

Wheelchair Access

Letter received from a visit using the previous access before March 2011.  Whilst our tracks are not entirely suited for wheelchair access some determined visitors have managed the RataTrack.  Roger Loveless, Access Co-ordinator for CCS Disability Action Waikato commented on his visit as follows:

 

"My wife and I visited the mountain yesterday and managed to get me to the tower and aviary using my electric wheelchair which was really great.  There were only a couple of difficulties if we accept electric wheelchairs must choose a dry day.  Firstly I managed to get stuck with my front jockey wheels dropping each side of the steel frame which we got over by using a couple of timber planks and secondly it was a little steep just past the bridge and my wife had to assist.  On the way down, care was required but the path was manageable.

 

As your team maintains the tracks, it would be fantastic if you could decrease the maximum slope used slightly and ensure the access through the gates are kept level.

 

(My wheelchair can usually go up a small step, but it couldn’t cope with the steel square section.


Anyway, congratulations on a fantastic facility and I am sure we’ll be back some time."
 

Thanks Roger - we will work on this.

 

  

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