Maungatautari volcano rises like a beacon above the Waikato just south of Lake Karapiro. Its 3363 hectare forested peak and flanks are surrounded by a sea of pastoral farmland, and embraced on two sides by the Waikato River. Maungatautari is comprised of Maori land and private land, together with public-owned Scenic Reserve administered by Waipa District Council.

Not so long ago, this forest supported a rich diversity of native wildlife with abundant kiwi, kereru, kakariki and many other native birds. It's dawn chorus was resonant, the crowning glory the melodious, yet hauntingly beautiful, flute-notes of the kokako. The forest canopy was tall, intact and diverse. Large northern rata abounded, and a range of fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs provided food for the native animals throughout the year.

Over 5000 Maori lived on and around the mountain in pre-European times, relying on the forested volcanic dome for spiritual and physical sustenance. The land adjacent to it served as part of a major thoroughfare for Maori, linking the east coast with the King Country and Kawhia. The physical and visual dominance of the mountain no doubt served as an effective route marker.

Today, the mountain is equally significant to the lives of European families who have grown up under its shadow - its beacon-like form is omnipresent over a large part of the central Waikato. Maungatautari is becoming an increasingly popular destination for walkers and trampers.

The concern for the people of Maungatautari, Maori and European, is that while its silhouette was seemingly unchanging, the same could not be said for its interior.

The community drives the restoration of Maungatautari and progress is being made!