Secrets of the Tautari Wetlands
99 Tari Road, Te Awamutu, Waipa
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- Additional fees may apply
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Nestled in the valley below Manu Tīoriori visitor centre is the Tautari wetland. Protected by both a QEII covenant and our pest-proof fence, this picturesque wetland habitat is a safe haven for a growing population of tuatara and a family of takahē.
One of our knowledgeable guides will take you through the tuatarium in search of the well-camouflaged tuatara as they bask near the entrances to their burrows. Tuatara are the sole surviving members of an ancient group of reptiles found only in New Zealand. Learn about their unique characteristics and journey to Maungatautari. Encountering a tuatara for the first time can transport you to a pre-historic world!
Observe the endearing takahē, a New Zealand conservation icon. Thought to be lost forever, takahē made history when they were rediscovered in the remote mountains of Fiordland in 1948. This large, flightless bird helped shape the future of conservation techniques in Aotearoa. By booking on this tour, your contribution helps Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari contribute to the Department of Conservation's takahē recovery programme.
This tour includes a takahē feeding, and complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Pass, to be redeemed during daylight hours, and on the day of it's issue.
This tour is 75-80 minutes long. Please allow 10-15 minutes to walk to and from the wetland enclosure.
*Please note this tour has seasonal availability and restrictions:
- Viewing of tuatara is reliant on seasonal temperature variations and, like us, they prefer to be tucked up inside their burrows during the winter months of June- August.
- Please check at least 10 minutes before your tour at Manu Tīoriori visitor centre, where a face covering is required (unless medically exempt). Children under 12 years will not be required to wear a face covering. Please note face coverings are not required outdoors, however it is recommended when social distancing is tricky.
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