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Maungatautari Ecological Island

Maungatautari is the site of a community led project which will see this 3,400 hectare forested extinct volcano restored with flora and fauna thriving as it once did. It is the largest restoration project involving the total eradication of introduced mammalian pests.

A 47km multi-species pest proof fence has been constructed around the forest edge of the mountain to halt pest invasion. Three enclosures are already pest free and now provide a protected site for the endangered kiwi, takahe, kaka and kokopu. On the remaining 3,300ha, 12 of the original 15 pest species have been eliminated with only small populations of hares and rabbits left. Mice have not been detected for a number of months.

Highlights

Wildlife: Only breeding pair of takahe on mainland New Zealand. Endangered kiwi, kaka, hihi (stitchbird), and kokopu have been reintroduced. Birds regularly seen or heard on the mountain are kiwi, kaka, tui, North Island fantail, North Island tomtit, bellbird, kereru (wood pigeon), hihi, silvereye, grey warbler, New Zealand kingfisher, and morepork.

Southern enclosure: 16 metre forest canopy viewing tower. An aviary which currently holds a breeding pair of kaka. Guided night walks. 5km of wide metalled walking tracks with rata, rimu, nikau palms and silver fern amongst the range of native flora clearly visible.

Maungatautari lies between the towns of Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Putaruru in the central North Island of New Zealand.

Access: Access to the southern enclosure and the walking track across the mountain from the south is from Tari Road, off Arapuni Road.

Access to the northern enclosure and walking track across the mountain from the south is from Hicks Road, off Maungatautari Road.
http://www.maungatrust.org/

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.