Maungatautari Ecological Island
Maungatautari is an extinct volcano situated in the Waikato between Cambridge, Putaruru and Te Awamutu. There are 3363 hectares of forested area surrounded by pastoral farmland. It comprises of Maori land, privately owned and a public-owned scenic reserve which is administered by the Waipa District Council. It is a popular destination for walkers and trampers with a variety of tracks suited to various capabilities.
The mountain is currently the "site of the largest restoration project on mainland New Zealand involving the total eradication of introduced mammalian pests". To prevent any more pests entering the area the entire mountain has been fenced with 47km of pest proof fence that goes around the forest edge of the mountain.
Maungatautari Trust has gone to a lot of effort to ensure visitors have an enjoyable time on the mountain with wide metalled walking tracks in both the northern and southern enclosures. There are two access points to the mountain:
- The northern enclosure, which is accessed by driving out past lake Karapiro on Maungatautari Road, turning off opposite the Maungatautari School and going to the end of Hicks Road. From this side you can see the very first post of the perimeter fence and take the Te Ara Tiroha Loop Track (approx 1km long) within the pest proof enclosure.
- The southern enclosure is on the Te Awamutu side of the mountain and accessed by taking the Arapuni Road (Te Awamutu to Putaruru) turning off opposite the Pukeatua School and going to the end of Tari Road. This is the showcase of the project with "high quality metalled walking tracks, a regenerating forest, an aviary to house transit wildlife and a forest canopy viewing tower." The viewing tower is 16 metres high and enables visitors to go up in the canopy and see the variety of birdlife flying in the treetops.
In addition to some easy walks the southern enclosure also hosts "After Dark Guided Walks" where you can experience the forest at night, getting to meet some interesting wildlife.
For the more enthusiastic tramper one can walk to the Pukeatua Peak (1.5 - 2 hours) or right across the mountain from one side to the other (5 -6 hours). These tracks are graded moderate to difficult and are the original forest track so can be slippery and muddy depending on the conditions.
Please note that there are no dogs allowed on Maungatautari. Also, please check your bag for mice before entering the enclosure—apparently this has been known to happen at other restoration sites!