Another beautiful summer Sunday morning. Far too precious to waste so headed off to Sanctuary Mountain at Maungatautari. “This is an ancient vibrant, pest free forest, alive with native wildlife such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats and insects” I read on the brochure.

A 47 km pest proof fence encircles this acreage, protecting the many rare and endangered flora and fauna. It is divided into two sections. One is the Te Tui a Tane southern enclosure and the second is Tautari wetland and tuatarum. The visitor centre onsite provides tickets, information etc.

I had already explored Te Tui a Tane, which is the Southern enclosure in 2018. It was latish one afternoon, the sun was starting to sink lower in the sky, the golden hue acting as a mantle as it gradually settled over the trees. The path was so easy to wander with its metalled tracks. A canopy lookout tower which, with slightly baited breath, I clambered to the top of and was rewarded with magnificent views over the canopy of the giant trees below. Bird feeders which were strategically placed, attracted both Kaka and Hihi (stitchbirds) Strong sturdy planks provided welcome seating which enabled me to just sit in wonder. To listen to the cacophony of bird sounds as dusk was starting to descend. Such a beautiful memory.

However, that was my last visit. This “so glad to be alive“ morning took me to the Tautari Wetlands. This treasure is home to the Tuatara and the Takahe, both of which we saw. Our group of four, was led by a young Maori man, who had been with the Trust for five years. He not only had a wealth of experience regarding the wetlands but an in- depth knowledge of the trees, leaves and roots which had been and still are, used for Maori medicine.

On entering the tuatara enclosure, he pointed out our first tuatara, From there we were constantly on the lookout. Because they look so much like an old log of wood, it proved really difficult but we finally saw five. (Staff at Manu Tioriori visitor centre said that the previous week they had actually seen 18.)

The Takahe sightings came after this. They are big flightless birds, not unlike a pukeko at first sighting. They were just wandering around, picking at the grass and as long as we kept our distance, they didn’t seem to be bothered. So special to see such a large group together.

As I enjoyed my coffee at the Rhubarb café on the way home, I quietly thanked the numerous volunteers who had developed and maintained this amazing piece of New Zealand, not only saving our threatened species but allowing us to access this beautiful countryside.

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