Explore the magical night-time world of Sanctuary Mountain® Maungatautari with experienced guides leading you in search of nocturnal forest wonders.

Marvel at the twinkling lights of glow-worms, see the brilliance of the undersides of silver fern fronds and gaze up at the stars from the top of the tower on a crystal clear night, away from the bright lights of the city.

The 2 hour tour begins approximately 15 minutes before sunset. We can supply you with torches and it’s a gentle, slow walk on easy graded tracks.

We will search by torchlight for spiders, millipedes, beetles and the many species of wētā that venture out at night in search of food.

Discover the important role Maungatautari has as a stronghold for kiwi and listen for their calls and the calls of ruru. In spring and summer, you might be lucky enough to see tiny long-tailed bats along the treeline at dusk or to hear the nocturnal calls of kākā.