Our field trips offer project Tongariro members the chance to visit, explore and learn about special places, both within our rohe and further afield.
We typically organise around five field trips each year, each is designed to build knowledge and appreciation of the unique environments and rich histories of the areas we visit. These experiences are often led or supported by Project Tongariro members or invited guests who bring special knowledge and insights. Field trips are a great way to connect with like-minded people.
Preferential booking is given to Project Tongariro members.
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UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
Field Trip Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Friday, 10 July - Sunday, 12 July 2026
This will be an overnight trip, combining a full-day walk over the maunga with time the following day exploring different parts of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Trip Schedule
Friday, 10 July 2026
Travel to Rob Waddell Lodge. Shared dinner at 6.30pm.
Important travel notice: From mid–2026, the road across Arapuni Dam will be closed for major maintenance and safety upgrade works. While the dam crossing will not be available, access to the sanctuary remains open via a managed detour, with only a small increase in travel time. Expect an additional 15–25 minutes travel time when coming from the south.
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Our walk on Saturday will take the Wairere Traverse Walking Track as is the easier route, being a contoured gravel surface 4WD bike track that was built to give staff and volunteers speedy access to remote working locations. Still significant height for a walker to climb though. The Te Raki (north end) and Te Tonga (south end) Tramping Tracks follow the original tramping route over the mountain which is quite challenging, sometimes steep, with roots, mud, a little rock clambering, etc. and suitable for fit, experienced trampers only. It is apparently worth considering making short side trips on the other tracks to visit the summits of Maungatautari (797m) and Pukeatua (753m). You can of course just spend the day in the reserve if you don’t wish to walk. We are hoping to have a local guide us.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari offers a new Shuttle Service for experienced walkers wanting to traverse the Over the Mountain tracks. This pre-booked service departs Saturday and Sunday mornings from the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Education Centre carpark at 99 Tari Road for up to 11 Walkers. Your driver will share local knowledge and some sanctuary highlights along the way to the northern Hicks Road access to the Over the Mountain tracks. Please note – these tracks are not suitable for children under 12.
The shuttle service has capacity for 11 people per trip. If our numbers exceed this, we will coordinate additional transport options, Sarah Gibb has kindly offered to shuttle a group over. Participants will be charged a flat $20 per person to take part in the walk. This contribution will be used to cover the shuttle service, with any remaining funds shared as fuel koha for participants who may need to use their own vehicles if we exceed shuttle capacity. Plans to be confirmed.
A volunteer from the Trust will hopefully give us a talk on Saturday evening. We will invite them to join us for dinner.
Sunday, 12 July 2026
On Sunday we will spend time in the southern enclosure and the Tautari Wetland (takahe and tuatara). We have a very kind offer of help on Sunday from Margaret who has spent the last 6 years undertaking University of Waikato Forest ecology research at Maungatautari. As a PT member Margaret received our newsletter and offered to help - how cool is that!!
Trip Details
Trip Leaders
Shirley Potter (021 21 22 777)
Ardy (027 575 1397)
Trip Grade
Grade 4 for those walking over the mountain
Grade 2 for those just enjoying time behind the wire
Transport
Car pool with others if possible
Important travel notice: From mid–2026, the road across Arapuni Dam will be closed for major maintenance and safety upgrade works. While the dam crossing will not be available, access to the sanctuary remains open via a managed detour, with only a small increase in travel time. Expect an additional 15–25 minutes travel time when coming from the south.
Meals
BYO breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks
We will do two shared dinners at the Lodge (food allocations to be advised)
Accommodation - Rob Waddell Lodge
The Rob Waddell Lodge sleeps 41 people in 13 rooms, each room has a bunk bed and a single bed.
There is a large dining room that seats up to 41 people, large kitchen, large oven, a microwave, bain-marie, double door fridge, toaster, jug, large chest freezer and large pantry. The kitchen comes with cutlery, crockery, and utensils.
There is a large outdoor deck and flat grass area which you can use at your leisure.
What to Bring
Suitable clothing and foot wear for all weather conditions
Walking pole for those who may need them
Binoculars/bird books would be handy
Water and food for snacks and lunches
Dinner to share on Friday and Saturday nights
Pillows, blankets, linen, towels, and tea towels
Costs & Payment
Payment must be made prior to the trip commencing. Participant spaces will only be confirmed once payment has been received. Trip costs will be invoiced to participants and will include:
Accommodation:
Lodge: $35 per person/per night
Chalet: $105 per chalet/per night
Shuttle: $20 per person (for those participating in the Over the Mountain Walk)
Koha: $15 per person (contributing towards guest speakers, guides, and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari)
Booking Fee: $10 per person (non-refundable)
Please note:
Costs may be subject to change depending on final participant numbers and bookings. If the trip is cancelled or significant changes occur, participants will be notified as soon as possible.
Entry to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is not included in the trip costs. An Explorer Day Pass will need to be purchased on the day: Adult: $32, Gold Card: $29
