When the Waikato comes to mind, visions of cow-crammed paddocks tend to crush the notion that this is a worldly part of the country. But, if you take the time to explore the region, you’ll discover there’s more to it than just dairy.
Saturday: Maungatautari Ecological Island (MEI) is the largest fenced sanctuary in the country and is ringed by a staggering 47 kilometers of pest proof fence. At 3400 hectares, MEI caters for avid trampers who will enjoy 4-5 hour tramps as well as family groups favouring quick trips with lots of action. A good short option is the 30-minute return walk taking in the Viewing Tower (a 16m tower leading you into the tree tops) and the Clearing, where rare takahe roam and kaka nibble on peanuts mere metres away.
Explore the 300 kilometers of tracks and marvel at the effort of a 300 plus volunteer team and 300,000 pest traps. MEI is home to many endangered species such as kiwi, hihi (which come to feed on the sugary supplements at various feeding stations around the Island) and, the newest arrivals, tuatara. The 'Tuatarium', home to twenty tuatara, opened in December and allows visitors to get close-up to our oldest living fossil.
Out in the Styx is the obvious choice for accommodation. Snuggled into the base of Maungatautari, it's the perfect spot to relax after your walk (they even have three outdoor spas) and the food is incredible. Lance and Mary have been running the place for 17 years and guests are treated to a hearty breakfast, generous hospitality and a four-course dinner, with each course being announced by Lance's train whistle.
The guided night walk at Maungatautari is a hit with nature enthusiasts of all ages (the oldest tour-goer so far was 91). Humble, passionate and well-informed, your guide Phil Brown is well-versed in forest ecology and an avid conversationalist. His keen eye picks out the interesting creatures of the night as you stroll under the cover of 1000 year old rimu and slow-growing nikau.
