Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain

The original track which heads over the three peaks of Maungatautari, Pukeatua and Rocky outcrop is accessed at the same location in the north and south of the mountain but is much steeper and more technical (good luck running). The Wairere Traverse track opened in 2016 is much better suited for running with a well formed gravel/forest quad bike track. I chose to do a out and back along the Wairere Traverse but this could easily be turned into a loop taking the old track back down the to the visitor centre (this will take longer due to technicality).

From the carpark head towards the visitors centre where signs point towards "Over the Mountain Tracks" - follow these, pass through the fences and you are on your way. The track starts following the border of the southern enclosure where signs indicate where to turn off following a well formed track through the forest.

After about 2km the old track over the peaks splits off. The Wairere Traverse continues to wind its way up the mountain staying on the western side of the peaks undulating and curving its way up to the peak of Maungatautari. The track intersects with the old over the mountain track about 5 mins north of the Maungatautari Peak, follow the board walk to the top. If you are completing an out and back return the same way you came, or if you are doing a loop continue towards the south from Maungatautari peak where the track follows the ridgeline back towards the visitors centre. The peaks of Pukeatua and Rocky outcrop provide much better viewing opportunities of the area. If entering from the north a slightly different approach has to be taken but you can still make a good challenging out and back or loop.

Make the most of the flats and down hill sections to stretch the legs as the uphills can be steep. The undulating nature of the track makes it possible to run most if not all the track while providing a good challenge. Don't expect to have great views as the trail has limited viewing opportunities but the beauty is winding your way through the native bush (no photos but trust me). This is a track where the Kereru count outweighs the people count 4 to 1 adding something special to the hard training.