Go Green- Sanctuary Mountain & Sustainable Farm

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a working dairy farm before visiting New Zealand’s largest mainland sanctuary, an oasis for indigenous flora and fauna. The Red Barn farm showcases what rural life was like in this region centuries ago. Days start early, and the work continues pretty much nonstop. Before sitting down to a hearty country-style lunch at the farm, you will watch a demonstration of traditional butter-churning. A drive across the volcanically formed Kaimai Mountains will bring you to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. One of the world’s longest pest-free fences surrounds the ancient forest that blankets the mountain to keep out invasive species. As you wander along the forest trails, the naturalist guide will point out indigenous species that may include endangered birds, tuatara reptiles and giant wetas, a type of massive insect whose name means “god of ugly things” in the Maori language. You may also climb a tower to observe animals living in the tree canopy.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit the working dairy farm Red Barn for a glimpse into rural life centuries ago.
• Enjoy a hearty farm-to-table lunch at the Red Barn.
• Walk through an ancient forest that a protective pest-free fence surrounds.
• Observe indigenous species of flora and fauna that thrive in the sanctuary forest.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.