View the magnificent Kotuku (White Heron),
the Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill),
the Kawapaka (Little Shag) and other
Bird life - all in their natural environment.
Tours to the White Heron Colony open mid September and the
Kotuku disperse from the colony
about the end of February/Early March each year.
Bookings are advisable with
a deposit or voucher required for a confirmed booking.
A unique experience to New Zealand's only
Kotuku (White Heron) nesting site, in the
Waitangi Roto Nature reserve, the
Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill) also nests here.
The round trip tour from the Whataroa office,
back to the office, takes approximately 21/2 to 3 hours.
The tour consists of a short minibus ride to the river to connect with the
jet boat.
The jet boat ride is a gentle 20 minutes each way. From the jetty it is just a short boardwalk (500mtrs) through native bush to where you can stay for 30-40 minutes to view the birds.
Tours run under concession with the Department of Conservation. Entry
is by Permit Only.
All tours are accompanied by a guide. Wet weather gear provided.
Please Note:
There is
no access to the White Heron Nesting Site from Okarito.
White Heron Sanctuary Tours are the only operators to this area
Kayaks are not permitted in the White Heron Sanctuary
Kotuku
(White Heron) colony
Kotuku Ngutu Papa
(Royal Spoonbill) colony
Paradise Duck in flight
NOTE T0 OPERATORS OF LARGE GROUPS:
If you choose to make these tours "optional" for your groups,
and there is only a certain percentage who wish to take part, then we can run
these clients on to Franz Josef after the tour, to meet up with the rest of your group
(minimum of 6 needed for this.)
Tours run under concession with the Department of Conservation. Entry
is by Permit Only.
All tours are accompanied by a guide. Wet weather gear provided.
The Cost of the Tours is:
Adults...$120 per person
Children (12 years and under)...$55
(Price includes permit fee and GST)
Please Note: Adult fare applies to children over 12 years
Minimum Boatload 4 adults - Maximum 12 adults.
We will co-ordinate your booking with others to fill the boat.
Our approximate running times are as follows:
9am, 11am, 1pm, & 3pm
Other tours can be arranged if there is sufficient demand.
Accommodation is also available:
Studio Units and Self Contained Motels $110 -
$135 for 2 people $15 each extra;
Cabins... own kitchens, share bathroom $65 -$75 for 2 persons $10 each extra.
(linen hire available)
See the accommodation page for more infromation.
We look forward to seeing you on our tours
and are happy to provide you with any further information that you may
require. Feel free to email us, telephone us or post your enquiry.
Photography by Ulrich Walthert and Murray Cave
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