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Visit NZ's ONLY Kōtuku, White Heron Nesting Site
New Zealand's Only Kōtuku Colony Tour
Welcome to
White Heron Sanctuary Tours
Whataroa
Established 1987
Discover the Magic of the Rare Kōtuku
Join us for a One-of-a-Kind New Zealand nature and wildlife experience!
Our guided birdwatching tour offers exclusive access to Aotearoa’s only White Heron, Kōtuku breeding ground, located in the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve
on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand.
Enjoy unrivalled and Guaranteed
Viewing of the endangered Kōtuku
Nesting Season is typically from mid September until early March
The White Heron Sanctuary Tour
A Unique and Exclusive Wildlife Encounter with the iconic Kōtuku
Remarkably, the majestic White Heron or Kōtuku has just one breeding ground in all of New Zealand, nestled within the enchanting Waitangiroto Nature Reserve near Whataroa, on the West Coast of the South Island.
With a population of just 150–200 across Aotearoa, encountering a single Kōtuku is a special privilege, but to witness up to 50 nesting pairs, resplendent in their exquisite breeding plumage, interacting and raising their young, is an extraordinary sight!
Observe elaborate feather displays, endearing courtship rituals, beak-kissing, stick gathering and exchange, nest building, egg incubation, chick feeding and first flights - all behaviours seen only here at their protected Sanctuary during their breeding season.
Enhancing this unforgettable West Coast wildlife encounter, visitors will also view charismatic Royal Spoonbills and charming Little Shags as they nest alongside the White Herons.
Explore the ancient Kahikatea rainforest and its rich biodiversity and abundant seasonal wonders.
On clear days, take in sweeping vistas of the mighty Southern Alps, including Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Visitor Comments:
"A birdwatcher's and photographer's dream!"
"One of NZ's best birding experiences"
"A truly unique wildlife encounter "
the
White Heron
nesting colony
Be mesmerised by the ethereal beauty of the Kōtuku, their white plumage in striking contrast to the lush native backdrop of their sole nesting site in Aotearoa.
The viewing is fascinating throughout the entire White Heron breeding season, with behaviours and activity changing as nesting progresses.
Also observe nesting Royal Spoonbill and Little Shag, and other birdlife.
Witness the
majestic Kōtuku
nesting in the wild
Watch as nature unfolds, capturing the beauty and delightful activity of the White Herons from our covered, elevated viewing hide.
Learn about the behaviours, breeding habits and cultural significance of the revered Kōtuku - a rare and deeply symbolic bird in New Zealand.
Amazing close encounters.
Varied and entertaining viewing.
The enchanting
Waitangiroto
Nature Reserve
Feel the pioneer spirit as you marvel at and appreciate the prehistoric Kahikatea Rainforest.
Discover a diverse array of intriguing native birds, trees, ferns, flowers, mosses, lichens, and fungi.
See our dedicated conservation work in action, helping to protect this unique area and its precious wildlife.
Stunning scenery.
Awesome photo opportunities.
One & Only
Exclusive Access
Kōtuku colony Tour
White Heron Sanctuary Tours is the original and only tour company authorised to visit the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, and the White Heron breeding ground.
A 'Kiwi' family-owned and operated business, we have 39 years of experience guiding visitors from around the world and sharing the magic of the Kōtuku.
Small, personalised group tours.
Knowledgeable, local guides.
Tour Information and Pricing
Entry to the protected White Heron nesting site is permitted through the
Department of Conservation and only possible by joining a guided tour with
White Heron Sanctuary Tours, Whataroa.
Tour Times
9:00am, 12:00pm & 3:00pm
Bookings are recommended.
Minimum numbers apply.
Duration
2.5-hour round trip
We depart from and return to our tour office in Whataroa.
Cost
Adult 18 +
Student 13-17
Child 3-12
$150.00
$100.00
$75.00
Includes GST (15%) and DOC entry permit fee.
Location
64 Main Road
Whataroa
Please check-in 15 minutes before scheduled
tour time.
Breathtaking Views!
Journey with us in scenic South Westland
Whataroa Valley, Whataroa, New Zealand
Whataroa is the gateway to
New Zealand's sole Kōtuku nesting site
Located on the West Coast of the South Island, Whataroa is the departure point for all tours to visit the nesting Kōtuku or White Heron, one of our country's most revered and beloved birds
Our White Heron Sanctuary Tours office is situated in the heart of the Whataroa township on State Highway 6 - 100km south of Hokitika and a short 30km drive north of Franz Josef, and the renowned West Coast glacier region.
Join us for one of New Zealand’s top birding tours, from which the magic of the Kōtuku lingers long after your visit.
