Visit NZ's ONLY Kōtuku, White Heron Nesting Site
About White Heron Sanctuary Tours
We are dedicated to the protection and survival of the revered Kōtuku
Kia ora, we're the Arnolds, a fifth-generation Whataroa family and the proud owners and operators of White Heron Sanctuary Tours, established in 1987 and running for almost 40 years.
As a small family business, we worked very hard for many years before being granted a long-term exclusive concession from the Department of Conservation - a milestone achievement reflecting our dedication to conservation and our commitment to delivering an exceptional and unforgettable nature experience for all visitors.
As long-standing Kaitiaki of the magnificent Kōtuku, we are passionate and deeply devoted to protecting this rare and beautiful bird and its unique nesting environment.
Guided by the principles of Kaitiakitanga we uphold the values of conservation and responsible tourism, in all that we do.
Join a tour and help us protect the Kōtuku and their Sanctuary
one and only
Kōtuku Colony Tour
We are honoured to be the original and only tour company permitted to access the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site.
With 39 years of experience, we offer an authentic and memorable birdwatching experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe the Kōtuku - one of Aotearoa's most endangered native birds, nesting in the wild.
Guiding both local and international visitors to this sacred breeding ground is a privilege we never take for granted. Witnessing the extraordinary sight of the majestic Kōtuku nesting in their natural habitat is a shared highlight of every tour.
exclusive Access
White Heron Tour
As the sole tour operator to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and the Kōtuku breeding ground, we have made significant private investment in the infrastructure that enables visitor access. All work is carefully designed to minimise environmental impact at every step.
A small, family-owned business, we privately fund, construct, and are fully responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the access roads, walking tracks, and viewing areas used during our tours.
Our unwavering commitment ensures safe, reliable access, while enhancing the overall White Heron Sanctuary Tour experience for our visitors.
Bird monitoring &
predator control
On behalf of the Department of Conservation, we closely monitor and record nesting information for the breeding Kōtuku, as well as Royal Spoonbills, Little Shags, and other birds observed nesting at the site. This long-term monitoring programme provides valuable information on the health and breeding success of the colony over time.
For over 30 years, as a private company, we have undertaken predator control in and around the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Today, we actively manage a network of more than 200 humane traps targeting introduced predators such as possums, stoats, rats, and mice - species that, if left unchecked, pose a significant threat not only to the Kōtuku and other native birdlife, but also to the natural balance of this unique ecosystem.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
As a Department of Conservation concession holder, we follow strict environmental standards. Our sustainable tourism practices include protecting wildlife through ethical birdwatching and by limiting tour numbers and group sizes.
Bird monitoring and predator trapline checks during tours help reduce travel and minimise our carbon footprint.
Each visit to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve deepens our appreciation for the Kōtuku. We love what we do, are devoted to our mahi, and feel fortunate to share this special place.
A portion of every tour price directly supports conservation. Through our tours, we raise awareness of its importance -particularly for the vulnerable White Heron, its sole Sanctuary, and its long-term survival in New Zealand.
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