Question 1

Where is New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site located?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand’s sole Kōtuku (White Heron) breeding colony is located within the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, near Whataroa on the West Coast of the South Island, approximately 30 minutes north of Franz Josef Glacier.All Kōtuku in New Zealand originate from this single protected nesting site, and each spring the entire breeding population returns home to nest and raise the next generation.Read about the 1865 discovery of New Zealand's only Kōtuku breeding colony

Question 2

When can we visit and what time of day is best for viewing the nesting Kōtuku or White Herons?

Accepted Answer

The Kōtuku, White Herons can be observed at their only New Zealand breeding ground in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve during spring and summer. They typically begin returning in September, with the last birds fledging and departing in early March. 
Throughout the breeding season, the colony offers exceptional viewing, with consistent activity across all tour times, and no particular time of day offering more than another.
The north-facing nesting site receives favourable natural light, without the sun shining directly into visitors' eyes - making it the best location in New Zealand for photographing Kōtuku, or White Herons.

Question 3

Is there only one tour to the White Heron nesting site in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, White Heron Sanctuary Tours is the only White Heron, or Kōtuku nesting tour in New Zealand. Established in 1987, we are the original and only operator permitted to enter the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and guide visitors to view New Zealand’s sole White Heron breeding site.The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is administered by the Department of Conservation. We operate under a special concession, and all visits are carefully managed under strict regulations to ensure the protection of the nesting Kōtuku.

Question 4

When do the Kōtuku, White Heron chicks start hatching?

Accepted Answer

The first Kōtuku, White Heron chicks of the nesting season typically begin hatching in early November, with hatchings occurring most days throughout November and December. 
This is an exciting and entertaining time at the colony.

Question 5

Do the Kōtuku, White Herons nest at Ōkārito?

Accepted Answer

No, although the Kōtuku colony was historically sometimes referred to as the “Ōkārito heronry”, Kōtuku do not nest at Ōkārito Lagoon. This historical name has contributed to a widespread misconception that Kōtuku nest at Ōkārito, and even today this incorrect information appears in reputable sources and recently published birding guidebooks.While some Kōtuku may feed on at the Ōkārito Lagoon during the breeding season, their ancestral home and only nesting site in New Zealand has always been on the Waitangiroto River. The two locations are completely separate, with no waterway connection between them.Ōkārito Lagoon is a public waterway, while the Waitangiroto River and Kōtuku nesting site lie within the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, where access is managed by the Department of Conservation through a concession system.Read about how to visit New Zealand’s only Kōtuku nesting site

Question 6

Can I visit the Kōtuku nesting site by kayak?

Accepted Answer

No. The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is a fragile wildlife sanctuary, not a recreational area. Its waterways, including the Waitangiroto River, are legally protected by the Department of Conservation.Independent access by any watercraft (including boats, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards), by swimming, on foot, or by air (including drones and low-flying aircraft) is prohibited. Unauthorised entry may result in prosecution and significant penalties under the Reserves Act 1977.These restrictions exist to protect New Zealand’s only Kōtuku breeding site and prevent disturbance that could threaten the survival of this vulnerable manu. The Kōtuku continue to breed here today because controlled access and protective measures have been respected for decades.The only way to visit the nesting site is by joining a Department of Conservation-permitted guided tour with White Heron Sanctuary Tours, the sole authorised operator.

Question 7

When is the best time to see White Herons, Kōtuku in full breeding plumage?

Accepted Answer

September, October, and early November are the ideal months to see White Herons, or Kōtuku, in their full breeding plumage at their only New Zealand nesting site in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. 
During this time, they display their beautiful breeding plumage, including stunning green eye area and striking black beaks.
As the season progresses and chicks begin to hatch, these breeding colours gradually fade, although most birds retain their long lacy breeding feathers throughout the nesting season.

Question 8

When should I visit to see White Heron chicks learning to fly?

Accepted Answer

January and February are the best months to observe the large 'teenager' chicks as they learn to fly and forage along the Waitangiroto River below the nesting site. 
When their parents return with food, the feedings are noisy, frenzied, and fascinating to observe.

Question 9

How far is the White Heron nesting site from the viewing hide?

Accepted Answer

The White Heron nesting site is approximately 20 metres from the viewing hide, which is positioned directly in front of the nesting birds, across the narrow Waitangiroto River.
Kōtuku frequently fly overhead and perch or roost nearby - either in front, beside or above - offering visitors exceptional close-up encounters.

Question 10

How is White Heron Sanctuary Tours different from other tours advertising White Heron sightings?

Accepted Answer

White Heron Sanctuary Tours, is the only operator permitted to take visitors to New Zealand’s only White Heron breeding colony within the DOC-managed Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
While other tours may feature images of single White Herons in their marketing and promote potential sightings, they operate on public waterways and cannot access the protected Kōtuku breeding ground. 
Only at the Kōtuku breeding ground do visitors enjoy the full colony experience, rather than a single Kōtuku encounter.

Question 11

How long is the White Heron Sanctuary Tour and is it suitable for all ages and abilities?

Accepted Answer

The White Heron Sanctuary Tour is a 2.5-hour round trip departing from and returning to our booking office at 64 Main Road, Whataroa.Yes, the tour is suitable for everyone.For those with mobility challenges, please contact us directly for further information and to discuss options for assistance.

Question 12

Do we need to book  our White Heron Sanctuary Tour in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Advance booking is strongly recommended to secure your place on a tour to New Zealand's only Kōtuku breeding colony.Although walk-in visitors are welcome, our small guided tours often book out in advance, and availability cannot be guaranteed without a confirmed booking.

Question 13

Where do we check-in for our White Heron Sanctuary Tour and where does the tour depart from?

Accepted Answer

All tours to visit New Zealand's only Kōtuku, White Heron breeding ground in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve depart from and return to our White Heron Sanctuary Tours office at 64 Main Road, Whataroa on State Highway 6.
Visitors are kindly requested to check-in at least 15 minutes before their confirmed tour time.
Our tours depart promptly at their scheduled times.

Question 14

Does the White Heron Tour operate when it's raining, and can I reschedule if needed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, White Heron Sanctuary Tours visits the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve in wet weather and can operate when other outdoor activities are often postponed or cancelled.The West Coast of the South Island is famous for its stunning rainforests, which thrive on high rainfall. The forest canopy provides excellent natural shelter, and the Kōtuku are often highly active in the rain.We provide quality wet-weather gear, and our covered viewing hide allows visitors to observe the nesting birds in comfort regardless of conditions.If you need to amend your tour reservation due to weather or other reasons, we will do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability.

Question 15

Will we see other birds on the tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While the Kōtuku are the main attraction, the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and surrounding wetlands and native forest are home to dozens of native and endemic bird species.Explore our Bird Identification Guide to discover some of the birds you may encounter during your visit.

Question 16

What should I wear and bring on the White Heron Sanctuary Tour?

Accepted Answer

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for light walking.
As the tour takes place in a natural rainforest environment within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, conditions can often be cooler. A warm outer layer is strongly recommended.
We provide 'West Coast efficient' wet weather gear on rainy days to ensure visitors remain comfortable throughout the tour.
Visitors may wish to bring a small backpack with a camera, binoculars, a drink or snack, and any personal medication you may need.
At the viewing hide, quality binoculars and a spotting scope are provided to help observe the White Herons, or Kōtuku, in their natural breeding environment.

Question 17

Are there toilet facilities on the White Heron Sanctuary Tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide a clean and spacious portable toilet at our van parking area within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve for visitor comfort during the tour.
Public toilet facilities are also available just along the path from our tour office in Whataroa township.

Question 18

How long is the rainforest walk to the White Heron nesting site?

Accepted Answer

The rainforest walk to the White Heron nesting site is a gentle, flat 800-metre walk along a well-maintained track. There are no steep hills or difficult climbs, and we walk at a relaxed pace. The route includes a combination of flat gravel pathway and boardwalk and is easily accessible for most visitors.Options are available for visitors with mobility issues, please feel free to contact us to discuss.

Question 19

Do we travel by jet boat to the White Heron nesting site?

Accepted Answer

No. For many years, visitors reached the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve by jet boat. However, changing river and coastal conditions made this no longer viable. The development of an overland access route enabled White Heron Sanctuary Tours to transition to a fully land-based experience, minimising environmental impact while providing safe, reliable, year-round access to the Reserve.Guests travel by minivan to the rainforest walking track before following the same boardwalk used for many years by jet boat visitors to reach the covered viewing hide overlooking the Kōtuku nesting site.

Question 20

How can we pay? Do you have credit card facilities?

Accepted Answer

Payment options at White Heron Sanctuary Tours include EFTPOS and credit card facilities, with Visa and Mastercard accepted. 
Visitors may also pay in cash or by bank transfer if they prefer.

Question 21

Where can we park and buy coffee, food and petrol in Whataroa?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available outside our tour office on the main street in Whataroa. Additionally, private off-street parking is available behind our office for visitors to use while they are on the tour.The Lonely Stag Cafe & Store located just across the road from our tour office, offer good coffee, food, and refreshments. There are also two Zero electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on site.Petrol and diesel are available at the Whataroa Service Station along the road heading south towards Franz Josef.

Question 22

Can we bring our dog on the White Heron Tour?

Accepted Answer

No, pets, including dogs, are not permitted within the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Visitors travelling with pets are welcome to park behind our tour office, where the area is quiet and shaded, with tap water available.  Our office staff are happy to check on pets if needed.

White Heron Sanctuary Tours -
Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a moment to read our FAQs for helpful information to assist in planning your visit

If you have another question please don't hesitate to get in touch

Where is New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site located?

When can we visit and what time of day is best for viewing the nesting Kōtuku or White Herons?

Is there only one tour to the White Heron nesting site in New Zealand?

When do the Kōtuku, White Heron chicks start hatching?

Do the Kōtuku, White Herons nest at Ōkārito?

Can I visit the Kōtuku nesting site by kayak?

When is the best time to see White Herons, Kōtuku in full breeding plumage?

When should I visit to see White Heron chicks learning to fly?

How far is the White Heron nesting site from the viewing hide?

How is White Heron Sanctuary Tours different from other tours advertising White Heron sightings?

How long is the White Heron Sanctuary Tour and is it suitable for all ages and abilities?

Do we need to book our White Heron Sanctuary Tour in advance?

Where do we check-in for our White Heron Sanctuary Tour and where does the tour depart from?

Does the White Heron Tour operate when it's raining, and can I reschedule if needed?

Will we see other birds on the tour?

What should I wear and bring on the White Heron Sanctuary Tour?

Are there toilet facilities on the White Heron Sanctuary Tour?

How long is the rainforest walk to the White Heron nesting site?

Do we travel by jet boat to the White Heron nesting site?

How can we pay? Do you have credit card facilities?

Where can we park and buy coffee, food and petrol in Whataroa?

Can we bring our dog on the White Heron Tour?

White Heron Sanctuary Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a moment to read our FAQs for helpful information to assist in planning your visit

If you have another question please don't hesitate to get in touch

Where is New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site located?

When can we visit and what time of day is best for viewing the nesting Kōtuku or White Herons?

Is there only one tour to the White Heron nesting site in New Zealand?

When do the Kōtuku, White Heron chicks start hatching?

Do the Kōtuku, White Herons nest at Ōkārito?

Can I visit the Kōtuku nesting site by kayak?

When is the best time to see White Herons, Kōtuku in full breeding plumage?

When should I visit to see White Heron chicks learning to fly?

How far is the White Heron nesting site from the viewing hide?

How is White Heron Sanctuary Tours different from other tours advertising White Heron sightings?

How long is the White Heron Sanctuary Tour and is it suitable for all ages and abilities?

Do we need to book our White Heron Sanctuary Tour in advance?

Where do we check-in for our White Heron Sanctuary Tour and where does the tour depart from?

Does the White Heron Tour operate when it's raining, and can I reschedule if needed?

Will we see other birds on the tour?

What should I wear and bring on the White Heron Sanctuary Tour?

Are there toilet facilities on the White Heron Sanctuary Tour?

How long is the rainforest walk to the White Heron nesting site?

Do we travel by jet boat to the White Heron nesting site?

How can we pay? Do you have credit card facilities?

Where can we park and buy coffee, food and petrol in Whataroa?

Can we bring our dog on the White Heron Tour?

White Heron Sanctuary Tours -
Frequently Asked Questions