How to Visit New Zealand's Only White Heron (Kōtuku) Nesting Colony
Nestled amongst lush ancient rainforest within the beautiful Westland Tai Poutini National Park lies the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve — a truly special place and the only place in New Zealand where the rare Kōtuku (White Heron) returns each year to breed.
With just 150–200 Kōtuku in Aotearoa, seeing these rare birds gathered together and nesting in the wild is an unforgettable nature experience.
Whether you're making a journey especially to see the Kōtuku or including a tour as part of your West Coast road trip, the information below will help you plan your visit.
Where is New Zealand's Only Kōtuku Breeding Colony?
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.
When Can I Visit to See the White Heron Colony?
Each spring, the Kōtuku return to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve to breed, with birds present at the colony from approximately mid-September to early March.
Throughout the season, you can witness the Kōtuku’s breeding cycle unfold, from courtship displays and nest building to egg incubation, tiny chicks and juveniles preparing for their first flights.
Nesting is staggered, so for most of the season, you can see Kōtuku at different stages of the breeding cycle during a single visit.
September and October
The Kōtuku are at their most spectacular, with adults in full breeding plumage adorned with delicate lacy feathers, dark bills and vivid blue-green facial colouring.
Courtship displays, stick gathering, nest building, mating and egg incubation are all part of the activity at the colony.
November and December
It’s chick time! A busy period at the colony as young Kōtuku hatch and adults feed and care for their growing chicks.
January and February
The colony becomes especially captivating as inquisitive young Kōtuku grow bigger, strengthen their wings, learn to forage and begin taking their first flights.
Not sure when to visit?
Read our Best Time to Visit the White Heron Colony — coming soon.
Can I Visit Outside the Breeding Season?
Yes. For many visitors, standing at New Zealand’s only Kōtuku nesting site is a memorable experience in itself.
Although the Kōtuku are not in residence outside the breeding season, the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve remains a place of outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance, forming part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Our Rainforest Nature Tour takes you to the nesting site, where your guide shares the fascinating story of the Kōtuku, the history of the colony and the ongoing conservation work we do to help protect this nationally important reserve.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a rich diversity of native plants and birds.
How to Visit New Zealand’s Only Kōtuku Breeding Colony
Entry to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and the Kōtuku colony is restricted, and all visitors must be accompanied by an authorised guide.
The only way to visit the protected nesting site is by joining a guided tour with White Heron Sanctuary Tours from Whataroa.
Established in 1987, our family-owned and operated tour business has been guiding visitors into the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve for almost four decades.
We are the only tour operator authorised by the Department of Conservation to access the Kōtuku nesting site under an exclusive concession.
Under our Department of Conservation concession, we offer visitors the opportunity to enter this Sanctuary and witness New Zealand’s only Kōtuku breeding colony at its sole breeding ground — a place that cannot be visited independently.
In addition to guiding visitors, we carry out intensive predator control, maintain tracks and infrastructure, carefully manage visitor access, and continue to invest in preserving this special environment for the long-term survival of the Kōtuku and for people to enjoy for generations to come.
Why is Access Restricted?
The Kōtuku are particularly sensitive to disturbance while breeding.
To protect these rare birds and their unique breeding habitat, public entry to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is strictly controlled.
This carefully managed approach allows visitors to enjoy one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wildlife experiences while respecting the needs of the Kōtuku and safeguarding its future in Aotearoa.
Your Visit Helps Protect the Kōtuku
By joining a tour to New Zealand’s only Kōtuku colony, a portion of your tour fare will directly support conservation and the protection of the Kōtuku and their Sanctuary.
What to Expect on the Tour
Scenic Minivan Journey
Your journey begins at our Whataroa office, where you’ll board our comfortable minivan for the scenic journey through private farmland and wetlands towards the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Along the way, we’ll share stories of the landscape, wildlife and history that make this part of South Westland so special.
800-metre Guided Ancient Rainforest Walk
Upon arrival, enjoy an easy 800-metre guided walk along a well-maintained track through ancient kahikatea rainforest, surrounded by towering native trees, ferns and mosses.
Discover the plants, birds, seasonal wonders and fascinating ecology of one of the West Coast’s remaining intact lowland rainforest ecosystems.
The Kōtuku Experience
The first glimpse of the brilliant white Kōtuku against the deep green rainforest is a moment many visitors never forget.
Our covered viewing hide sits just across the river, approximately 20 metres from the nesting colony, offering exceptional views without disturbing the birds.
You’ll spend around 30–40 minutes here, with plenty of time to observe and photograph the Kōtuku and their natural behaviour.
Depending on when you visit during the nesting season, you may witness courtship displays, nest building, eggs, chicks being fed or young birds taking their first flights.
Royal Spoonbills (Kōtuku Ngutupapa) and Little Shags (Kawaupaka) also nest here, providing additional birdwatching opportunities.
Throughout the experience, you’ll learn about the Kōtuku and other native birdlife, the history of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, and the dedicated conservation work we do to help protect this extraordinary place and its wildlife.
Other Birdlife
The protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is a haven for a wide range of native and introduced species.
Where Does the White Heron Tour Depart From?
Our White Heron Sanctuary Tour departs from our tour office in Whataroa, conveniently located on State Highway 6 on the West Coast of the South Island.
Whataroa is approximately:
30 minutes’ drive north of Franz Josef Glacier
1 hour 15 minutes’ drive south of Hokitika
5.5 hours’ drive from Christchurch
Tour Details:
Daily Tour Times: 9.00 am | 12.00 pm | 3.00 pm
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Check-in and departure from our office in Whataroa
Suitable for most ages and abilities — mobility assistance is available
Tour operates rain or shine — wet-weather gear is available
What to Wear and Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
A drink
Any personal medication you may need during the tour
Camera or phone
Binoculars — some are available at the hide
Tour Prices:
Adults (18+ years): NZ$150
Youth (13–17 years): NZ$100
Children (3–12 years): NZ$75
How Do I Book?
You can book your White Heron Sanctuary Tour online through our website or contact us directly by NZ Freephone: 0800 523 456
or email: info@whiteherontours.co.nz
As our tours operate with small groups and spaces are limited on each departure, advance booking is highly recommended, particularly during the busy summer months.
We look forward to welcoming and sharing with you the magic of the Kōtuku.
Have more questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for information about accessibility, photography, weather, cancellations and more.
