Visit NZ's ONLY Kōtuku, White Heron Nesting Site
The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve Rainforest Nature Tour
From March until September
Outside of the White Heron nesting season, we continue to visit and explore the seasonal wonders of the beautiful Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Departing from our office in Whataroa, the journey begins with an informative minivan ride through private working farmland and lush wetlands, leading into this tranquil Sanctuary.
Here our exclusive access allows you to relax and experience nature at its best, free from crowds, noise pollution and any interruptions.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful sights and sounds of the ancient Kahikatea rainforest and learn about its towering trees, lush ferns, vibrant berries, subtle flowers, intricate orchids, and funky fungi.
Listen and appreciate the melodious birdsong and spot a variety of native birds as they go about their day. Although outside of the White Heron nesting season, individual Kōtuku are still regularly spotted in the reserve and around this area.
Join us for an authentic and memorable nature outing complemented by stunning South Westland scenery and views of snow capped Aoraki and the mighty Southern Alps.
There's an abundance of pure nature waiting for you to discover
Tour Information and Pricing
Access to the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and White Heron nesting site is permitted by the Department of Conservation and only available by joining a land-based 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 +
Youth 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
Ancient
Rainforest
Enjoy an exclusive, guided walk along a purpose-built path through temperate lowland podocarp rainforest.
Be awed by the impressive Kahikatea, New Zealand’s tallest tree. These ancient giants, standing for 800–1000 years, are magnificent relics of the Jurassic era.
The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve boasts an exceptional diversity of endemic flora and fungi, ranging from dioecious trees and edible plants to bryophytes, lichens, epiphytic and terrestrial orchids,
As you explore, our guide will point out the often subtle and easily overlooked seasonal wonders on display in the pristine ngahere, and share fascinating insights into how the trees and plants have adapted to thrive in this timeless ecosystem.
Encounter
Native Birdlife
This protected and peaceful area is a haven for a rich variety of native birdlife, including Tūī, Bellbird, Grey Warbler, Kererū, South Island Tomtit, Fantail, Fernbird, Sacred Kingfisher, Royal Spoonbill, NZ Falcon, and more.
Their distinctive songs create a vibrant soundtrack that reflects the health and vitality of this special place.
Take time to identify and observe the different species as you immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Shaped by the changing tides, light, weather and seasons, each visit is different and offers wonderful opportunities to observe and photograph the birdlife in its natural habitat.
Kōtuku
Nesting Site
Visit New Zealand’s only White Heron nesting site, and discover where the rare and majestic Kōtuku return each year to breed during the spring and summer months.
While the White Heron colony is absent during autumn and winter, individual resident Kōtuku are still regularly spotted in the Nature Reserve and surrounding area.
You may observe a White Heron stalking and feeding along the banks of the reflective waters of the Waitangiroto River, wrestling with an eel on local farmland, or flying gracefully above the forest with Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in the background.
Predator
Control
See conservation in action through our extensive trapping network in and around the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Learn about the introduced predators threatening this ecosystem, the serious impact they have on its native wildlife and habitats, and why managing predator numbers is essential to helping maintain a natural balance.
Our knowledgeable guides will explain the innovative, high-tech trapping tools and methods used here - a combination of lures, traps, cameras, and monitoring devices that work together to track and reduce predator populations.
Gain an appreciation for the dedication and expertise involved in protecting this precious environment.
