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Visit NZ's ONLY Kōtuku, White Heron Nesting Colony!
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 stunning Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Departing from our office in Whataroa, the journey begins with an informative minibus ride through private working farmland and lush wetlands, leading into this tranquil wonderland - where time stands still.
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 seen in the 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.
Please contact us to book your Rainforest Nature Tour and together we can arrange a personalised tour, suited to your needs and time schedule.
There's an abundance of pure nature waiting for you to discover.
Entry to the White Heron nesting site is permitted through the Department of Conservation and only possible by joining a guided tour with
White Heron Sanctuary Tours.
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.
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, 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.
Every visit reveals something new, influenced by the changing light and seasons, and offers a wonderful opportunity to capture the birdlife in their 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 not present for nesting during autumn and winter, individual Kōtuku are still regularly spotted in the area.
You may observe a White Heron as it stalks and feeds along the banks of the reflective waters of the Waitangiroto River, wrestles with an eel on the surrounding farmland, or gracefully flies 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 various trapping methods used here and how a combination of traps, cameras, and monitoring devices work together to track and reduce predator populations.
Gain an appreciation for the dedication and expertise involved in protecting this precious environment.
