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Visit NZ's ONLY Kōtuku, White Heron Nesting Colony!
The White Heron Sanctuary Tour
Nesting Season: Typically mid-September until early March
With a population of just 150–200 across Aotearoa, encountering a single Kōtuku is a special privilege, but to observe up to 50 nesting pairs, resplendent in their exquisite breeding plumage, interacting and raising their young, is a spectacular and unforgettable sight!
Remarkably, the White Heron or Kōtuku has just one breeding ground in all of New Zealand, nestled in the enchanting Waitangiroto Nature Reserve near Whataroa, on the West Coast of the South Island.
Our exclusive 2.5-hour guided tour offers a unique opportunity to visit this ancestral and sole breeding ground to discover and learn about New Zealand's only White Heron nesting colony.
Departing from our office in Whataroa, the journey begins with a scenic and informative minivan ride through private working farmland and wetlands, leading into the tranquil Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Within the protected nature reserve, enjoy an easy 800-metre walk through ancient Kahikatea rainforest, to our purpose-built viewing hide, where you can observe the Kōtuku together in their natural nesting environment.
Witness the elegance and otherworldly presence of the rare Kōtuku, and be captivated by behaviours unique to their ancestral nesting site, and seen nowhere else in Aotearoa.
The White Heron Sanctuary is also home to nesting Royal Spoonbill and Little Shag, offering additional birdwatching and photographic opportunities.
All tours are accompanied by an experienced local guide and permitted through the Department of Conservation, ensuring an environmentally respectful, safe and informative wildlife experience.
Enjoy fascinating and varied viewing throughout the entire Kōtuku, White Heron breeding season, with every visit different, each revealing new sights and special moments in nature.
Join us to witness the magic of the Kōtuku.
Entry to the protected White Heron nesting site is permitted through the
Department of Conservation and only possible by joining a 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 +
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.
the waitangiroto
Nature Reserve
The protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve encompasses 1,534 hectares and holds national importance as the sole nesting area of the White Heron in New Zealand.
The reserve’s ecological significance is further highlighted by its extensive Kahikatea forest, unusual abundance of Kōwhai, unique swamp and floodplain vegetation, and, alongside the White Heron, it has served as a breeding site for Royal Spoonbills since 1949 - the first recorded nesting colony in New Zealand.
ancient rainforest
Stroll amongst primeval podocarp rainforest where New Zealand's tallest tree, the Kahikatea, has stood for centuries. Explore the rich diversity of native trees, ferns, flowers, orchids, mosses, lichens and fungi that flourish here.
the white Heron colony
Visiting the Kōtuku colony at their sacred ancestral breeding ground is an uplifting and enriching experience, instilling a profound sense of peace, renewal, and a deep connection to nature.
Witness the magic and beauty of the ethereal Kōtuku and observe fascinating, interactive behaviours seen only at their nesting site - from spectacular feather displays and beak kissing, to mutual preening, vocal greetings, territory chases, stick gifting, frenzied chick feedings, and maiden flights.
Learn about the Kōtuku, its nesting habits, and its conservation and cultural significance here in Aotearoa.
Royal Spoonbill
& little shag
Observe and learn about the comical Royal Spoonbill, Kōtuku Ngutupapa and the adorable Little Shag, Kawaupaka, as they share this special space and nest alongside the elegant White Heron.
Other Birds
The protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is a haven for numerous other native birds too, including Tūī, Bellbird, Grey Warbler, NZ Pigeon, South Island Tomtit, Fantail, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, Brown Creeper, Fernbird and Kākāriki.
Look out for these birds and other species during the tour - encountering them enriches your Sanctuary experience.
Conservation Efforts
Learn about the important bird monitoring and conservation work we do to help protect the precious wildlife here, particularly the White Heron.
See the cutting-edge tools and methods we use to control predators, and the conservation work that helps maintain balance in this timeless ecosystem.
majestic views
On the outward and return journey, take in the dramatic West Coast landscape - the crystal-clear waters of the spring fed Waitangitahuna River, towering stands of Jurassic-era Kahikatea, and the surrounding untamed countryside.
Clear days reveal the most stunning views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the mighty Southern Alps.
TOUR highlights
Exclusive Wildlife Experience
A unique opportunity to visit New Zealand's only Kōtuku nesting colony with exclusive access into the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Guaranteed
Bird-Watching
Enjoy excellent viewing and close encounters with the nesting Kōtuku, Royal Spoonbills, Little Shags, and other native birds in their natural habitat.
Ethical Photography Opportunities
Fantastic photography opportunities from our purpose-built, elevated viewing hide, without encroaching on or disturbing the nesting birdlife.
Tour Operators With
38 Years Experience
Our 2.5 hour guided tours are led by friendly, experienced, local guides with extensive knowledge of the Kōtuku, the area, its flora and fauna, and history.
Guided Walk In
Ancient Rainforest
Walk amongst giant Kahikatea trees, listen to the birdsong, discover and learn about the seasonal wonders of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
Predator Control And
Conservation In Action
Learn about the sophisticated systems we use, combining high-tech devices with integrated predator control, to protect both the Sanctuary and its wildlife.
Informative Scenic & Nature Immersion
Journey by comfortable minivan through scenic South Westland landscapes, featuring stunning native forest, wetlands, and working farmland, with views of Aoraki, Mount Cook, Te Horokōau, Mount Tasman, and the Southern Alps.
Small Tour Group Size
Small group sizes ensure plenty of opportunities for engagement and questions with our guides.
Suitable For Everyone
The White Heron Sanctuary Tour is suitable for all ages and abilities. Assistance is available for people with mobility challenges, please contact us to discuss.
All Weather Activity -
We Operate Rain Or Shine
The rainforest is at its best on a wet day, and the nesting Kōtuku and other birdlife can still be observed from our sheltered viewing hide. We provide wet weather gear and can operate when other activities are often cancelled.
Private Tours and Large Group Tours Available
We are happy to provide private tours and can accommodate large groups and coach tours with advance reservations. Please contact us to arrange.
