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Visit NZ's ONLY Kōtuku, White Heron Nesting Colony!
Welcome to
White Heron Sanctuary Tours
Established 1987
Discover the magic of the Kōtuku
We invite you to join our exclusive guided birdwatching tour to visit New Zealand’s only White Heron, or Kōtuku breeding ground, located in the enchanting Waitangiroto Nature Reserve near Whataroa on the West Coast of the South Island.
Here, you are welcomed by the extraordinary sight of the country’s sole White Heron colony - rare and majestic Kōtuku gathered and interacting freely in the wild, within their ancestral and untouched natural nesting environment.
Be captivated by the ethereal beauty and grace of the Kōtuku. Witness elaborate plumage displays, endearing courtship rituals, stick gathering, nest building, egg incubation, and chick feeding - all behaviours seen only here, at their protected Sanctuary during their breeding season.
Enhancing this unforgettable wildlife encounter, visitors will also view charismatic Royal Spoonbills and charming Little Shags as they nest alongside the White Herons.
Explore the ancient Kahikatea rainforest and its abundant seasonal wonders, and on clear days, take in breathtaking views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the Southern Alps.
New Zealand nature experience!
A one-of-a-kind
Enjoy Guaranteed Viewing of the rare Kōtuku!
at New Zealand's ONLY White Heron nesting site
Nesting Season is typically mid-September until early March
"One of NZ's best birdwatching experiences"
"A birdwatcher's and photographer's dream!"
Discover the
White Heron
Sanctuary
Be mesmerised by the exquisite beauty of the Kōtuku, in striking contrast to the lush native backdrop of their sole nesting site in Aotearoa.
The viewing is fascinating throughout the entire White Heron breeding season, with behaviours and sights varying as nesting progresses.
Also observe nesting Royal Spoonbill and Little Shag, and other birdlife.
One & Only
Exclusive
Guided Tour
White Heron Sanctuary Tours is the original and only tour company permitted to visit the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, and the White Heron breeding ground.
A 'Kiwi' family-owned and operated business, we have 38 years of experience guiding visitors from around the world and sharing the magic of the Kōtuku.
Small, personalised group tours.
Knowledgeable, local guides.
The
Enchanting
Waitangiroto
Feel the pioneer spirit and appreciate
the impressive Kahikatea Rainforest.
Discover a diverse array of intriguing native birds, trees, ferns, flowers, mosses, lichens, and fungi.
See our dedicated conservation work in action, helping to protect this unique area and its precious wildlife.
Stunning scenery.
Awesome photo opportunities.
Witness
Kōtuku
Magic!
Watch as nature unfolds, capturing the delightful activity of the White Herons from our covered, elevated viewing hide.
Learn about the behaviours, breeding habits and cultural significance of the revered Kōtuku - a rare and deeply symbolic bird in New Zealand.
Amazing close encounters.
Varied and entertaining viewing.
Breathtaking Views!
Journey with us in scenic South Westland
Whataroa Valley, Whataroa, New Zealand
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.
Whataroa
Your gateway to the Kōtuku breeding ground
Located on the West Coast of the South Island, Whataroa is the departure point for all tours to visit the nesting Kōtuku or White Heron, one of New Zealand's rarest and most iconic birds.
Our office is centrally located in the heart of the Whataroa township on State Highway 6 - 100km south of Hokitika and a short 30km drive north of Franz Josef, and the renowned glacier region.
We hope you will join us to explore the unique birdlife and stunning landscapes of South Westland, a region rich in natural beauty and ecological wonders.
