About the area
The tour
Tour details
Timetable
Birdlife
Contact us

 ABOUT THE AREA

The Waitangi Roto Flora and Fauna Nature Reserve, north of the Okarito Lagoon, is a pristine rainforest dominated by tall stands of ancient kahikatea trees. It is also home to the only New Zealand breeding colony of the majestic white heron (kotuku).

As well as white heron the reserve is also a sanctuary to most of the bird life in this South Westland Heritage area. Most of New Zealand’s native bird species have been identified in this reserve . The royal spoonbill and the little black shag also take advantage of this prime spot to rear their young, and the bush is alive with bellbird, tui, native wood pigeon ( kereru), grey warbler and fantail among others.

 It is also a photographer’s paradise.  Snow-capped mountain peaks, native flora, including orchids, and an abundance of bird life make for limitless photo opportunities. 

THE TOUR

White Heron Sanctuary Tours are a family-owned company. Operating for 20 years, they are the only tour company approved into the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve area under a special concession with the Department of Conservation.  The only access to this area is from Whataroa.

Our tours occur during the summer months, from September through to early March, to coincide with the white heron breeding season. The birds disperse throughout the country once breeding ends.

The tour takes 2.5 hours and departs from our office at Whataroa. It consists of a short minibus ride to connect with our jet boat for a gentle 20-minute scenic cruise on the Waitangi Taona river into the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve (the only way to access this area is by boat). In the reserve we disembark from the boat onto a boardwalk for an easy 500-metre stroll through ancient kahikatea rainforest to our purpose built viewing hide, where you will view the white heron (kotuku), royal spoonbill and little shag all in their natural nesting environment.

All tours are accompanied by a Department of Conservation approved guide.

This tour is an all weather activity and is suitable for all ages. Wet weather gear is provided.

Winter Tours: Rainforest Nature Tours

These tours operate from March to September and we take you into the same area as the herons breed in the summer. The interpretation is on the prime lowland rainforest and the native birdlife in the area and we are able to explore deeper into the heart of the flora and fauna nature reserve. 

TOUR DETAILS

Adults                                            $110* per person
Children (12 years and under)           $45*

*Includes permit fee and GST
Minimum boatload – four adults. Maximum - boatload 12 adults.

We will co-ordinate your booking with others to fill the boat. 

TIMETABLE

The White Heron Sanctuary Tours occur during the summer months, from September through to early March, to coincide with the white heron breeding season. The birds disperse throughout the country once breeding ends.

Rainforest nature Tours operate all winter from March to September.

Our approximate operating times are as follows:
9am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
Other tours can be arranged if there is sufficient demand.  

BIRDLIFE

The Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve is home to a huge range of birds – in fact most of the birdlife of the South Westland Heritage area. As well as the white heron, it is also the nesting ground of the royal spoonbill (kotuki ngutu papa) and little black shag (kawapaka).

   

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