About & Description

Operating for 30 years, we are the original and only tour company to visit NZ's only White Heron nesting site. Join a tour for a truly unique experience!

Whataroa is the departure point for NZ’s only White Heron Sanctuary Tour. The tour consists of a short minibus ride to connect with our jet-boat for a gentle 20 minute scenic cruise into the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve (the only access to this area is by boat). In the reserve we disembark from the boat for a short walk through ancient Kahikatea rainforest to our purpose built viewing hide to observe the magnificent White Heron (Kotuku) in their natural nesting environment. The Royal Spoonbill (Kotuku Ngutu Papa) and the Little Shag (Kawapaka) also share this special area and all can easily be seen from the hide. The White Heron only use this area for breeding so can be seen in the reserve over the spring and summer months, usually mid-September until early March. Over the autumn and winter months they disperse widely throughout New Zealand and are generally seen as a single solitary bird. The population of White Heron in New Zealand is approximately 200. To see one of these splendid birds is a rare and special sight and to visit their only breeding ground is a truly unique experience. Don’t miss this exceptional tour! Please note: White Heron Sanctuary Tours is the only company to operate in the Waitangi-roto Nature Reserve and to view the White Heron nesting site. All tours operate with a Department of Conservation concession and entry is by permit only.