White Heron Sanctuary Tours

Join us to visit New Zealand's only Kōtuku, White Heron breeding ground – a truly unique experience!

The majestic Kōtuku, or White Heron, featured on our NZ $2 coin, is nationally endangered with a small population of approximately 200.
Remarkably, the Kōtuku have just one breeding ground in New Zealand, located in the enchanting Waitangiroto Nature Reserve near Whataroa on the West Coast of the South Island.
While encountering just one Kōtuku is rare and special, observing up to 50 pairs of these beautiful birds interacting and raising their young is a spectacular sight and a truly unique nature experience!    Visitors can enjoy guaranteed viewing of the magnificent Kōtuku throughout the nesting season,(typically mid-September to mid-February) making this the perfect activity for birdwatchers and photographers.
We are the Arnolds, a fifth-generation Whataroa family and owners/operators of White Heron Sanctuary Tours (Established 1987). As the original and only tour company permitted to access the White Heron nesting site within the Department of Conservation administered Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, we have 37 years of experience guiding visitors and sharing their delight in witnessing these regal birds in their natural nesting environment.

The White Heron Sanctuary Tour

Our exclusive 2.5 hour guided White Heron Sanctuary Tour begins with an informative minivan ride through private farmland and wetlands, into the Department of Conservation protected, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, where entry is by permit only.
Once in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve an easy 800 metre walking path through the lush, primeval rainforest, leads to a purpose-built, elevated viewing hide right at the White Heron nesting site.  Here, you will be captivated by the ethereal beauty and elegance of the pristine Kōtuku as they contrast with their vibrant rainforest surroundings.
Learn about the significance of the sacred Kōtuku, a rare and special bird in New Zealand and about its nesting habits.
Enjoy fascinating and varied viewing throughout all stages of the White Heron breeding season with quality binoculars and a spotting scope available, if required.
Also observe and learn about the comical Royal Spoonbill, Kōtuku Ngutupapa and charming Little Shag, Kawaupaka sharing this special space and nesting alongside the elegant White Heron, Kōtuku. 
The undisturbed Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is a haven for numerous other native birds too,including Tūī, Bellbird, Grey Warbler, New Zealand Pigeon, South Island Tomtit, Fantail, Silvereye and Welcome Swallow, all of which you are likely to spot during your visit.
Discover ancient Kahikatea and other intriguing native trees, ferns, flowers, orchids, and fungi within this diverse ecosystem.
See the bird monitoring, predator control and preservation work we do to help protect this unique area and its precious wildlife.
Our small group tours, led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, deliver an educational and unforgettable nature excursion, rain or shine, with wet weather gear provided.
Suitable for all ages and abilities, assistance is available.
We look forward to sharing the White Heron Tour experience with you.

Tour Duration: 2.5 hours return from our office in Whataroa.

Tour Times: 9.00am, 12noon and 3.00pm - These times do sometimes vary therefore bookings are recommended. 
Bookings can be made via our website or by contacting us direct.
Rates: Refer website

Tours depart from our White Heron Sanctuary Tour Office in Whataroa on SHW 6 - 30kms North of Franz Josef and 100kms South of Hokitika.
Onsite motel accommodation is available.
Please note: There is no access to the White Heron nesting site from Ōkārito or the Ōkārito Lagoon. Kayaks and boats are not permitted in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

The 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.
In the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve time stands still. Here you can immerse yourself in nature,listening to the birdsong and savouring the tranquillity of this unspoiled environment, surrounded by ancient Kahikatea trees aged 800-1000 years!
Enjoy an exclusive, guided walk on a purpose-built path amongst beautiful, lush native rainforest and learn about the wonderful New Zealand native trees, unique ferns, intricate orchids, pretty wildflowers, and the fascinating fungi that adorn the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
This protected and peaceful area is home to abundant native birds including Tūī, Bellbird, Grey Warbler, New Zealand Pigeon, South Island Tomtit, Fantail, Fernbird, Sacred Kingfisher, Royal Spoonbill, which we take time to listen for and observe.
Visit the site where the White Heron, Kōtuku return to breed each year, during the spring and summer months, with the possibility of watching one of the local White Heron feeding in the tannin-rich Waitangiroto River.

See our extensive trapping network and how it operates to control predators and help preserve the delicate balance within one of nature’s oldest ecosystems.
We are excited to provide you with an authentic and memorable nature outing complemented by stunning South Westland scenery and views of the Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the Southern Alps.
All tours operate with a Department of Conservation concession and entry is by permit only.
Please contact us to book your personalised tour, suited to your needs and time schedule.

White Heron Sanctuary Tours Contact Details

Birds seasonally seen