Springtime Heralds The Return Of The Nesting Kōtuku To The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve
Nesting season mid-September to late- February
The majestic Kōtuku, or White Heron, featured on our NZ $2 coin, is nationally endangered with a small population of approximately 150-200. In Maori oratory to see one of these birds just once in a lifetime was believed to be good fortune and to liken someone to a Kōtuku was paying them a great compliment. 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!
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.
The Arnolds, are 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, they have 37 years of experience guiding visitors and sharing their delight in witnessing these regal birds in their natural nesting environment.
Location: 64 Main Road Whataroa, South Westland
Contact: Dion
Email: info@whiteherontours.co.nz
Phone: +64 (0)3 753 4120
Website: whiteherontours.co.nz
Whitebait Season
Whitebait has a significant role in the West Coast community, the countdown to September 1st is highly anticipated by ‘coasters’. Prized for their delicate flavor and texture, the season attracts fisherman from all corners of New Zealand, as well as those wanting to experience the delicacy.
The whitebait populations can also be an indication of the overall health of the local aquatic ecosystems. The National Kiwi Centre in Hokitika has a 2,000 liter aquarium where you can learn about, and see the various life stages of the whitebait each season.
Location: The National Kiwi Centre, Hokitika, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Vonnie
Email: natkiwi@xtra.co.nz
Phone: +64 (0)3 753 4120
Website: thenationalkiwicentre.co.nz
Fiordland Crested Penguins Make Their Annual Return to the West Coast.
New Zealand’s rarest mainland penguin is now resident in South Westland where they come each year to breed between August and December. Third rarest of the world’s 18 penguin species, Tawaki are only found in the south-west corner of New Zealand. The northernmost breeding colony is located at Heretaniwha Point at the western end of Bruce Bay. Breeding colonies are found south from here along the coast all the way to southern Rakiura/Stewart Island. Tawaki nest in caves, rock crevasses and in almost impenetrable coastal rainforest.
The Fiordland Crested Penguin or Tawaki stand 60cm tall and weigh 4kg with a population ranging between 2,500 and 3,000 breeding pairs. Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC), the West Coast Penguin Trust, and the Tawaki Project, has been monitoring the penguins' breeding activities at several locations along their coastline for the last 35 years. During that period at their study site Tawaki penguin numbers have more than doubled. This successful conservation outcome is a result of habitat protection and control of introduced predators, domestic dogs and human disturbance according to previous Wilderness Lodge owner Dr Gerry McSweeney.
Location: State Highway 6, Lake Moeraki, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Gerry and Anne
Email: lakemoeraki@wildernesslodge.co.nz
Phone: +64 (3) 7500 881
Website: wildernesslodge.co.nz
Lake Brunner Scenic Trail Nears Completion
On New Zealand’s West Coast, the 15 km Lake Brunner Scenic Trail is steadily progressing towards its goal of completion by Christmas 2025. This spectacular new walkway will connect Moana to Mitchells, showcasing lakeside vistas and lush rainforest.
Recent milestones include the completion of a new Kiwi Bridge and boardwalk sections at the Mitchells end, with further construction continuing through 2025. Built with strong community support and volunteer effort, the trail has already been praised as “the pick of the Coast’s walks.”
Once complete, the Lake Brunner Scenic Trail will offer visitors a world-class walking experience, an essential addition for travel sellers promoting nature-based and active tourism on the West Coast.
Product highlights in the area: