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White Heron Sanctuary Tours - Birdwatching and Nature Tours from Whataroa

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Witness the extraordinary sight of the rare Kōtuku, White Heron at their only New Zealand breeding ground within the flora and fauna abundant Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Guaranteed viewing of the nesting White Heron, Royal Spoonbill and Little Shag.

$150
White Heron, full breeding plumage
White Heron, full breeding plumage
Nesting Kotuku, White Herons
Nesting Kotuku, White Herons
White Heron family at nesting site
White Heron family at nesting site
Kotuku nest
Kotuku nest
Feeding time at the nest
Feeding time at the nest
Royal Spoonbill, Kotuku ngutupapa
Royal Spoonbill, Kotuku ngutupapa
Royal Spoonbill
Royal Spoonbill
Displaying White Heron, Kotuku
Displaying White Heron, Kotuku
Kōtuku family at NZ's only White Heron nesting site and breeding ground - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
Kōtuku family at NZ's only White Heron nesting site and breeding ground - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
'Spoonville' - Nesting Royal Spoonbill at the White Heron nesting site - Whataroa, West Coast, South Island
'Spoonville' - Nesting Royal Spoonbill at the White Heron nesting site - Whataroa, West Coast, South Island
White Heron adult feeding its big chicks - White Heron Sanctuary Tours, Whataroa, West Coast, South Island
White Heron adult feeding its big chicks - White Heron Sanctuary Tours, Whataroa, West Coast, South Island
Explore the seasonal wonders of the lush rainforest with its magic reflections and diverse native trees, ferns, orchids, fungi and birdlife.
Explore the seasonal wonders of the lush rainforest with its magic reflections and diverse native trees, ferns, orchids, fungi and birdlife.
Kōtuku in full breeding plumage displaying its fine lacey feathers - White Heron Sanctuary Tours, Whataroa, South Island
Kōtuku in full breeding plumage displaying its fine lacey feathers - White Heron Sanctuary Tours, Whataroa, South Island
Kotuku, White Heron nest with chicks
Kotuku, White Heron nest with chicks
Courting Kotuku, White Heron
Courting Kotuku, White Heron
White Heron, full breeding plumage
White Heron, full breeding plumage
Nesting Kotuku, White Herons
Nesting Kotuku, White Herons
White Heron family at nesting site
White Heron family at nesting site
Kotuku nest
Kotuku nest
Feeding time at the nest
Feeding time at the nest
Royal Spoonbill, Kotuku ngutupapa
Royal Spoonbill, Kotuku ngutupapa
Royal Spoonbill
Royal Spoonbill
Displaying White Heron, Kotuku
Displaying White Heron, Kotuku
Kotuku, White Heron nest with chicks
Kotuku, White Heron nest with chicks
Courting Kotuku, White Heron
Courting Kotuku, White Heron
Courting Kōtuku at New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, West Coast, New Zealand.
Courting Kōtuku at New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, West Coast, New Zealand.
Adult Kōtuku with chicks begging at the White Heron Sanctuary, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, South Westland.
Adult Kōtuku with chicks begging at the White Heron Sanctuary, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, South Westland.
Early season activity at the White Heron Waitangiroto Nature Reserve breeding ground - Whataroa, South Island.
Early season activity at the White Heron Waitangiroto Nature Reserve breeding ground - Whataroa, South Island.
Kōtuku chicks experiencing the Waitangiroto River below their nests at New Zealand's only White Heron breeding ground - Whataroa, West Coast.
Kōtuku chicks experiencing the Waitangiroto River below their nests at New Zealand's only White Heron breeding ground - Whataroa, West Coast.
Learn about the Predator Control work we do in and around the Kōtuku nesting site - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
Learn about the Predator Control work we do in and around the Kōtuku nesting site - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
Kōtuku family at NZ's only White Heron nesting site and breeding ground - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
Kōtuku family at NZ's only White Heron nesting site and breeding ground - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
Adult Kōtuku feeding its large chicks at their sole New Zealand nesting ground - Whataroa, West Coast, South Island.
Adult Kōtuku feeding its large chicks at their sole New Zealand nesting ground - Whataroa, West Coast, South Island.
Courting Kōtuku at New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, West Coast, New Zealand.
Courting Kōtuku at New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, West Coast, New Zealand.
Adult Kōtuku with chicks begging at the White Heron Sanctuary, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, South Westland.
Adult Kōtuku with chicks begging at the White Heron Sanctuary, Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa, South Westland.
Early season activity at the White Heron Waitangiroto Nature Reserve breeding ground - Whataroa, South Island.
Early season activity at the White Heron Waitangiroto Nature Reserve breeding ground - Whataroa, South Island.
Kōtuku chicks experiencing the Waitangiroto River below their nests at New Zealand's only White Heron breeding ground - Whataroa, West Coast.
Kōtuku chicks experiencing the Waitangiroto River below their nests at New Zealand's only White Heron breeding ground - Whataroa, West Coast.
Learn about the Predator Control work we do in and around the Kōtuku nesting site - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.
Learn about the Predator Control work we do in and around the Kōtuku nesting site - Waitangiroto Nature Reserve - Whataroa.

About

Our exclusive 2.5-hour White Heron Tour begins with a scenic minivan journey through private farmland and wetlands to the DOC-protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Here, an easy 800-metre guided walk through ancient Kahikatea rainforest leads to our elevated viewing hide, offering the unique opportunity to observe the rare Kōtuku or White Heron in their natural nesting environment. Be captivated by these majestic birds as they interact and nurture their young. Also view and learn about the nesting Royal Spoonbill, Little Shag, and other birdlife here. As the original and only tour company permitted to operate in this special area, White Heron Sanctuary Tours has 37 years of experience in sharing the magic of the Kōtuku with visitors.

Location

64 Main Road, Whataroa, New Zealand
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