White Heron Tours - Westcoast

Rates: NZ$95 per adult. Children 12 years and under NZ$45 .

View the magnificent Kotuku (White Heron), the Kotuku Ngutu Papa (Royal Spoonbill), Kawapaka (Little BlackShag) and other Bird life - all in their natural environment in the Waitangi Roto nature Reserve.

Tours to the White Heron Colony open late October and the Kotuku disperse from the colony about the end of February/Early March each year. A unique experience for bird lovers, this is New Zealand's only Kotuku nesting site.

The round trip tour from the Whataroa office, back to the office, takes approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours.  From the Whataroa office, a short minibus ride akes you to the river to connect with the jet boat.  The jet boat ride is a gentle 20 minutes each way.  From the jetty it is just a short boardwalk (500mtrs) through native bush to where you can stay for 30-40 minutes to view the birds.    

Tours run under concession with the Department of Conservation and bookings are essential. Entry is by Permit Only and all tours are accompanied by a guide. Wet weather gear is provided.

Tours run at approximately 9am, 11am, 1 pm and 3 pm and maximum numbers are 12 per tour.

During winter visitors can still visit the area with a  scenic Jetboat ride down the Waitangi Taona River, into the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve. View magnificent stands of ancient Kahikatea Forest (800 to 1000 years old) and  cruise amongst the primeval giants of our rainforests, gently float through some of the world's most intriguing scenery, learning how we preserve the delicate balances within one of natures oldest ecosystems.
View the beautiful orchids and ferns that adorn the reserve.
This area is home to numerous native birdlife including Tui, Bellbird, Wood pigeon and Fantail and there are many beautiful orchids and ferns throughout the reserve.