It is necessary to keep as quiet as possible to not frighten delicate White Herons. These snow-white birds are amusing, especially while hunting: they cautiously step across the water looking for food. What a graceful walk!
Royal Spoonbills do not fall behind and are even more pompous. However, their black spoon-shaped bills and yellow-shaded eyelids resembling make them look rather comic. Little Shags are not white: their plumage varies in color from black to black-and-white. Nevertheless, they have their own charm. Around 120-150 White Herons inhabit New Zealand. Catching a glimpse of one of these magnificent birds is an exceptional and uncommon occurrence.
Best Time to See White Heron
The White Heron Sanctuary tours through Waitangiroto Nature Reserve are offered during the white herons' breeding season, which is between September and early March.
Tours Activities
The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is accessible from the township of Whataroa only via a land-based guided tour with White Heron Sanctuary Tours. Attendees can witness the splendid Kotuku, or White Heron, in their undisturbed nesting habitat. Access to the White Heron colony is not permitted for independent visits. Visitors are required to participate in a guided tour provided by White Heron Sanctuary Tours from Whataroa.
Established in 1987, White Heron Sanctuary Tours is the primary and exclusive tour provider authorized to facilitate visits to the nesting White Heron within the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, which is administered and safeguarded by the Department of Conservation. Also, visitors can observe the Royal Spoonbill and the Little Shag, who also share this area.
Prices
An Adult ticket for the tour costs around $150, and a child (ages 12 and under)—$75. However, the price may change.
Practical info
What is the ideal time to witness the nesting of White Herons in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve?
White Herons primarily breed between September and early March at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, which makes it the optimal time for bird enthusiasts to visit the area. Tourists will be able to witness the stunning and graceful birds nesting in their natural habitat. Show more
Which region of New Zealand is home to the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve?
Located in the South Island's West Coast region, the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is exclusively accessible via land-based guided tour. Show more
Apart from White Herons, which other birds can tourists view during the tour at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve?
One can spot multiple species of birds at the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, including Royal Spoonbills and Little Shags. While the former has black spoon-shaped beaks and eyeballs with yellow shading, the latter varies in color from black to black-and-white, adding to their charm and individuality. Show more
Are there any cautionary measures that visitors must take to avoid disturbing the birds in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve?
To help preserve the bird's peace, visitors should make a conscious effort to keep noise levels to a minimum, especially during tours. This is particularly critical for the delicate White Herons. By minimizing noise, one can observe the birds in their habitat without causing unnecessary disturbance. Show more
Are tourists allowed to visit Waitangiroto Nature Reserve independently or are specific tours conducted by guides?
Access to the White Heron colony is not permitted for independent visits. Visitors are required to participate in a guided tour provided by White Heron Sanctuary Tours from Whataroa. Show more
