White Heron Sanctuary Tours
White Heron Sanctuary Tours is a Tour company in Whataroa, New Zealand.
Where is New Zealand's only White Heron nesting site located?
“New Zealand’s sole Kōtuku (White Heron) breeding colony is located within the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, near Whataroa on the West Coast of the South Island, approximately 30 minutes north of Franz Josef.”
View in the company profileWhen can we visit to observe the nesting White Herons?
“The White Herons can be observed at their only New Zealand breeding ground in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve during our spring and summer months.”
View in the company profileIs there only one tour to the White Heron nesting site in New Zealand?
“Yes, White Heron Sanctuary Tours operates the only tour to New Zealand’s White Heron nesting colony.”
View in the company profileWhen do the Kōtuku, White Heron chicks start hatching?
“The first Kōtuku, White Heron chicks of the nesting season typically begin hatching in early November, with hatchings occurring most days throughout November and December.”
View in the company profileDo the Kōtuku, White Herons nest at Ōkārito?
“No, although the Kōtuku colony was historically sometimes referred to as the “Ōkārito heronry” -Kōtuku do not nest at the Ōkārito Lagoon.”
View in the company profileCan I visit the Kōtuku nesting site by kayak?
“No. The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is a fragile wildlife sanctuary, not a recreational area. Its waterways, including the Waitangiroto River, are legally protected by the Department of Conservation.”
View in the company profileWhen is the best time to see White Herons, Kōtuku in full breeding plumage?
“September, October and early November are the ideal months to see the White Herons in their full breeding plumage at their only New Zealand nesting site in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.”
View in the company profile