Whataroa – Kōtuku, River and Rainforest

In Whataroa, nature experiences range from observing rare Kōtuku to exploring river landscapes with deep green water and gorges. When choosing accommodation, it can help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: a guided tour into the sanctuary, a walk in the surrounding area, or activities on the river.

Experience Kōtuku and rainforest on a guided tour

The White Heron Sanctuary Tour begins in Whataroa with a scenic and informative minivan ride through privately farmed land and wetlands to the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. The tour offers the chance to observe rare Kōtuku in the wild and see behaviours characteristic of their only breeding site in New Zealand, which cannot be seen anywhere else in the country. Wildlife viewing is seasonal.

Access to the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and the White Heron breeding site is only possible as part of a land-based guided tour with White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa. Permission is granted by the Department of Conservation. As permissions and operating arrangements can change, check the current tour and access conditions before visiting.

Another guided experience is the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve Rainforest Nature Tour. It includes an exclusive guided walk along a purpose-built track through temperate lowland podocarp rainforest. This tour is also seasonal. The tours therefore offer two distinct perspectives on nature: the Kōtuku and their breeding site, and the sanctuary's rainforest.

River, Alpine Fault and alpine views

The Whataroa River is one of New Zealand's best one-day white-water experiences. Its deep green water flows through three spectacular canyon gorges. The river landscape offers a very different way to experience the area from quietly observing birds. Whataroa is also home to an exposed section of the Alpine Fault, which can be visited on guided tours.

Glacier Country Scenic Flights is based on the Whataroa River. From there, guests fly into an alpine landscape of lush subtropical rainforest, impressive ice rivers, alpine snowfields and distinctive peaks, including Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, New Zealand's highest mountains. Options include flights and glacier hikes. Check which options are currently available before your trip.

Walks and other activities in the surrounding area

Near Whataroa, the Waitangitāhuna Wetland Walk passes through regenerating kahikatea forest and a lowland area of New Zealand flax to a viewing platform. From there, spectacular views extend across the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. The track is easy. From Whataroa, Whataroa Flat Road runs for about nine kilometres to the starting point; from there, access is via a gravel road across the Waitangitāhuna River. The trailhead is opposite the White Heron Tours jetty.

Nearby Lake Wahapo is ideal for trout fishing and recreational boating. Whataroa is also home to the local Whataroa Golf Course, a nine-hole course with club rooms. Check current visitor access before planning a visit.

More nature destinations in the Westland District

The wider Westland District destination has other distinct nature destinations to explore. In Fox Glacier Valley, hiking and cycling offer different views of the glacial valley. At Lake Matheson, an easy loop track follows the lake; on calm, clear days, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the water. At Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, a short rainforest walk offers views of the glacial valley. A challenging contrast is the Roberts Point Track: this full-day hike offers views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding mountains. These places and tracks are in the Westland District and are separate regional destinations.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ross, Haast, Okarito, Fox Glacier, Bruce Bay, Kokatahi, Kakapotahi, Franz Josef Glacier.

To the wider travel overview: Westland District.