Whataroa: Kōtuku, Whitewater and Alpine Landscapes

Whataroa offers nature experiences with a range of different focuses: rare Kōtuku can be observed in the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, the Whataroa River is known for its whitewater, and flights into an alpine landscape depart from a base by the river. When choosing holiday accommodation in Whataroa, it is especially helpful to consider which of these discoveries you want to shape your trip.

Kōtuku and Rainforest in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve

The White Heron Sanctuary Tour begins in Whataroa. A scenic and informative minivan drive passes through privately owned working farmland and wetlands to the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. There, the tour offers the chance to observe rare Kōtuku in the wild. You can also see behaviours characteristic of their only breeding ground, which cannot be seen anywhere else in New Zealand.

Access to the Reserve and the White Heron breeding site is available only as part of a land-based guided tour with White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa. The Department of Conservation grants permission for this access. The Reserve is also home to its spoonbills, which nest high in the crowns of Kahikatea trees, above and near the Kōtuku breeding site.

Another nature 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. Alongside observing Kōtuku, this offers a guided insight into a distinctive forest type and its surroundings as a separate interest for your trip.

River Landscapes and the Alpine Fault

The Whataroa River is considered one of New Zealand’s best one-day whitewater experiences. Its deep-green water flows through three spectacular gorges with canyons. The river experience offers a different focus from the guided nature tours in the wetlands and rainforest. If you are interested in the Alpine Fault, Whataroa also has an exposed section of the fault, and guided tours are available.

Lake Wahapo is also near Whataroa and is suitable for trout fishing and recreational boating. Another local option is the Whataroa Golf Course, a local nine-hole course with clubrooms. The options therefore range from river and lake activities to a round of golf, without equating these experiences with the guided tours in the protected area.

Wetland Walk and Alpine Views

The Waitangitāhuna Wetland Walk is an easy track through regenerating Kahikatea forest and a lowland area with New Zealand flax. It leads to a viewing platform with spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. From Whataroa, the Whataroa Flat Road runs approximately 9 km to the starting point. The access route then continues along a gravel road across the Waitangitāhuna River; the trailhead is opposite the White Heron Tours jetty.

Flights also offer a different perspective on the landscape. Glacier Country Scenic Flights has a base on the Whataroa River and offers scenic flights and glacier hiking experiences. From the base, guests fly into an alpine landscape of lush subtropical rainforest, impressive rivers of ice, alpine snowfields and distinctive peaks, including New Zealand’s highest mountains, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

When searching for holiday accommodation in Whataroa, the different starting points can provide a practical guide: the White Heron Sanctuary Tour begins in town, while the Wetland Walk starting point is approximately 9 km away along Whataroa Flat Road and requires a further drive on a gravel road. So first decide whether Kōtuku viewing, river landscapes, an easy walk or a flight into the alpine landscape is most important to you.

Discover More Places

If you would like to explore other destinations at this level, you can find Kokatahi, Ross, Haast, Kakapotahi, Bruce Bay, Okarito, Hokitika and Otira here.

For the overarching travel overview: Westland District.