🌳 Waitangiroto Nature Reserve

The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve is a protected area of 1,534 ha near Whataroa, in the West Coast of New Zealand. The reserve consists of lowland kahikatea swamp forest either side of the Waitangiroto River. It is notable as the site of the only breeding colony of kōtuku or white heron in New Zealand, comprising 100–120 birds. Royal spoonbills and little shags also breed alongside the kōtuku. The breeding colony is a visitor attraction during the breeding season, but access to the entire nature reserve is by permit only. Visitors can view the birds from a hide across the Waitangiroto River. Tours of the reserve operate from a base in Whataroa.