In Whataroa, experiences range from guided nature tours to white-water activities and excursions into alpine landscapes. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider what you’d like to centre your stay around: seasonal sightings of rare Kōtuku, a walk nearby, or activities on and above the Whataroa River.

Guided Tours in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve

The White Heron Sanctuary Tour begins in Whataroa with a scenic and informative minivan journey 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 may also see behaviours characteristic of the only breeding ground for these birds in New Zealand, and not found anywhere else in the country. Wildlife sightings are seasonal; specific sightings are not guaranteed.

Access to the protected Waitangiroto Nature Reserve and the White Heron breeding site is only available as part of a land-based guided tour with White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa. The Department of Conservation grants the required permission. As permits and operating arrangements can change, check the latest tour information before your visit.

The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve Rainforest Nature Tour has a different focus: it includes an exclusive guided walk along a purpose-built track through temperate lowland podocarp rainforest. Availability is seasonal.

White-Water Activities and Nearby Walks

The Whataroa River is one of New Zealand’s best one-day white-water experiences. Its deep green water flows through three spectacular gorges with canyons, amid an impressive river landscape. This offers a river experience alongside the guided nature tours in the reserve.

Nearby Whataroa, the easy Waitangitāhuna Wetland Walk passes through regenerating kahikatea forest and a lowland area with New Zealand flax. The destination is a viewing platform with spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. The walk links wetlands and forest with a lookout point; it is a separate option from the tours in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

From Whataroa, Whataroa Flat Road leads about nine kilometres to the walk’s starting point. From there, access is via a gravel road that crosses the Waitangitāhuna River. The starting point is opposite the White Heron Tours wharf. If you’re planning the walk, this information will help you find the starting point from Whataroa.

Near Whataroa, Lake Wahapo is suitable for trout fishing and recreational boating. Another local option is the Whataroa Golf Course, a nine-hole course with club rooms. If you’d like to visit the course, check the latest visitor information in advance.

Flights and Glacier Walks

Glacier Country Scenic Flights is based at the Whataroa River. From there, flights take you into an alpine landscape featuring lush subtropical rainforest, impressive ice rivers, alpine snowfields and prominent peaks, including Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, New Zealand’s highest mountains. Options include flights and glacier walks. Check in advance which of these are available at the time of your trip.

The Alpine Fault also has a direct connection to the area: an exposed section is located in Whataroa, and guided tours are offered there. You can choose between guided nature and landscape viewing, river activities, an easy nearby walk and other excursion options.

Discover more destinations: Fox Glacier, Bruce Bay, Hokitika, Kakapotahi, Kokatahi, Otira, Franz Josef Glacier, Ross.

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.