Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Whataroa, New Zealand
The Waitangiroto Nature Reserve covers 1,534 hectares of lowland kahikatea swamp forest along the Waitangiroto River in the Westland District.
The reserve received official protection status in 1957 after local Maori had petitioned authorities to safeguard the area since 1860.
The resident white herons hold deep meaning in Maori traditions, with the birds representing purity and importance in indigenous cultural practices.
Access to the reserve requires permits from the Department of Conservation, with guided tours available through White Heron Sanctuary Tours in Whataroa.
The reserve contains New Zealand's sole breeding colony of kotuku white herons, with approximately 56 nesting pairs recorded in 2023.
Location: Westland District
Inception: 1957
GPS coordinates: -43.14750,170.28500
Latest update: May 28, 2025 19:09
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