White Heron Sanctuary Tour on the West Coast
I timed my visit to the small West Coast settlement of Whataroa with a stereotypical west coast day - it was tipping it down with rain! Actually scrap that, bucketing it down would be a more apt description. Despite the weather a group of us set off in a minivan through farmland to a small jetty. Here we were given the all important wet weather gear of giant overcoat and trousers. Vital as the next part of our journey involved a long river run in a jet boat. The scenery looked stunning - what I could see of it given the constant dripping taking place off the brim of my rain hat. The jet boat zoomed down along the river taking us further and further from any civilisation until we reached a small bend where a purpose built wharf had been built. A short nature trail through West Coast prehistoric rainforest (oh how appropriate a description on such a day) brought us to a view hide overlooking the only known nesting site for Kotuku or White Heron known to exist in New Zealand.
The population of birds here is only 200 so just seeing one in NZ is unique, to visit their breeding ground is special. They are only resident here from late September to early March and nobody really knows why they chose this particular place.
I found the hide well stocked with sunscreen, insect repellent (vital as the mosquitos are ravenous) and binoculars. I knelt up against the viewing platform and focused in on the nests directly opposite. As I did so a white heron flew right across in front of me. The majority were sat on the their nests and there were some fluffy bundles also present - this years chicks presumably awaiting their parents return and feeding time. I was also fortunate enough to spot a number of shags and even a few spoonbills.
Although not the best of weather conditions being able to access such a rare site in such a remote place left me feeling mighty privileged.