Okarito Lagoon - White herons breeding
New Zealand's only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony can be found at Okarito Lagoon. Kotuku are sacred to Maori. The breeding site is part of a nature reserve which has restricted access, you need a permit to enter and can usually only go as part of an organised excursion, often on a jet boat.
Wildlife Highlights: Kotuku (White herons), Royal spoonbill, brown kiwi, little shag are some of the 75 bird species that can be found here.
Access and location: Okarito reserve is open from late October to the end of February and requires an entry permit. The town of Okarito is on the west coast of the South Island, just north of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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