White Heron, also known as Kotuku are frequent visitors to Lake Mapourika.  Lake Mapourika, a sanctuary for these elegant and rare birds, making it one of the privileged few locations in New Zealand where they can be observed in their natural habitat.  

Lake Mapourika Feed’s the White Heron’s

Lake Mapourika provides a perfect feeding ground for returning White Herons. The graceful White Heron’s, with their snowy plumage and elegant stature, are specially adapted to forage in the shallows of Lake Mapourika, seeking out small fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. Revered by the Maori for their beauty and scarcity, the White Heron holds a special place in indigenous culture, where only chiefs and esteemed individuals were permitted to adorn themselves with the feathers of these magnificent birds.

Breeding White Herons

Venture just beyond the northern edge of Okarito Lagoon, and you’ll discover the Waitangiroto White Heron Colony, the sole nesting site for these ethereal beings from October to April. Perched high amidst the towering Kahikatea trees, some 50 meters above ground, they delicately lay 3-5 eggs, marking the beginning of a new generation.

Conservation

However, the journey of the White Heron has not been without its challenges. In 1941, their numbers dwindled alarmingly, with only four nests remaining, threatened by predation from stoats and the relentless demand for their prized feathers. Recognizing the urgency of conservation efforts, the Department of Conservation intervened, establishing reserves to safeguard their breeding grounds.

Kayaking With White Herons

Thanks to these vigilant conservation measures, the White Heron population has rebounded, with approximately 120 birds now gracing the skies above South Westland and frequently visiting Lake Mapourika. Yielding 25-50 chicks per season across nearly 50 nests, it’s such a wonderful sight to see each bird whether from a kayak or our our scenic cruises. Each sighting of these regal birds is considered a stroke of luck in Maori culture, a sentiment echoed by the increasing number of sightings as the weeks unfold.

Visit Lake Mapourika:

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours and be captivated by the enchanting presence of the White Heron. Book your excursion now and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of these majestic creatures as they grace the pristine wilderness of New Zealand’s West Coast.