An enjoyable trip to see the heron breeding colony, hosted by a very knowledgable guide. The trip involves a ~15 minute van ride followed by an enjoyable ~15 minute jet boat ride to get to the breeding grounds. You then have ~30 minutes to watch the herons from a well prepared and situated viewing hut, complete with binoculars. You are only 10-20 metres from the herons so plenty of opportunity to have a good look

A good experience but perhaps my expectations had been raised too far by previous visitors

Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you stumble across unexpectedly. The White Heron Sanctuary Tour is not be missed - the jet boat ride down the river into the lagoon, a bush walk to the hide where binoculars and insect repellent are supplied, and then the magical breathtaking moment when the shutters are opened, and there, just across the river, are the white herons nesting, flying in and out, and keeping the royal spoonbills in line. An amazing sight. If you are traveling down the West Coast between November and March, don't miss it.

Very laid back kiwi team to look aftet you - fun jet boat trip - easy walk to the hide and then pleasant 30 to 40 minutes viewing the herons breading area

They provide waterproof jackets and binoculars and a good overview of the herons breading habits, etc

Awesome. We had a great time. Professional and friendly operators. Jet boat driver and tour guide was knowledgeable and was great with my ASD son. Birdlife and viewing fantastic. Recommend to tourists and Kiwis. Special place to visit

The White Heron Sanctuary is protected by the Dept. of Conservation and the only way to see the nesting White Herons is by taking this tour. We were lucky and only had 3 people on our tour. The boat ride itself was great fun. It is a jet boat that flies down the river making sharp turns as the river bends. Once you get to the rookery you can view the herons, Little Pied Cormorants and Royal Spoonbills behind a blind. Great trip for photographers and all nature lovers.