The endangered White Herons

 January 14th

Isn't it daft? Last night as the twilight had almost gone, I debated whether to go across to the hotel's bathroom or to use our own loo. It wasn't because of the distance, maybe 50 yds, but because I had this stupid fear that someone was inside. An empty building with doors and windows left open, and you will realise why I became nervous. Ian bless him said he would accompany me, I expect it was because he too needed the loo, but I was ever so grateful. Oh, and for the records, of course no one was there.

From left to right: back door to go in, camp fees, men's toilets to the right and bottom left, ladies toilets down the corridor, bedroom corridor and one of the backpackers room.

  What I hadn't mentioned yesterday was meeting with Kevin from Glazier helicopter tours. We have attempted to do the flights to the Frans Joseph and Fox Glaciers ever since our first trip to New Zealand back in 2017. The low cloud and rain scuppered the chances then. In 2020, it was the high winds so this will be third time lucky. Kevin said he would text if conditions were good this morning and 6.30 am he said it was good to go and be at the tour office by 8.45 am. Showers had early, as was breakfast. I prepared for cold conditions, trousers, socks, t shirt jumper coat etc, we were due for a 10-minute landing on the glazier, Ian on the other hand stayed in shorts and T-Shirt! Anyway he must have known today was not going to be the day because by 8.15 am another text from Kevin saying visibility had worsened and it would not go ahead. Blast is this to be another wasted opportunity. Kevin did mention the weather may be better tomorrow so to prepare for that possibility.

It didn't look good for the flight.

 

Very disappointed we made for Okarito instead. There had been mention of wetlands and some good walks plus the story of the largest blue whale that been found on Okarito Beach back in the February 1908.

This was another of the lesser known places, not many folk visits unless for a specific purpose. It's a small township, has more of a fine shingle beach than sand and a fabulous lagoon if you're into fishing or kayaking. Kiwi tours also start from there, we did enquire but the chap was closed due to him having Covid!

We did the 20-minute walk to the wetlands, instead of the 90-minute Trig walk with views over the Alps. We had booked the White Heron tour for 3 pm and as the time was nearer to 1 pm, that longer walk plus the 30-minute drive back to Whataroa would have made it tight. 

How's that for camouflage.

The rain started as we left Okarito and that was not what we wanted. It got worse the nearer to Whataroa we got. By the time the electrics was plugged in once back to the hotel, all the Alps were obscured by cloud and all the windows and vents hurriedly closed. Back to sweltering in the Toy again. It was still hammering down at 3 pm, wet weather gear put on, gosh that made us sweat, Dion, the chap to take us to the White Heron Waitangiroto Nature reserve, was most reassuring, the 35-minute drive towards the coast and the climate would be totally different to that of Whataroa. He was right. Sun came out, as did the sandflies and mosquitos, in fact this rain forest was in desperate need of rain. Even the mosses on the trees were drying and many ferns had already turned brown.  

And the Cicadas were out in their hundreds with us being bombarded and more climbing the trees.

 must have walked about a kilometre before reaching the hide, So many white Herons and such a racked made by the juveniles. Some had fledged but the majority were still being fed by the parents. We spent an hour observing these endangered birds, this was the only place in New Zealand where they come to nest. This from the DOC site (see link above)

Because of its rarity in New Zealand and its beautiful plumage, the kōtuku was highly valued by Māori and European settlers for its ornamental feathers. The species was almost exterminated to satisfy the demand after its only breeding site on the Waitangiroto River was discovered in 1865.

By 1941 there were only four nests. At this time, the Waitangiroto site was declared a reserve and wildlife refuge and patrolled at breeding time. The managed access helps ensure the birds have every opportunity to nest undisturbed. The numbers have now stabilised with a permanent population of around 100 to 120 birds.

Royal Spoonbill and Little Shag also nest here

The time went quick, thoroughly enjoyed the 60 minutes spent at the site. I was in my element, Ian on the other hand could have left earlier. This is more my thing than Ian's. So now we wait to see if the conditions are good for tomorrows helicopter flight. Fingers crossed it will be third time lucky.