Kotoku

Today was one of those days – It look like shite and turned out like roses. Today was our visit to the Kotoku site – we woke around 6 to hear torrential rain outside, which then caused a short but strong discussion about going or not! In the end we agreed to give it a go.

We had to meet at the Sanctuary Tours by 8:45 at Whataroa. By then the rain was easing and the sky was looking better.
The tour bus took about 8 or 9 of us towards the coast where the DOC reserve was – close to Okarito. As we drove to the site we heard about the birds. The site is a DOC and the tour family collaboration – the birds come to the lagoon to breed – it is the only nesting site in NZ - they come here from all parts of NZ.

This year there are 54 nests which is about normal, up a little on the last few years. The collaboration takes care of the track in, its security and pest control. The amazing thing is this reserve is virtually pest free now and lots of small lower plants are returning to the area.

As we set out in the van the heavy rains returned and after 5 minutes of that it began to ease, and then the sky opened up, and the sun came out.

We walked in through the beautiful bush with all the songbirds until we reached the hide and it was a real wow moment to see all these perfectly white birds perched in the trees in the sun. We could see some nests with baby birds, and some had teenagers! We had about 40 minutes there and cameras were clicking everywhere – and there were some mean cameras there.
It sure was a great experience which we will never forget. Then we decided to drive back to Lake Matheson for lunch – the café was very busy - we sat outside and enjoyed lunch. Then we were off to walk around the lake. This lake is famous for its reflections – best in the morning especially when it is calm. We walked about 4.5km – the bush was so beautiful and there were some spectacular views.

Back home – hopefully that’s the last drive on the winding road between Fox and Franz Joseph for me – I’ve done it 3 times.
At home we decided we would get something for dinner at the supermarket and as we were getting in the car I noticed that the sky was clearing up towards the glacier – the sky had been cloudy all day – so we drove back to the river and up the valley to the lookout carpark and there was the Franz Joseph glacier in all its beauty.

So, we feel happy with the day. Tomorrow its further north to Greymouth. We plan to have a feed of whitebait at Whataroa on the way.Read more