The Waikato River and its surrounding Wetlands are a birdwatcher’s Paradise.
The mighty Waikato River, feeds a number of world-renowned wetland areas such as the Whangamarino Wetlands, Lake Whangape Reserve, Opuatia Swamp Reserve.
The Whangamario Wetlands are one of the few remaining habitats of the Australasian Bittern or Matuku – the rare and beautiful wetland bird which soars above our logo - and which a chance sighting of aboard Discovery at dawn or dusk can be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Birds of the Waikato River
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Black Shag
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Little Shag
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Fern Bird
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Marsh Crake
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Harrier
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Spotless Crake
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Pukeko
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White Faced Heron
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Ducks include: Mallard, Shoveler, Grey, Grey Teal and Paradise
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Australasian Bittern (Matuku)
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Dabchick
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Black Swan
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Kingfisher
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Eastern Rosella
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NZ Wood Pigeon
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Pheasant
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Geese
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Caspian Tern
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A cruise along the Waikato River is perfect for wetland bird watching - sighting the unique Wetlands birds in or around their natural habitats from the comfort of your Discovery River Cruise.
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Waikato Birdwatching: Swans
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Waikato Birdwatching: Muscovey
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Waikato Birdwatching: NZ Wood Pidgeon
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