• River Map
  • The Wetlands
  • Birdwatching
  • Home
  • Prices
    • Two Night Cruise
    • Overnight Cruises
    • Lunch Cruise
    • Wedding Cruises
    • Corporate Cruises
  • Facilities
    • Accommodation
    • Boat Specs & Crew
    • Dining Options
  • The River
    • River Map
    • The Wetlands
    • Birdwatching
  • Testimonials
  • Photo Gallery
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Land: 09 638 8305 | Mobile: 64 21137 0066

© Copyright 2012. Discovery River Cruises.

Tourism websites by Tomahawk
Terms & Conditions

Birdwatching

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

  • Black Shag
  • Little Shag
  • Fern Bird
  • Marsh Crake
  • Harrier
  • Spotless Crake
  • Pukeko
  • White Faced Heron
  • Ducks include: Mallard, Shoveler, Grey, Grey Teal and Paradise
  • Australasian Bittern (Matuku)
  • Dabchick
  • Black Swan
  • Kingfisher
  • Eastern Rosella
  • NZ Wood Pigeon
  • Pheasant
  • Geese
  • Caspian Tern


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.

 

Waikato Birdwatching: Swans
Waikato Birdwatching: Muscovey
Waikato Birdwatching: NZ Wood Pidgeon
Terms & Conditions