Rare white heron visits Central Otago

White Heron. Photo / Gregor Richardson

A rare white heron, or kotuku, is spotted at Chatto Creek, between Alexandra and Omakau, on Saturday.

Chatto Creek Tavern owner Lesley Middlemass said the bird had been making stops in the area for the past four years.

"It's lovely. It spends a bit of time in the garden. I'll sometimes go outside and see it on the roof.''

Department of Conservation figures show there are between 100 and 120 of the birds in New Zealand. However, they are common in Australia, the South Pacific and Asia.

Senior ranger John Keene said the bird would "not be a usual visitor'' to the area.

In New Zealand the birds only breed near Whataroa in South Westland.

They were almost eradicated in New Zealand when this site was found in 1865 because the birds were valued by Maori and European settlers for their ornamental feathers.