How we came to Okarito...

It’s kind of nice to know the story behind a small business, especially one in a fairly remote location like Okarito! So here's our story!

Swade Finch, born and raised in Titahi Bay near Wellington, NZ, has been living on the West Coast of the South Island for over 40 years.   
Along with crayfishing in the most interesting style off the West Coast of NZ with long time mate Barry Wyber (ask him how they launched the boat – that’s a great story!) he spent many seasons deep sea fishing in Alaska as well - stories abound!

He then spent 10 years as the head guide at the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki south of the glaciers near Haast showing guests from around the world the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin, leading them on walks through the magnificent rainforest and entertaining them in the evenings as he transformed into chief bartender!

Paula Sheridan, born and raised in Canada, came to New Zealand as a cycle tour guide.  Having spent some years in a remote part of British Columbia working at a luxury Helicopter Ski Resort, her interests moved to guiding guests through the Canadian Rockies by bicycle.  She arrived on the shores of NZ in 2001 and she, along with many guests over the years, traveled by bicycle around the South Island, spending time at the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki along the way where she first met Swade

The quiet, remote village of Okarito, with its long stretches of beach along the wild coast, became a haven for the two guides to relax and plan a future together with common interests in nature, wildlife and conservation.

They soon seized the opportunity to work together when the small eco-tourism based business of Okarito Boat Tours came up for sale.  Running Okarito Boat Tours keeps them both in the guiding business where they can share the magnificence of the scenery of the west coast, the birdlife on the Okarito lagoon and river as well as much of the rich history of the little village.  

While Paula thought she had left the cycle journey behind, a few years on, with persuasion from friends back in Canada, she started up KVR Cycle Tours in Canada on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in British Columbia.  She and Swade spend the NZ winters there where Paula can continue to pursue her love of cycling while staying connected with her Canadian family and friends. 

Swade and Paula round out their busy schedule with managing the Okarito Community Native Plants Nursery – helping to maintain this pristine environment for all for the future.

Should you care to base yourself here and explore this quiet little village and the wonderful experiences it offers up, they also manage a local holiday lodge - The Okarito Beach House - Summit Lodge & The Royal Hutel.   They welcome you to come and explore this “magic” part of the coast of New Zealand and maybe even learn where “Swade” got his name – and that’s another story!

Stop in and meet Paula & Swade at their recently built home and office, 31 Wharf Street, Okarito - just across from the lagoon.   Look for the white heron sign as you enter the village of Okarito - all are welcome!