Our Journey To Okarito

It’s 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, a native of Titahi Bay near Wellington, New Zealand, has made the West Coast of the South Island his home for over four decades. His adventurous spirit led him to an intriguing crayfishing venture off the West Coast with his longtime friend Barry Wyber—be sure to ask about their unique boat launching story! Swade's love for the sea also took him to Alaska, where he spent several seasons deep-sea fishing, accumulating a wealth of stories along the way. Following his fishing adventures, Swade dedicated ten years to being the head guide at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, located south of the glaciers near Haast. There, he shared the wonders of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin with guests from across the globe, guided them through the breathtaking rainforest, and by night, entertained them as the chief bartender, proving his versatility and passion for sharing the natural beauty of New Zealand.

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 EcoTours came up for sale.  Running Okarito Boat EcoTours 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 New Zealand 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 and the Okarito Plant Project – helping to maintain this pristine environment for all for the future. Should you care to stay a while and explore this quiet little village and the wonderful experiences it offers, they also manage local accommodation properties. 

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!