About Okarito and the Tours
Okarito is one of those special but relatively unknown places in New Zealand.... and it is a magic place to be. We will take you out to see even more - on to the Okarito lagoon, wetlands and rainforest waterways which are over 3000 hectares in size - this is NZ's largest unmodified wetland - this diverse ecosystem is intact and working exactly like it ever has from an astonishing sea to mountains landscape.
We'll tell you more about this when you're here, but we're going to be seeing birds that live and feed in both a fresh and saltwater environment. On a mid-tide, with the lagoon tidal flats exposed, there are a variety of wading birds - from the little banded dotterels, to the intrepid godwits that fly here from Alaska, to those oh so beautiful Kotuku - great white herons, and the quirky royal spoonbills. And if you happen to strike the West Coast on a clear day, be sure to have your camera handy.
With Mount Cook and Tasman and the range of the Southern Alps plus Franz Josef Glacier providing the backdrop, the rainforest stretching as far as you can see, the birds feeding in the foreground and meandering up rainforest waterways....it's a place to remember forever.
We'll tell you more about this when you're here, but we're going to be seeing birds that live and feed in both a fresh and saltwater environment. On a mid-tide, with the lagoon tidal flats exposed, there are a variety of wading birds - from the little banded dotterels, to the intrepid godwits that fly here from Alaska, to those oh so beautiful Kotuku - great white herons, and the quirky royal spoonbills. And if you happen to strike the West Coast on a clear day, be sure to have your camera handy.
With Mount Cook and Tasman and the range of the Southern Alps plus Franz Josef Glacier providing the backdrop, the rainforest stretching as far as you can see, the birds feeding in the foreground and meandering up rainforest waterways....it's a place to remember forever.
two tours daily...plus options for private charters
The Okarito EcoTour - Our most popular tour is the all encompassing 2 Hour EcoTour departing at 9 AM (sometimes an additional departure at 11:30). This tour departs from the Okarito Wharf and heads up the main lagoon channel.
We'll watch for a variety of wading birds along the way, tell you about the wetlands and conservation efforts and programs in full force! and on clear days, pause for mountain and reflection photos. Then we drift slowly up the rainforest waterways, stopping for a hot drink and snack along the way. So much to see on this tour including exploring a bit further up the inland waterways and plenty of time to interact - questions and comments always encouraged!
Please check our booking page for up to date availability.
NOTE Winter 2022 we will be closed from June 01 to October 18 - we look forward to seeing you in the spring/summer!
We'll watch for a variety of wading birds along the way, tell you about the wetlands and conservation efforts and programs in full force! and on clear days, pause for mountain and reflection photos. Then we drift slowly up the rainforest waterways, stopping for a hot drink and snack along the way. So much to see on this tour including exploring a bit further up the inland waterways and plenty of time to interact - questions and comments always encouraged!
Please check our booking page for up to date availability.
NOTE Winter 2022 we will be closed from June 01 to October 18 - we look forward to seeing you in the spring/summer!
Private Charters & Photography Workshops - Private morning charters are now available for that early light of day and your own special time on the waterways of the Okarito lagoon and its amazing landscape. What a way to start your day! quiet, calm waters, birds feeding, mountains soaring...capture that special photograph or just relax, taking in the peaceful untouched atmosphere amongst this unique and inspiring landscape.
A private charter also allows you to contribute to the pace - we'll linger where you want to linger, or help you find the special scene you hope to photograph....
Photographers dream for bird life or landscape...
We work with local photographers, or you are welcome to bring your own group. We love the late summer and autumn months for these in particular as we have a richer light and calm, misty mornings, but are available throughout the season so we can fit in with your time schedule. We have been honoured to be the charter vessel for Andris Apse Okarito Photography Workshops and many other NZ photographers. Please visit our Packages - Photography Workshops page or contact us for more information and for booking this special trip.
A private charter also allows you to contribute to the pace - we'll linger where you want to linger, or help you find the special scene you hope to photograph....
Photographers dream for bird life or landscape...
We work with local photographers, or you are welcome to bring your own group. We love the late summer and autumn months for these in particular as we have a richer light and calm, misty mornings, but are available throughout the season so we can fit in with your time schedule. We have been honoured to be the charter vessel for Andris Apse Okarito Photography Workshops and many other NZ photographers. Please visit our Packages - Photography Workshops page or contact us for more information and for booking this special trip.
