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 more about the wetlands and on clear days, pause for mountain and reflection photos. Then we drift slowly up the rainforest waterways, pausing for a hot drink and snack along the way. Lots to see on this tour and gives a little more time to explore a bit further up the waterways. NOTE Winter hours: One tour daily from 10 AM - Noon. Please check our booking page for up to date availability or email us.
The Early Bird Tour can be a good option for you early risers, particularly in the early summer months when the sun is up and the birds are out feeding - November, December and early January best for this one. It is a bit shorter and focuses primarily on those early birds, but also on mountain views at this time of year when we can get southwest breezes and some cloud cover rolling in by mid-late mornings. Please have a read through weather, conditions and when's the best time to visit! below to help you pick the best tour for you.
Private Charters & Photography Workshops - are both available for individuals and small groups. 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. Please visit our Packages - Photography Workshops page or contact us for more information.
