Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Okarito
Fifteen kilometres south of Whataroa is the turn-off to the Forks, branching west for 13km
to the magical seaside hamlet of Okarito (population 30ish). It sits alongside
Okarito Lagoon
,
the largest unmodified wetland in NZ and a superb place for spotting birds including rare
kiwi and the majestic kotuku. Peaceful Okarito has no shops and limited visitor facilities,
so stock up and book up before you arrive.
Sights & Activities
From a car park on the Strand you can begin the easy
Wetland Walk
(20 minutes), a longer
walk to
Three Mile Lagoon
(2¾ hours return), and a jolly good puff up to
Okarito Trig
(1½
hours return), which rewards the effort with spectacular Southern Alps and Okarito La-
goon views (weather contingent).
Andris Apse Wilderness Gallery
( 03-753 4241;
www.andrisapse.com
;
109 The Strand)
Okarito is home to world-class landscape
photographer Andris Apse. His precisely composed gallery showcases his beautiful
works, printed on site and available to purchase, as are infinitely more affordable books.
Ring ahead to check it's open, or look for the sandwich board at the end of the driveway.
GALLERY
Okarito Nature Tours
( 050 865 2748, 03-753 4014;
www.okarito.co.nz
;
kayak half-/full day $60/70; )
Hires out kayaks for
paddles into the lagoon and up into the luxuriant rainforest channels where all sorts of
birds hang out. Guided tours are available (from $85), while overnight rentals ($85) allow
experienced paddlers to explore further afield. There's excellent espresso and wi-fi in the
welcoming office/lounge.
KAYAKING
Okarito Boat Tours
( 03-753 4223;
www.okaritoboattours.co.nz
)
Okarito Boat Tours runs bird-spotting lagoon tours,
the most fruitful of which is the 'early bird' (7.30am, 1½ hours, $70). Other worthy op-
tions include the one-hour sightseeing tour (2.30pm, $45), and the two-hour nature tours
(9am and 11.30am, $85). Cheery, longtime Okaritians Paula and Swade can also fix you
up with accommodation in the village.
WILDLIFE TOUR
Okarito Kiwi Tours
WILDLIFE TOUR
