Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 Lagoon views (weather contingent).
Andris Apse Wilderness Gallery
GALLERY
( 03-753 4241;
www.andrisapse.com
; 109 The Strand)
Okarito is home to world-class land-
scape photographer Andris Apse. His precisely composed gallery showcases his beauti-
ful 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.
Okarito Nature Tours
KAYAKING
( 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.
Okarito Boat Tours
WILDLIFE TOUR
( 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 options 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.
Okarito Kiwi Tours
WILDLIFE TOUR
( 03-753 4330;
www.okaritokiwitours.co.nz
; 3hr tours $75)
Runs nightly expeditions to spot
the rare bird (95% success rate) with an interesting education along the way. Numbers
are limited to eight, so booking is recommended.
