Okarito: Lagoon, Coast and Nature

Sea, estuary, sea cliffs and lush forest define Okarito, along with views of the Southern Alps. Ōkārito Lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and an important feeding ground for the Kōtuku, also known as the white heron. More than 76 native bird species visit the lagoon, including Kōtuku and spoonbills. This combination of coastal scenery and birdlife gives nature lovers a specific focus for their trip.

New Zealand fur seals, also known as Kekeno, can sometimes be spotted along the coast. Families who enjoy seeing wildlife can keep an eye out for this less common coastal encounter as well as the birds—without counting on it as a guaranteed experience.

Lagoon, Kayaking and Trails by the Water

On Ōkārito Lagoon, you can choose between two kinds of kayaking: Okarito Kayaks offers guided tours and also rents kayaks for exploring the lagoon independently. Those who prefer a guided tour will find a different option here from travellers who want to head out on the water on their own. Both options focus on the same lagoon, but offer different ways to explore it.

You can also discover another side of the landscape on foot. The Three Mile Pack Track – Ōkārito Coastal Walk runs through the forest to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary. The beach section to or from Three Mile Lagoon is separate: it should only be walked within an hour before or after low tide. Keep this timing in mind when planning your day if you want to use this particular stretch of beach.

On night tours, visitors can observe brown kiwi in their natural habitat. More than 200 brown kiwi live in Ōkārito. A night tour adds the opportunity to learn about a native bird species that is not the main focus of daytime lagoon watching to the nature experiences by the water.

Local History and Living Culture

Donovan’s Store is the oldest known building on the West Coast and is regarded as a landmark in Okarito, as well as one of the few surviving buildings from the old settlement. It was built in the first months of the gold rush and was originally called the “Club Hotel”. It is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place. Today, Donovan’s Store is regularly used as a library and as a venue for performances and exhibitions by musicians and artists.

Ōkārito Lagoon also has a long history as a place of learning: during Ngāti Wairangi settlement, it was regarded as an important Whare Wānanga—a place for learning and passing on knowledge about Whakapapa, as well as the genealogies and stories of Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. Information panels at Ōkārito Wharf and in the boathouse tell the story of the place. On 31 October 2024, Okarito was recognised as a Tohu Whenua site.

Getting to Okarito and Staying Overnight

You can reach Okarito via a signposted turn-off from State Highway 6, 15 km north of Franz Josef Township. From there, a 13 km sealed road leads to Okarito. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for your trip, the coastal scenery, lagoon and mix of nature and cultural attractions can help shape your choice of where to stay.

For simple accommodation, Okarito School House offers bookable bunk-bed sleeping spaces through the Department of Conservation. This gives you a specific, basic overnight option to consider when planning; it is different from looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home.

Discover More Places

For more travel ideas: Fox Glacier, Otira, Whataroa, Haast, Ross, Bruce Bay, Kakapotahi, Kokatahi.

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.