The Honourable Anand Satyanand, the Governor-General of New Zealand, visited Okarito on March 14, 2009. On a West Coast Tour, he and representatives from Department of Conservation, arrived in Okarito for a luncheon at the historic Donovan’s store. All locals were invited and a great spread of food was laid out. His Excellency was informal and conversational, meeting and chatting with all the locals including Okarito’s eldest resident Gar Graham (in his 90th year).
Following lunch the Governor-General and entourage, including local historian Anne Hall and local scientist Ian James, took a one hour boat tour of the lagoon. As they set off, the tide was pushing in and the water was extremely high – this doesn’t always bode well to see many of the wading birds! Swade headed straight up the lagoon for the rainforest, and sure enough, a brilliant white heron was perfectly perched on every corner! This is where they are often found at rest, waiting for the tide to change or fishing the swallows along the riverways. The boat quietly drifts past these birds, enabling very close encounters without disturbing them. So it turned out and an absolutely brilliant day and all were treated to great bird sightings and views of Mount Cook and Tasman.
We hope the Governor-General enjoyed his West Coast visit and the annual Wild Foods Festival he was visiting next in Hokitika – that will be a change from the quiet trip on the lagoon – plenty of wildlife (and foods of course) to be found there!
Still Waters, Clear Skies and the Southern Alps
February brought with it beautiful sunny days and showed off some of the best of the West Coast. With the White Heron chicks stretching their wings and coming to the lagoon to feed, Royal Spoonbills in increasing numbers, and loads of orchids in bloom, it was a wonderful month all round.
Clear still mornings offered passengers some magic photographic opportunities for white herons with the snow clad peaks of the Southern Alps as a backdrop – a rare sight indeed for many as the great white heron is more of a tropical bird – New Zealand being such an extreme climate for their survival this is a sight not seen by many!
Morning Tea in the Rainforest
All two hour trips offer a stop off in the rainforest along the waterways of the Okarito River. Skipper Swade brews up fresh pots of coffee and tea and offers up his famous homemade cookies. These are great opportunities to stretch the legs, have a chat with Swade and learn more about the forest plants and birdlife. (and have another cookie or two!)
Family and Group Trips
February brought the Scott/Cameron cycle tour group to Okarito for a private champagne boat tour followed by a BBQ hosted by Paula & Swade. The Scotts and Camerons of Oregon, USA were on a two week vacation of a lifetime, cycling around New Zealand with friends Simon Burrows (Vermont, USA) and Luise Sutton (UK). We had a brilliant afternoon and evening with two boat tours, loads of birds to be seen on the lagoon and topped off with champagne and treats in the rainforest. After time on the water, it was back to Kotuku Lodge for barbecued lamb and salmon, fresh local salads and breads and homemade carrot cake for dessert! A special gift was presented to each in the group – an autographed copy of “Landscapes of New Zealand” , a stunning collection of work by Okarito photographer Andris Apse. See www.andrisapse.com for more of his works.
We are happy to cater to your group with private bookings and specials – just drop us a line!
