If you haven’t heard about it, you might like to check out this great website – full of what the 40′s, 50′s, 60′s and 70 somethings are up to in New Zealand! Lynn Clayton joined us here in Okarito and wrote this article about her experiences – enjoy her writing and stunning photographs. Okarito Wharf [...]
Paradise ducklings and sunshine at Okarito
Although the last couple of weeks has felt more like spring than summer, those fortunate to seek out sunshine off the beaten track were rewarded with some great trips this month. As Okarito is located right on the sea the weather is often sunnier than our neighbours just inland such as Franz Josef Glacier. So [...]
Okarito in December
It’s been an interesting spring and early summer in Okarito. In November the mouth of the lagoon blocked off from the sea – this is a natural occurence when the southerly sea swells drop huge amounts of sand and sediment across the mouth and there is not sufficient rainfall flowing out from the lagoon. It [...]
A Day at the Beach in Okarito
A Day at the Beach 25/09/09 3:15 PM A Day at the Beach Festival is the inspiration of Coasters Louis Brown and Guy Ryan. Late September Louis finished a solo walk from Karamea to Franz Josef – walking along the West Coast and inspiring other West Coasters to engage in educational and fun activities along [...]
Godwits return to Okarito
Although we had heard of godwits returning to Christchurch a few weeks ago, we hadn’t seen them yet on the Lagoon, until last week. A large grouping of them swooped overhead and landed on the flats nearby – good to see them back!
Winter on the West Coast
Winter on the West Coast is generally much warmer than the central South Island, or east coast. We are now enjoying beautiful sunny days and very still calm waters. Our wonderful weather has also provided us with gentle seas and a walk along Okarito Beach rewarded us with sighting two Hector’s Dolphins feeding very close [...]
Governor-General visits Okarito
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 [...]
February in Okarito
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 [...]
Weather or not, the West Coast!
Weather forecast for the West Coast has come under some debate this past week, as tourists have been steered away from potential rain. Although rain, and heavy rain, has been mysteriously forecast to appear, we’ve just had two weeks of brilliant warm sunny days. We’ll let the photos of the past week speak for themselves, [...]
Morning mountains and tui’s!
Summer is definitely here and we’ve had some beautiful calm sunny mornings this past week – early trips definitely reward with mountain views, calm waters and great bird life. Swade took these photos the other day on a morning trip – the Southern Alps with Mount Cook and Tasman, and of course our favorites the [...]
