Stay and Explore Okarito
If you enjoy quiet, off the beaten path places, you’ll want to spend a little more time in Okarito. Although it is just 12 kilometres off the main State Hwy. 6 of the West Coast, it remains an untouched gem that even most New Zealanders are unaware of. Surrounded by conservation land, national forest and the sea, it’s resident population is about 30 people. The beaches are long and empty and the walks are superb. And it’s an easy 25 minute drive to Franz Josef and the Glaciers. Explore Okarito and the Glaciers by day, knowing you’ll have a quiet and restful night’s sleep by the sea.
ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES
Gonfishn’ Beach House – Okarito Overnighter for 2 – $270
Includes:
1 night accommodation in spacious self-contained 3 bedroom holiday home
2 Hour Nature Tour with Okarito Boat Tours
15% discount on any Nature of Okarito Guided Walk (from $25-$65 pp)
$270 for 2 adults
Extend your stay – add $120/night
$355 for 3 adults
Extend your stay – add $130/night
$440 for 4 adults
Extend your stay – add $140/night
Stay in this spacious, fully self-contained 3 bedroom house by the sea and enjoy all the comforts of home for 2 – 6 people. Home includes all linens/towels and full kitchen – very spacious with patio and grassed area leading to the beach.
Okarito overnighter for 4 includes all of the above for 4 adults: $440 (for each additional night add $140)
Okarito overnighter for 6: $610 (for each additional night add $150)
Kiwi Cottage Okarito Overnighter for 2 – $255
Includes:
1 night accommodation in cosy 2 bedroom cottage
2 Hour Nature Tour with Okarito Boat Tours
15% discount on any Nature of Okarito Guided Walk (from $25-$65 pp)
$255 for 2 adults
Extend your stay – add $95/night
$340 for 3 adults
Extend your stay – add $105/night
$425 for 4 adults
Extend your stay – add $110/night
(children rates & group rates for up to 12 guests available – please inquire)
Kiwi cottage is a cosy 2 bedroom “bach” (“kiwi-ana” for summer/holiday home) located in the centre of Okarito Village. Enjoy watching the sun come up across the meadow from the front porch and the peaceful world of Okarito go by…has an open fireplace, 1 double bedroom and 1 with single bed and single bunks – suitable for 1 couple and children or 3-4 adults. These prices include all linens and cleaning, however Kiwi cottage can also be hired with your own linen/self-clean (deduct $7.50 per person/night)
Okarito overnighter for 4 includes all of the above for 4 adults: $425 (for each additional night add $110)
Package prices available for groups, special occasions – please call or email with your details for prices.
Okarito Community Association Campground
Travelling by campervan or tenting? The Okarito Community Campground is a delightful rustic campground by the sea – no powered sites…just open camping nestled in amongst native trees. There is a shelter with fridge and dining area as well as new (coin-operated) hot showers and flush toilets. Honesty box check-in at $10 per person – children stay for free. Discounts available for groups and Wing’s Members. Visit the Okarito Community Website for more information on this and other accommodation in Okarito.
Okarito Activities
The three most recommended things you can do in Okarito are:
Explore the Okarito Lagoon – see the incredible diversity of a landscape that sweeps from sea to mountains across New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland area. It is the main feeding ground for the Kotuku – Great White Heron and they can be viewed year round on the Lagoon. They are wonderful to watch silently stalking and capturing the small fish in the tidal waters of the lagoon, or in the rainforest, perched on a cabbage tree, or gracefully flying up the waterways. The Lagoon is home to many other species including the Royal Spoonbill, pied stilts, cormorants and shags, white-faced herons, Australasian bitterns and many forest birds including Tui’s, bellbirds, fernbirds, wood pigeon and tomtits. The rainforest waterways are a diverse mix of salt and fresh water plants and magnificent rimu and kahikatea trees. Different seasons offer the chance to see flowering rata, orchids, kamahi, manuka and clematis.
Okarito Lagoon - mountains to sea
The Nature of Okarito Guided Walks – includes the Best Viewpoint
Mountains to Sea Viewpoint
The famous Okarito Trig Walk has recently been upgraded by the Department of Conservation – this newly revised walk meanders up to the lookout where, on a clear day, you can view the Southern Alps – Mount Cook and the Franz Josef Glacier, the Okarito Lagoon and the Tasman Sea. Join us on this or any of our Guided walks to learn more about the Nature of Okarito.
Kiwi spotting – New Zealand’s rarest Kiwi – the Rowi – can be heard and seen on a nocturnal trip into the surrounding Okarito Forest. Join Ian Cooper on a trip not to be missed while in Okarito! Visit Okarito Kiwi Tours for more information.
Other Activities
Okarito Nature Tours offer the more adventurous the opportunity to freedom kayak the lagoon – guided trips are also available with advance notice. They also brew up a great coffee! Visit Okarito Nature Tours for more information.
White Heron Sanctuary Tours are the only designated operator that visit the nesting site of the nearby white heron colony. They operate out of Whataroa which is just a 20 minute from Okarito. Nesting activity usually begins in September and remains through to February.
