Holiday Celebrations for YHA Franz Josef at Okarito

YHA Franz Josef managers Pam and Jeffrey brought their lucky staff to Okarito for their Holiday Party this week. We added a few Christmas touches to the boat,

yes, that’s Swade in a Santa hat….

and were all set for the YHA staff to arrive.

All staff arrived by Eco Valley Glacier Tours bus and met us down at the Wharf. In the meantime, Pam and Jeffrey had been busy all afternoon getting a full Turkey dinner ready and waiting for them for after their boat trip on the Lagoon at the Old Schoolhouse Hostel in Okarito.

YHA Franz Josef staff on board

The evening was beautiful and sunny and as we headed up the Lagoon with the incoming tide we saw white herons, royal spoonbills, godwits and oyster catchers feeding.Once up in the rainforest we saw a white heron landing at the very top of a tree and we decided it was the perfect ornament with outstretched wings!We stopped riverside and watched plenty of native wood pigeons in the trees and swooping overhead, as well as Tui’s and then broke open the bubbly and nibbles. Heading back with the setting sun, the clouds over the mountains cleared completely and Mount Cook and Tasman and Franz Josef Glacier all visible in the evening light – beautiful! The YHA staff were a delight to have on board – a great mix of young people from New Zealand and all over the world -to all of you, we hope you enjoyed your trip on the Okarito Lagoon and had a wonderful party at the hostel that night! Happy Holidays to all from Paula & Swade at Okarito Boat Tours!Happy Holiday from Paula & Swade at Okarito Boat Tours