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Okarito Nature Tour

5.0

4 Ratings

Franz Josef / Waiau

Discover Okarito's hidden gems: explore wetlands, spot rare birds, and enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook and Franz Josef Glacier.

Duration: 4 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

What's Included

Walking boots (limited supply, call to book)
Wet weather clothing (call to order sizes)
Local guide
Walking poles if required
Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Umbrellas
Snacks
Tea and coffee

What's Not Included

Lunch

Additional Information

Explore the historic gold mining village of Okarito, one of New Zealand’s hidden treasures. Famous for hosting the country’s largest natural wetland, it serves as a vital feeding ground for the Kotuku (White Heron) and is home to Royal Spoonbills and 74 other bird species, including seabirds like the Eastern Bar-tailed Godwit, Pied Stilts, and Oyster Catchers. The village boasts a rich history of gold mining and flax (harakeke) export, with an old wharf shed now transformed into a mini museum. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, Okarito offers 360-degree views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman (New Zealand’s highest peaks), as well as vistas of the Franz Josef Glacier, lagoon, kiwi sanctuary/forest, beach, and the Okarito township.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Location

20 Main Road

Main Road

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(4 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

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1 star

Cfma2000

Jun 24, 2021

Recommended for an Informative Walk of Okarito - Cliff took us on the Trig Walk and the Okarito area after a morning with Okarito Boat tours. Our afternoon began with a delicious picnic lunch while Cliff explained some of the history of Okarito. Followed by the walk with interesting local plants pointed out along the way. The view from the top of the walk is breathtaking and an unexpected bonus was afternoon tea as we took in the view. Highly recommend. Yes you could do the walk yourself but you gain so much more history and information accompanying Cliff.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Pilotdan5

Feb 8, 2020

Lovely boat ride in the park - We had an 80 min boat ride at low tide. Enjoyed our time with Swade who was able to point out local flora and fauna. We was especially knowledgeable about the birds.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jill

Sep 16, 2019

Afternoon in Okarito: the perfect Part 2 to our Franz Josef Glacier Visit - After walking up to the Glacier in the morning our guide Cliff took us to Okarito. We visited the dock on the lake to learn a little history of the area and then proceeded to climb to a beautiful view spot above the lake for a well-earned hot chocolate and home baked brownie. On a clear day, you have a stunning view of the southern Alps - but on our day the cloud did not clear. Nonetheless, the 360 degree view was beautiful taking in the Tasman Sea to the lake and beyond. The plant and bird life were a delight. We finished with a sunset viewing on the beach.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rustbell

Apr 22, 2019

Fantastic Okarito - Thanks to Cliff for a great tour of Okarito and a very enjoyable walk to the trig station. Seeing dolphins and stunning views at the top! Awesome!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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up to 10 guests

1 Adult