Join us on a small and personalized tour exploring the magnificent and untouched serenity of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland, over 3000 hectares and part of the South Westland World Heritage area.

Okarito offers nature and eco-enthusiasts tremendous diversity as we travel the inland waters of the Okarito lagoon and into the surrounding rainforest through quiet waterways. 

Your guide Swade, with 40 years experience on the West Coast, will identify the many different wading and forest birds including the graceful Kotuku or Great White Heron, the Royal Spoonbill, and many more.  The Early Bird Tour at 7:30 – 8:45 is ideal for beautiful morning light, bird activity and reflections of the Southern Alps. 

Westland Nature Tours

The 2 Hour Nature Tours at 9 & 11:30 are our most interpretive tours including wading & forest birds, rainforest and plants and geology, wetlands and climate.

We also offer a one hour tour at 2:30 for a general introduction to the natural environment of Okarito.

Accommodation

Okarito Boat Tours & Cottages offer you a choice of comfortable, private homes to relax and unwind in. Enjoy the luxury of your own cottage with kitchen, bathroom and from 1-3 bedrooms to suit couples, families or even small groups. Each house is unique and has its own special characteristics from spacious lawns and outdoor seating, to large open fireplaces, to cozy lofts and nooks – even an outdoor bath amongst the trees or outdoor fire where you can enjoy the stars of the Southern Sky. If falling asleep to the sound of the waves on the beach and owls in the trees and waking to the sound of bellbirds is the kind of holiday you are seeking, Okarito is for you.