Ōkārito Lagoon
Ōkārito
New Zealand’s largest undeveloped wetland lagoon, where kayaks glide through channels past herons, with the Southern Alps rising in the distance.
This roughly 3,240-hectare lagoon wetland lies beside a feeding area near the only kōtuku (white heron) breeding ground in New Zealand. Spoonbills, kingfishers and other waterbirds can also be seen. The seaside village of Okarito has only a few dozen residents and serves as the departure point for kayaking tours and birdwatching boat trips. On clear days, you can see Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps across the lagoon. The village also has a short wetland boardwalk. It is about 30 minutes’ drive from Franz Josef, though the final stretch leaves State Highway 6.
Opening hours
Open all day (kayaking by reservation)
Nearby sights
- Ōkārito Trig Walk
- Lake Mapourika
- Glacier Hot Pools
- West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Tatare Tunnels Walk
- Alex Knob Track
- Roberts Point Track
- Peters Pool