Top 5 Budget-friendly Things to do in Okarito, South Island

Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified coastal wetland. Guided tours and freedom rental. Excellent birdwatching and amazing mountain views. Paddle through the Okarito River Delta that leads deep into the rainforest.Our kayaks are safe, stable sea kayaks. Prior experience is not necessary and full instruction is given.Okarito is a quaint coastal village backdropped by the Southern Alps, only 20 minutes drive from Franz Josef Glacier, and has the best coffee in town!

Multiple Award Winners Okarito Kiwi Tours takes you deep into kiwi habitat looking for one of the rarest birds in the world. We are the only licensed operators on the South Island of New Zealand. We give you an impressive 98% chance of seeing the rarest kiwi in the wild. Required from you is a good attitude, empathy, patience and the ability to work as a team. This is not a circus, not a game park, not a zoo experience, this is the REAL DEAL. Please be aware that this trip requires a certain buy-in, ownership, responsibility and the ability to work as a team. 16 years of guiding experience with kiwi. This is an owner operated business at it best. A shining example of putting nature first. I welcome anybody who has the passion and ability to put in the effort to get the rewards. You will not be disappointed.

Join us on an interpretive tour of the peaceful, pristine environment of the Okarito Lagoon and rainforest waterways. From the wide variety of bird species to the ancient plants of the rainforest, this gentle boat cruise takes you on a personalized tour with a maximum of 12 passengers. From the historic Wharf and beyond where you begin to see the wading birds feeding in the shallows, to the impressive snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps, to the Okarito River itself where you may see trout or salmon rising and hear the flute like call of the bellbird - this nature tour offers up an environment rich in its biodiversity. Explore with us and experience for yourself the true nature of the Okarito Lagoon.

Choose from three walks of varying lengths, from the short, easy access Ōkārito Wetland Walk, to the longer Three Mile Pack Track. Ōkārito Wetland Walk - Time: 20 min return Ōkārito Trig Walk - Time: 1 hr 30 min return Three Mile Pack Track - Ōkārito Coastal Walk - Time: 3 hr 30 min return Stunning and diverse scenery dominates the small coastal settlement of Ōkārito - windswept coastline, tidal estuary, lagoon, sea cliffs, lush rainforest and unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Thousands of native birds (more than 76 different species) visit the Ōkārito Lagoon and many make their home in the vicinity, including the famous kōtuku/white heron and royal spoonbills. Getting there Drive 15 km north from Franz Josef Township on State Highway 6 to an Ōkārito Forks turnoff signposted on the left. Drive 13 km along a sealed road to Ōkārito.