Okarito: Lagoon, Coast and History

The coastal settlement of Okarito is shaped by the sea, an estuary, sea cliffs and lush forest. There are also views of the Southern Alps. For planning your trip, the lagoon and its birdlife, the town’s history and the coastal trails offer different points of interest.

Lagoon, Coast and Birdlife

The Ōkārito Lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. More than 76 native bird species visit it, including kōtuku, also known as white herons, and spoonbills. The lagoon is an important feeding area for kōtuku. Birdlife is therefore not just one aspect to observe, but part of the landscape connecting the sea, estuary and forest.

New Zealand fur seals, known in Māori as kekeno, can occasionally be seen along the coast. Sightings are not guaranteed. Those interested in wildlife will find both the wetland and the coast in Okarito, each offering a different setting.

Local History and Cultural Heritage

Donovan’s Store is considered a landmark of Ōkārito and one of the last surviving buildings from the old town. It is also the oldest known building on the West Coast. Built in the first months of the gold rush, it was originally named the “Club Hotel”. The building is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place and is regularly used as a library and for performances and exhibitions by musicians and artists.

The lagoon’s significance also extends beyond its natural history. During the settlement of Ngāti Wairangi, it was considered an important Whare Wānanga—a place of learning and passing on knowledge about Whakapapa, as well as the genealogies and stories of Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. On 31 October 2024, Ōkārito was recognised as a Tohu-Whenua site. Information panels at Ōkārito Wharf and the boathouse explore the area’s history.

Kayaking, Kiwi and Trails

Okarito Kayaks offers guided kayaking tours on the Ōkārito Lagoon and hires out kayaks for independent exploration. You can choose between a guided tour and a self-guided trip for your time on the water.

More than 200 brown kiwis live in Ōkārito. During the night tours on offer, visitors can observe the birds in their natural habitat. If you’d like to include this tour in your travel plans, check in advance whether it is available on your chosen date.

The Three Mile Pack Track—Ōkārito Coastal Walk leads through the forest to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary. There is an important condition for the beach section to or from Three Mile Lagoon: it should only be walked within one hour before or after low tide. The exact timing depends on the tide height and storm surges. Take this restriction into account when planning the beach section.

Getting There and Staying Overnight

The signposted turn-off from State Highway 6 is 15 km north of Franz Josef Township. From there, a 13 km sealed road leads to Okarito. For a simple overnight stay, Okarito School House offers bunk beds and can be booked through the Department of Conservation. Check availability for your preferred dates if this accommodation is an option for you.

Discover more destinations: Whataroa, Hokitika, Bruce Bay, Haast, Kakapotahi, Otira, Kokatahi, Fox Glacier

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.