Sea, estuary, sea cliffs and lush forest define the coastal settlement of Ōkārito, with views of the Southern Alps as well. Ōkārito Lagoon is New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland and an important feeding ground for kōtuku, or white herons. More than 76 native bird species visit the lagoon, including spoonbills. New Zealand fur seals, or kekeno, can occasionally be seen along the coast. Birdwatching and coastal scenery thus offer different facets of a stay here.

Things to do around the lagoon

Okarito Kayaks offers guided kayak tours on Ōkārito Lagoon and rents kayaks for independent exploration. This offers two different ways to experience the same lagoon: with a guide or paddling independently. More than 200 rowi kiwi live in Ōkārito; on the night tours offered, visitors can observe the birds in their natural habitat. Plan this as a separate evening activity and check current dates before your trip.

The Three Mile Pack Track – Ōkārito Coastal Walk passes through the forest to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary. For the beach section to or from Three Mile Lagoon, walk only within one hour before or after low tide; tide heights and storm surges affect the actual time window.

History and Māori culture

Donovan’s Store is the oldest known building on the West Coast and is considered a landmark in Ōkārito, as well as one of the last surviving buildings of the old settlement. It was built in the first months of the gold rush and was originally called the “Club Hotel”. Donovan’s Store is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place. Information panels about the area’s history can also be found at Ōkārito Wharf and in the boathouse.

Donovan’s Store is regularly used as a library and as a venue for performances and exhibitions by musicians and artists. During the settlement by Ngāti Wairangi, Ōkārito Lagoon was regarded as an important Whare Wānanga—a place of learning and of 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.

Getting there and accommodation

The signposted turnoff from State Highway 6 is 15 km north of Franz Josef Township; from there, a 13 km sealed road leads to Ōkārito. For an overnight stay, Okarito School House offers bookable beds in basic bunk-bed accommodation through the Department of Conservation. Check booking options for your travel dates with the Department of Conservation before finalising your overnight stay.

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

For the regional travel overview: Westland District.