Hey - so, our road access is limited at the moment due the incredible rain you get in a rainforest. Who'd have thought it!! Roads will be open again soon, sun's out now, and you'll be kayaking with us soon, hopefully. Most likely scenario is that we'll have full road access, from Wanaka through to Hokitika, before Christmas, thanks to Santa and the amazing Westroads/NZTA crew. So come and see us! We'll keep this updated so you know what's going on, you can email or phone us for a honest answer anytime, but ignore a lot of the alarmist media stories out there at the moment. West Coast - Untamed Natural Wilderness!
Out here on the coast, we often get far better weather than in at the base of the mountains and on the West Coast generally. So don’t believe the TV or newspaper forecast!!! We get less than half the rainfall and much more sunshine that Franz Josef town just 25 minutes drive away, and keep a really keen expert eye on what’s forecast. So give us a call and we’ll always give you an honest and more accurate forecast for what to expect out here at Okarito.
Thursday 12 December
Friday 13 December
Saturday 14 December
I cannot speak highly enough about Gemma who looked after us all so well, we hired two double kayaks for myself, my husband and two children aged 9 and 12 and we all loved it. The safety briefing, information about the route and birds we might see along the way was so well explained, the equipment was all in good condition and location from the office to the lagoon perfect. Karenza, Wanaka, NZ
I cannot speak highly enough about Gemma who looked after us all so well, we hired two double kayaks for myself, my husband and two children aged 9 and 12 and we all loved it. The safety briefing, information about the route and birds we might see along the way was so well explained, the equipment was all in good condition and location from the office to the lagoon perfect.
I went to Okarito kiwi-searching, and stopped in at Nature Tours for their somewhat legendary coffees (and they ARE good!) The staff here are fantastic, and I wish we could have stayed an extra day and done a kayak trip. Watching them prepare another family I realised what a professional outfit they are, despite the lovely relaxed atmosphere. Andrew, Melbourne Australia
I went to Okarito kiwi-searching, and stopped in at Nature Tours for their somewhat legendary coffees (and they ARE good!) The staff here are fantastic, and I wish we could have stayed an extra day and done a kayak trip. Watching them prepare another family I realised what a professional outfit they are, despite the lovely relaxed atmosphere.
Kayaking Okarito Lagoon is an exceptional experience. We are two 79 year old Kiwis and took two German bird watching enthusiast friends for what I think is one of NZ’s best attractions. Gemma and her team at Okarito kayaks made pre-booking easy with best tide advice. Fully kitted, very stable, double sea kayaks including water skirts, dry bags and life jackets with information booklets and maps meant we were well equipped for our 5 hours on the lagoon. Graham, Christchurch NZ
Kayaking Okarito Lagoon is an exceptional experience. We are two 79 year old Kiwis and took two German bird watching enthusiast friends for what I think is one of NZ’s best attractions. Gemma and her team at Okarito kayaks made pre-booking easy with best tide advice. Fully kitted, very stable, double sea kayaks including water skirts, dry bags and life jackets with information booklets and maps meant we were well equipped for our 5 hours on the lagoon.
Okarito is a small peaceful village on the western sea coast of the South Island. Only 13km off the main highway, Okarito is about 25 minutes drive north of Franz Josef Glacier. Look for the signposted turn-off between Lakes Mapourika and Wahapo.
Formerly known as Okarito Nature Tours, we’re the two red sheds on the left just as you enter the village.
