Ōkārito is a tiny coastal village in the heart of New Zealand’s West Coast region. This quiet settlement, overlooked by the peaks of the Southern Alps and adjacent to the ecologically significant Ōkārito lagoon, has a rich settler history that has been carefully preserved. Just a 30 min drive from Franz Josef, why not pop out and have a low key afternoon here. Sometimes the weather is better on the coast too.
Boom and Bust
Ōkārito has long been a centre of natural wealth. Māori once sourced pounamu (greenstone) here for tools and weapons before the gold rush of the 1860’s saw Ōkārito flourish, becoming an important port on the West Coast. In the years that followed, Ōkārito’s fortunes went the way of the dwindling gold, its population dropping to just 30 permanent residents.
Despite this decline, Ōkārito’s storied past is still visible in its historic buildings, the remnants of jetties, and the tales of those who came seeking fortune but found something far more enduring - its wild, untouched landscapes.
Exploring the Ōkārito Lagoon
At the heart of Ōkārito’s charm is the Ōkārito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. The lagoon’s still waters provide a tranquil setting for exploration of its river channels. From the seat of a kayak, you can find yourself immersed in this landscape. Time pauses as you glide beneath the towering 60-metre kahikatea trees.This silent form of transport is the perfect way to observe the diverse and magnificent birdlife that calls Ōkārito home. Among the lagoon’s avian residents, the kotuku (white heron) stands out with its elegant presence, often seen perched proudly in sunlight. It has a mesmerising pattern of flight which Māori imitate in poi performance. The elusive Okarito kiwi, or rowi, also inhabits this area, and while it may be harder to spot, its distinctive calls can often be heard echoing through the night.
There are a few really worthwhile walks here too, including the ‘trig’, about 30 min each way. Look inland across the rainforests to the Southern Alps, a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks rising into the distance.
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