Activity Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Okarito Nature Tour

5.0 (7 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

Tai-Poutini-National-Park-Kiwi-Sanctuary-Viewpoint-Mountains — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mt Cook & Mt Tasman — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the coastal village of Ōkārito offers superb bird-watching amidst stunning natural diversity. This tour is suitable for all ages and includes a shuttle from Franz Josef or an option to meet in Ōkārito. Guides lead you through lush rainforests, estuaries, sea cliffs, and wetlands, revealing views of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, and Franz Josef Glacier. Discover the area's gold mining history and encounter up to 76 bird species such as the white heron, kea, fernbirds, and kakariki. Visit the Ōkārito Community Native Plant Nursery to plant a native tree for our Ōkārito Restoration project. Immerse yourself in Ōkārito's mystique and spectacular sunsets. Book your tour today to uncover Ōkārito's natural wonders!

Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Small Group Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Operated by: Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Wet weather clothing - (please call to order sizes)
Included: Walking boots - (please call to book as limited supply available)
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
Included: umbrellas
Included: Walking poles if required

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: water

Itinerary

Okarito

one hour

Visit this historic ex-gold mining village, home to now 35 permanent residents. Loads of history, and home to 75 sea and land bird species including eastern bar-tailed godwits, Rowi Kiwi, banded dotterels, ferbirds and the infamous Kotuku (white heron) - its perfect for those that love birds and nature. With lagoons, rugged west coast beaches, mountains, wildlife & historic buildings this is NZ's hidden gem. Key points normally include Okarito historic Wharf shed/lagoon & Okarito beach.
Okarito

2 hours

Join your guided walking tour to the Okarito Trig point, through beautiful west coast bush, flora & fauna, including native mushrooms & orchids, info on how this landscape has been shaped over time by glaciers. Wonder in 360 degree views of the Okarito village, Okarito Lagoon, 3 Mile lagoon, beach & coastline, Westland Tai Poutini National Park (home to the Rowi Kiwi) Mt Cook & Mt Tasman (NZ's highest mountains) & Franz Josef Glacier at the top of this track.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We can meet you here on SH6 at the turn off to Okarito at 10:45 am
We can meet you in Okarito at the old historic Wharf shed at 11:00 am
in The Helicopter Line building (next to Glacier Motors)

End point

We can meet you here on SH6 at the turn off to Okarito at 10:45 am
We can meet you in Okarito at the old historic Wharf shed at 11:00 am
in The Helicopter Line building (next to Glacier Motors)

Using your ticket

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time