We invite you to come and visit Okarito on one of our boat tours and experience the magic of this small village with the big landscapes - and New Zealand's largest unmodified wetlands - over 3000 hectares, only a 25-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier.
​Yes! there are white herons here year round, as well as royal spoonbills - plenty of birdlife and so much more to see!

The open-air boat moves slowly, allowing a total sensory experience amongst feeding birds including:

• Kotuku– Great White heron,
• Royal Spoonbills,
• Godwits from Siberia and Alaska,
• Pied Stilts and many others.

Custom built for the Okarito area, the boat will take you into the shallow environs of both lagoon and forest and provides some fabulous photo opportunities of both wildlife and landscapes.

Early bird tour

Ideal for early summer and summer conditions. Plenty of opportunities for photos and photography enthusiast. Beautiful light and generally very calm conditions. Can be the best time to see birds feeding on the lagoon.

• Duration: 80 Minutes.
• NZD $85

Okarito EcoTour

From wading birds to rainforest orchids, tidal lagoon wetlands and ancient plants and trees and river waterways - the two hour EcoTour is our most comprehensive tour set within this magnificent, untouched World Heritage Area.

• Duration: Two Hours.
• NZD $95

Okarito Wetlands Tour

This tour is perfect for an introduction to the Okarito Wetland environment. The afternoon time slot enables you to add this to your day after a visit to the Glaciers and learn about this diverse environment from sea to mountains.

• Duration: 90 Minutes.
• NZD $75

Where to stay in Okarito? We also have a self-contained holiday house available with wonderful sea views should you like to spend a few days exploring this beautiful area - we are just about 25 minutes to Franz Josef and 45 minutes to Fox Glacier - a lot to see and do!

Whatever your interest, we think you are going to love Okarito!

Book your tour online or email us directly at okaritoboattours@gmail.com for more information on best times.