Okarito: Lagoon, Coastal Forest and Local History

Okarito is a coastal settlement shaped by the sea, estuary, sea cliffs and lush forest. The view also reaches the Southern Alps. At the heart of the landscape is Ōkārito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. The water, coast and forest give the place its distinctive character, while the mountains extend the view beyond the coastal landscape.

The lagoon is also an important place for observing nature. More than 76 native bird species visit, including kōtuku, or white herons, and spoonbills. For kōtuku, Ōkārito Lagoon is an important feeding ground. New Zealand fur seals, known in Māori as kekeno, can occasionally be seen along the coast. The birdlife and coastline offer different reasons to take time to explore the surroundings.

Explore the Lagoon and Coastal Tracks

On the water, you can choose between a guided tour and exploring independently: Okarito Kayaks offers guided kayak tours on Ōkārito Lagoon and rents kayaks for independent exploration. The two options differ mainly in whether you want to go with a guide or explore the lagoon on your own.

On land, the Three Mile Pack Track – Ōkārito Coastal Walk leads through the forest to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary. There is an important timing limit for the beach section to or from the lagoon: it should only be traversed within one hour before or after low tide. The actual window also depends on tide heights and storm surges. Check these conditions before planning to walk the beach section.

Local History and Cultural Heritage

Donovan’s Store is the oldest known building on the West Coast, a landmark of Okarito and 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”. The building is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place. Today, it is regularly used as a library and for performances and exhibitions by musicians and artists.

You can also find information panels about the area’s history at Ōkārito Wharf and the boathouse. On 31 October 2024, Okarito was recognised as a Tohu Whenua site. The lagoon’s history also includes an important cultural dimension: During the settlement by Ngāti Wairangi, it was regarded as an important Whare Wānanga—a place for learning and passing on knowledge about Whakapapa, as well as the genealogies and stories of Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island.

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 Okarito. This gives you a clear guide for getting there without specifying a particular driving time.

One specifically named accommodation option is Okarito School House. It offers bookable sleeping places through the Department of Conservation in simple bunk-bed accommodation. If this type of accommodation suits your trip, check current availability before booking.

Discover more destinations: Ross, Hokitika, Kakapotahi, Bruce Bay, Whataroa, Haast, Franz Josef Glacier, Otira.

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.