Okarito Nature Tours is a small family owned kayak business offering freedom rental and guided kayaking trips on the Okarito Lagoon.

Kayaking is by far the best way to enjoy the flora, fauna and scenic grandeur of New Zealand's largest unmodified coastal wetland. Previous experience is not necessary.

Okarito Lagoon covers more than 3240 hectares of shallow open water and is well known for its outstanding avifauna (over 70 species of birds have been recorded here). The lagoon is a common feeding ground for kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both of which breed in the nearby Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.

The lagoon also has a diverse and fascinating flora both in the saltmarsh and other wetland communities of the lagoon, as well as in the adjacent shrublands, forest and sand dunes.

Exploring the open water and river channels that lead you deep into the heart of the rainforest is like stepping back in time to pre-European conditions. A clear day offers magnificent views of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

Located just 20 minutes drive from Franz Josef Glacier, the tiny seaside village of Okarito (population 35) offers a wonderful "off the beaten track" experience for visitors. There are no shops or restaurants (although we do serve excellent espresso coffee at our kayak base). There is a motel/backpacker, a campground, excellent beach and forest walks, not to mention our kayak trips. There are also birdwatching boat tours and night time tours into the forest to see the Okarito kiwi (rowi) - yes, we even have our own species of kiwi!