Overview
Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour and explore a hidden gem of New Zealand's South Westland. Just a 20-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier, the small coastal village of Ōkārito offers an unparalleled bird-watching experience amidst stunning natural diversity. Suitable for all ages and abilities, this tour includes a shuttle service from the Franz Josef township, or you can meet us in Ōkārito. The tour guides you through lush rainforests, estuaries, sea cliffs and wetlands, revealing breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and even Franz Josef Glacier on clear days. Delve into the rich history of gold mining and early settlement with the opportunity to encounter the area's rich birdlife - up to 76 bird species, such as the famous white heron (Kotuku), fern birds, kakariki and kea. Visit the Ōkārito Community Native Plant Nursery to plant a native tree as part of our Okarito Restoration project. Immerse yourself in the mystique of Ōkārito and its spectacular sunsets, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Book your tour today and uncover the natural wonders of Ōkārito!
What you will be doing
Glacier Valley Eco Tours office - Franz Josef
2:00 pm (Okarito), 2:30 pm (Franz Josef Glacier)
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: 20 Main Road SH6 Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
🗺️ Instructions: Meet at the Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in the township of Franz Josef Glacier, or we’ll pick you up from Okārito
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Bring outdoor clothing for the day’s weather conditions: comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses, a camera, and lots of energy
Free use of Macpac Baby Carrier for under 3-year-olds
Raincoats, over-trousers and large heavy-duty umbrellas are included to keep you dry
Total distance is 4.2 km
Inclusion ✅
Refreshments
Snack
Hiking pole
Tour guide
Pick up and drop off transport
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
About your host
Glacier Valley Eco ToursWe are passionate about conservation, and we do what we can to ensure our business has minimal to no impact on the environment. We are consciously involved in community volunteer programs such as the Okarito Native Plant Nursery and are founding members of the Okarito Plant Project to help restore the native forests on our land and Project Early Bird. The Ōkārito Plant Project was founded by the Ōkārito Native Plants Trust as an innovative solution, empowering communities and businesses to be involved in the restoration and protection of natural ecosystems. Working together towards a sustainable future, fostering biodiversity and regenerating vital forests, waterways, and wetlands. Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a proud founding member of the Ōkārito Plant Project and invites you to join us on our mission to preserve and restore biodiversity and the natural environment in South Westland. Operating under a circular model, this innovative initiative encourages both local and international businesses to become members, contribute financially and physically (by participating in planting activities), and promote the project through their business operations. Visitors to the area are given the opportunity to learn about the project and can choose to donate, volunteer (if their visit coincides with a planting day), and/or support the collection of businesses that are official partners by booking their tours or purchasing their products. By choosing us, you are supporting the Ōkārito Plant Project.
Qualmark Silver: Qualmark works with Tourism New Zealand to help the tourism industry deliver high-quality experiences and maintain a high level of visitor satisfaction. Only businesses that deliver a quality sustainable experience, ones that have undergone an independent evaluation, and showcase true New Zealand hospitality, are recognised through a Qualmark accreditation. It has three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.