Discover Okarito Boat & Walk Tour

South Island

Glacier Valley Eco Tours

from

AU$224

per adult

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Experiences

Hiking & Walking Cruises

Cruises

Nature & Wildlife

Half-Day Tours

Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Okarito

Location: Franz Josef

Travel Time: 5 hours

Distance: 4.2 kms

Difficulty: 1

Details

Discover the Magic of Okarito by Boat and Forest Trail

Join expert local guides Paula and Swade aboard the ‘Explorer Douglas’ as you glide across Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. Surrounded by rainforest and backdropped by the Southern Alps, this scenic cruise offers incredible birdwatching—look out for kotuku (white heron), spoonbills, and more. After your time on the water, take a guided walk through ancient forest trails and the historic coastal village, discovering the ecology and stories that define this remote region.

To make your visit even more meaningful, you’ll have the chance to support a local reforestation effort by planting native seedlings. This hands-on addition helps restore vital wetland habitat and offsets your travel footprint. It’s the perfect blend of scenery, sustainability, and cultural insight—ideal for eco-conscious travellers wanting to explore beyond the ordinary.

Historic Okarito boathouse with snow-covered Southern Alps in the background, West Coast New Zealand

Group on a guided boat tour at Okarito Lagoon wearing life jackets and observing wildlife

Gravel path winding through dense native bush in Okarito, West Coast New Zealand

Bright blue Entoloma hochstetteri mushrooms growing on mossy forest floor in Okarito, West Coast New Zealand

Historic boathouse at Okarito Lagoon during sunrise, West Coast New Zealand

New Zealand native wood pigeon (kererū) perched near Okarito

Guided rainforest walk with Glacier Valley Eco Tours in Franz Josef, New Zealand

Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantail) perched on a branch in West Coast rainforest

Kotuku (white heron) catching a fish at Okarito Lagoon in New Zealand

Tōrea pango (Variable Oystercatcher) walking on pebbled shore in Ōkārito, New Zealand

HIGHLIGHTS

2-hour guided tour on Okarito lagoon with 'Explorer Douglas'.
Exploration of national park rainforests and a variety of bird species.
Insightful tour of Okarito township and a forest walk.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Guided lagoon and wetland tour.
Lunch valued at $20 and hot drinks with homemade treats onboard.
Birdwatching checklist bookmark.
Hot drink and biscuits during the township and forest tour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Self-drive to Okarito required; no pickups available.
Bring outdoor clothing, spare warm layer, comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, and water.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 4-15 years
Infant: 3 years and under

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

24 hours or more before departure: Full refund**.
Within 24 hours: No refund

**Less any booking or credit card fees.

Note: Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

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