Ōkārito Lagoon Guided Kayak Experience

South Island

Okarito Kayaks

from

NZ$150

per adult

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Kayakers paddling on Okarito Lagoon with snow-covered Southern Alps in the background

Experiences

Kayak & Canoe Tours

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Ōkārito

Location: Franz Josef

Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours

Difficulty: 2

Details

Guided Kayak Adventures through the Stunning Ōkārito Lagoon

Set on the edge of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Ōkārito Lagoon is a hidden paradise of calm waters and stunning scenery. The guided kayak experience takes you through a maze of gentle waterways framed by lush rainforest. It’s an adventure that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the natural beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast.

As you glide across the lagoon, your expert local guide shares fascinating insights into the area’s ecology, history, and wildlife. The calm waters mirror the towering peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps/Ka Tiritiri o te Moana, creating postcard-perfect reflections. Small group sizes ensure a personal, peaceful experience, far removed from crowds and noise.

Experience True Calm on an Okarito Lagoon Kayak Tour

Whether you choose a two-hour guided journey or a more immersive three-hour tour, kayaking at Ōkārito Lagoon is about discovering nature at its purest. You’ll paddle through secluded rainforest-lined creeks, accessible only by kayak, where native birds like kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbills thrive. Private tours offer an even more intimate connection with this pristine environment, allowing you to savour every quiet moment surrounded by water, forest, and sky.

A guided kayak at Ōkārito Lagoon is more than a scenic paddle—it’s a soulful experience. Here, the gentle rhythm of your paddle and the chorus of native birds remind you just how special New Zealand’s wild places truly are.

Okarito Kayaks base with Mount Cook and Southern Alps in the background on the West Coast

View from a yellow kayak paddling through a rainforest stream with moss-covered cliffs and gentle waterfall in Ōkārito, West Coast New Zealand

White heron wading at sunset in Ōkārito Lagoon framed by wooden posts with Southern Alps in background

Small child in a kayak paddling on Ōkārito Lagoon during a family-friendly eco tour on the West Coast of New Zealand

Close-up of a white heron (kōtuku) wading near a yellow kayak on Ōkārito Lagoon

Two people kayaking on a crystal-clear creek with orange stones and lush rainforest in Ōkārito on the West Coast of New Zealand

Kayakers paddling on Ōkārito Lagoon with Aoraki Mt Cook visible in the distance under a golden sky

Young child in a yellow kayak enjoying a family-friendly eco tour at Ōkārito Lagoon, West Coast New Zealand

Two people kayaking through lush rainforest waterways near Ōkārito on the West Coast of New Zealand

Two people kayaking on Okarito Lagoon with Mount Adams snow-capped in the background

Smiling woman kayaking at sunrise on Okarito Lagoon surrounded by mist and forest

Two kayakers on Ōkārito Lagoon with snow-capped Southern Alps reflected on the water, West Coast New Zealand

Two yellow kayaks paddling through a narrow waterway surrounded by dense rainforest in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

White heron standing in shallow water near a yellow kayak on Ōkārito Lagoon

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided kayak tours through Ōkārito Lagoon's unique ecosystem.
Intimate exploration of rainforest-surrounded creeks accessible only by kayak.
Unbroken views across Westland Tai Poutini National Park, from the Tasman Sea to Aoraki/Mt. Cook.
Personal and unscripted tours with passionate local guides.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Small group sizes for a personal and intimate experience.
Flexible scheduling around optimal tidal conditions.

AGE INFORMATION

Adults: 18 years +
Child: 17 years and under

Minimum Age

Absolutely not—there’s no maximum age either! We love helping families get out and explore. In the right conditions, the lagoon is a fantastic spot for kids to safely connect with nature. We carefully assess the weather, tidal conditions, and your group’s abilities to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable on the water.

Life jackets or buoyancy aids are available for all ages, and we’ll plan a safe route together. If the conditions aren’t suitable for your group, we’ll let you know and may recommend a guided trip or suggest trying again on another day.

Please note, all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

CANCELLATION & REFUND

7 days or more before travel: Full refund**
6 days or less: Non Refundable

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

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