Okarito Boat Tours
Okarito Boat Tours
5
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Join us on an interpretive tour of the peaceful, pristine environment of the Okarito Lagoon and rainforest waterways. From the wide variety of bird species to the ancient plants of the rainforest, this gentle boat cruise takes you on a personalized tour with a maximum of 12 passengers. From the historic Wharf and beyond where you begin to see the wading birds feeding in the shallows, to the impressive snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps, to the Okarito River itself where you may see trout or salmon rising and hear the flute like call of the bellbird - this nature tour offers up an environment rich in its biodiversity. Explore with us and experience for yourself the true nature of the Okarito Lagoon.
Okarito, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Okarito Boat Tours
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5.0
93 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
7
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kate M
Christchurch, New Zealand13 contributions
Jan 2022
We did the shorter 80min 'early bird' tour in mid-Jan 2022. We chose the shorter tour as we have pre-school aged children. On the day, we were lucky enough to be the only ones booked on the early bird so we had a personal trip with Swade. Heading out early meant the water was very calm and overall it was so peaceful. We loved seeing all the birds at feeding time (the Royal Spoonbill was a favourite with our children) and hearing about the area and its history.
Swade and Paula have immense knowledge of the bird life and are very lovely people. We really enjoyed our time on the boat.
Sadly on the day there were only a couple of Heron about, but that didn't matter as the trip overall was lovely.
Amazingly our children sat for pretty much the whole trip and just took in the scenery and the birdlife.
We were staying in Franz so had a short 20-30min drive to Okarito for the trip.
Definitely worth doing.
Swade and Paula have immense knowledge of the bird life and are very lovely people. We really enjoyed our time on the boat.
Sadly on the day there were only a couple of Heron about, but that didn't matter as the trip overall was lovely.
Amazingly our children sat for pretty much the whole trip and just took in the scenery and the birdlife.
We were staying in Franz so had a short 20-30min drive to Okarito for the trip.
Definitely worth doing.
Written 16 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona G
Dunedin, New Zealand14 contributions
Mar 2020
We were greeted at Okarito wharf by Paula and Swade, very friendly and welcoming. We were provided with binoculars which is a great addition for those of us who don't have them ourselves, it gave such a great view of the beautiful birdlife living at Okarito Lagoon. Swade was very knowledgable, sharing lots of information about the area and the wildlife surrounding us. He was also more than happy to answer any questions we had and did a great job of ensuring everyone got a good view of the birds without disturbing them. Highly recommend.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda L
Nelson, New Zealand59 contributions
Apr 2021
We had an amazing trip on the Okarito Lagoon with Okarito Boat Tours - the couple who take you out are so knowledgeable about the area, the wildlife, the pest trapping, the history etc. We saw Spoonbills, Kotuku (white heron) as well as swans, ducks and other water birds. We were lucky that we were there the day after some snow had fallen on the nearby mountains so it was incredibly picturesque yet we were in full sunshine and a beautiful blue sky day. It was an amazing tour and totally worth doing - you gain so much local knowledge and information from the guides.
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
234stevenz
Auckland Central, New Zealand103 contributions
Jan 2022
I don't write many reviews on Trip Advisor anymore but this boat tour deserves a five star rating. The hosts are wonderful. Kind, knowledgeable, welcoming, and good boat drivers! The lagoon is a rare bit of wetland left in NZ and is a special place because of the herons, but beautiful at any time. The tea and coffee service was a nice surprise with a beautiful view of the Alps.
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you so much for taking the time to comment on your experience with us earlier this past summer! You are right, in that Okarito is a special and beautiful place at any time, thank you again for supporting us and enjoying your time, it is most appreciated! Paula & Swade
Written 26 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jimmyv4351
St. Paul, MN69 contributions
Mar 2023
Paula and Swade are open, friendly, and knowledgeable guides on this 2 hour journey around the lagoon. They point out the many different species of birds, and discuss the history and ecology of the area, making the cruise both fun and educational. Half way through they stop and brew tea & coffee, serving it with a home made cookie! Following the cruise, I contacted Paula by email with several follow up questions which she responded to quickly and thoroughly.
A wonderful adventure and highly recommended.
A wonderful adventure and highly recommended.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this kind and thoughtful review - we are delighted to share the sights and sounds of Okarito and would also like to thank you for sending the photo of the Arctic skua - a bird we have never seen in this area that you wonderfully recorded! As we say, each and every day presents a different experience - one that we simply get to witness. So lovely to have you and all the best from us both, Paula & Swade
Written 8 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janel P
Brooklyn, Australia136 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Craig took us on a stunning 2 hour trip through the wetlands, finding many birds and explaining the vegetation and history of the area. A lovely morning tea was served. Very knowledgeable and comfortable trip. Highly recommended!
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming out with us - kiwi support has been amazing, and we do love to share this special place - so pleased you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Paula & Swade
Written 3 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
april f
Christchurch, New Zealand113 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Delayed by a day because of winds, we went out in the most perfect of conditions. The mountains played ball in all their ice-capped brilliance and we saw a huge variety of birdlife. Paula was a mine of information and Swade was the super-spotter. Two hours was gone in no time but it will be an experience to be repeated, for sure.
Written 23 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cfma2000
Melbourne, Australia145 contributions
Jun 2021
Can't begin to describe this amazing day. Well, only that one of our group now wants to move to Okarito! Swade and Paula met us and gave a briefing and then Swade guided us through the wetlands by boat. Birdlife was prolific and Swade added invaluable commentary along the way. Highlights were Kotuku, Spoonbills and Shags. And an excellent home-baked morning tea in a quiet spot on the water. This was followed by lunch and an excellent afternoon walking tour with Cliff. We hope to be back.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you so much from us all! apologies for the late reply - we had a little hiccup with our Trip Advisor and didn't see these reviews but we're back on here now and hope you will come back one day too! all the best, Paula
Written 3 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz M
Lake Hawea, New Zealand29 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Wow. Spectacular mountain views, reflections, and the bird life was abundant.
Such knowledgeable guides, pointing out the white herons and other bird species. Information regarding predator elimination and the upsurge in birdlife left us well informed
Would highly recommend as a must do.
Such knowledgeable guides, pointing out the white herons and other bird species. Information regarding predator elimination and the upsurge in birdlife left us well informed
Would highly recommend as a must do.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hinekiri
Hamilton, New Zealand81 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
This was a real highlight of our West Coast trip. The guide Paula was knowledgeable and friendly, and we were able to see many Kotuku in their home space, and several other wading birds - even a bittern! It was nice having such a small tour party (maximum is 12) because everyone could see and take photographs. We stopped for morning tea and the forest was full of birdsong, as it must have been long in the past.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Such a lovely review - thank you so much and it is truly our pleasure to simply share this space! the bittern - a bonus for sure! we know they are out there, and it is a rare delight to view these cryptic birds. I've got a lovely photo I must share - this a good reminder to put it up there! Thank you for coming and enjoying Okarito and the birds and waterways with us. Paula & Swade
Written 8 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are birdwatchers going to Okarito next January for two nights. Would like to know best way to plan our time whilst there.. Are the boat tours both identical ? We would arrive approx. lunch time and have a full day next day. Thanks
Written 23 July 2017
HI Patricia,
Sorry we did not see this question much earlier - not sure why we did not get a notification for it...however! Assuming you are perhaps questioning the Early Bird Tour and the EcoTour? we actually prefer to go out on mid-lower tides (versus the answer from one of our past guests - it can be a bit confusing!) - this is when we tend to see a lot more bird life feeding on the tidal flats. Early January I would recommend the Early Bird Tour as the birds are generally out feeding early in the morning. Please feel free to email us directly too (this site does not allow email addresses but just google us Okarito Boat Tours and we would be happy to answer in more depth depending on your dates in January. Again, sorry we did not see your question earlier!
kind regards,
Paula & Swade
Written 30 September 2017
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