Okarito Kiwi Tours
Okarito Kiwi Tours
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About
Multiple Award Winners Okarito Kiwi Tours takes you deep into kiwi habitat looking for one of the rarest birds in the world. We are the only licensed operators on the South Island of New Zealand. We give you an impressive 98% chance of seeing the rarest kiwi in the wild. Required from you is a good attitude, empathy, patience and the ability to work as a team. This is not a circus, not a game park, not a zoo experience, this is the REAL DEAL. Please be aware that this trip requires a certain buy-in, ownership, responsibility and the ability to work as a team. 16 years of guiding experience with kiwi. This is an owner operated business at it best. A shining example of putting nature first. I welcome anybody who has the passion and ability to put in the effort to get the rewards. You will not be disappointed.
Okarito, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
206 reviews
Excellent
188
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Bernice
17 contributions
Jan 2020
Cassidy and Fiona were amazing guides and prepared us well for the search for the kiwi. You must be prepared to stand completely still in the dark for most of the evening, but it is well worth it! The wait shows you just how illusive these fantastic birds are and makes it even more rewarding when you finally see the kiwi. During the wait, we enjoyed the sounds of the many moreporks and we could get a look at the beautiful night sky. Eventually, we got a short but beautiful look at the kiwi called White Eyes as he crossed the path. Moreover, we heard him calling to his mate Husky from only a couple of meters away, and his mate responded! Both the image and the call of White Eyes will be in my mind forever. This was definitely one of the most amazing and special experiences during my holiday in New Zealand and I would recommend this tour to everyone who wants to see a kiwi in the wild. If everyone is quiet the kiwi will not realize that you are there and this tour is therefore definitely the best way to see a wild kiwi acting out its natural behaviour. Moreover, the guides put the wellbeing of the kiwi on first place, as it should be! By going on this tour you contribute directly to the conservation of this critically endangered kiwi species.
Written 11 February 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.
Hey Bernice
Great Review - Thanks.
i am so pleased that both guides were able to maintain the very high standards that I set when guiding with Okarito Kiwi.
You are correct in saying that we pride ourselves on the well being of the kiwi first. You as a customer, or visitor, or traveller, always come second or third on our list.
We are fortunate to receive so many people who are happy to be so low down on the list.
Well done for joining the small amount of people that cn say they have seen kiwi in the wild. Your hard work, patience, ownership, participation all paid off with a once in a lifetime experience.
Cheers Bernice
Written 15 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JanEmblem_Belgium
Emblem, Belgium45 contributions
Feb 2020
We had Friday 7th of February noted in our agenda as one of the highlights of our NZ-trip. And so it was! Fiona instructed our group (9 people) on how to behave and act once the search for the kiwi began. And it worked out, because only one hour after the search, the kiwi showed up in the red light and kept on searching for food along the road. What an experience!!! Apart from seeing the kiwi, it was heartwarming to experience the dedication and the patience of Fiona for her job. For anyone going to NZ, this is an absolute must-do (but book well in advance to be sure you're in).
Written 25 February 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.
Hey Jan
Many thanks for bringing your group out with us. It was great that all of the group took on board all we asked and took ownership of the tour.
You were rewarded with a fantastic night.
I am very pleased you also were very aware of the dedication, passion and patience that each of my guides brings to each and every trip.
Thanks for being one of the very few people who managed to see a kiwi in the wild.
Ian
Written 29 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A+BdeZ
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Nov 2020
What a fantastic experience! Every New Zealander should do this now that we're all exploring our own backyard more. We patiently did as our expert guide Ian asked and were rewarded with the sight of Fauna the Kiwi some hours later. In the meantime we'd heard the calls of BZ and Jim and a myriad of morepork owls. We were super impressed with Ian's commitment to enabling us to have the 'almost impossible' experience whilst also respecting the Kiwi's well-being.
Written 3 November 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.
Alan and Belinda
Thanks for coming out, in these hard times its great to have Kiwi's seeing Kiwi's !
What a great description, every night is different and that statement was no more true on the 2nd Nov 2020.
It was the first time I have seen Fauna for about 10 years ! Thanks for getting me off my sofa and out into the bush, I enjoyed it as much as you guys did.
Ian
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AJB
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I recently went kiwi spotting with Okarito Kiwi Tours, it was 4.5 hours in the forest, standing very still and silent for most of the time, plus intermittently walking a total of 4 klms on an uneven wet/boggy and stony trail to find a bird. For most of this time we had no light, therefore we were attempting to place our feet safely in total darkness without an appropriate torch. Whilst Okarito Kiwi Tours do provide a torch for each customer, they are white light and not allowed to be used for most of the night so as not to scare the birds. The guide explained that kiwi do not see red light, and the guide had the only red torch.
In my experience of the tour I did on a very black night, it is totally unacceptable and potentially dangerous to expect people to safely navigate an unfamiliar forest trail in darkness. I hope that this tour operator considers providing each customer with a red torch to help prevent a fall, sprained ankle or worse.
In my experience of the tour I did on a very black night, it is totally unacceptable and potentially dangerous to expect people to safely navigate an unfamiliar forest trail in darkness. I hope that this tour operator considers providing each customer with a red torch to help prevent a fall, sprained ankle or worse.
Written 5 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.
Hi Amanda
Thanks for the review. I hope you have not received my email response to you personally.
To all others reading this review, we take our responsibilities very seriously and can advise that everybody is issued with a working white torch to enable you to find your way back carefully and safely.
White torches are issued as we have a permit or a concession from the NZ government as this is part of the remit. A legal obligation that only the guide is allowed a red torch on the tour.
On a side note, a kiwi was seen on this tour, however, Amanda decided to leave the tour prior to this happening.
Ian
Written 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
234stevenz
Auckland Central, New Zealand103 contributions
Feb 2022
If you’re into birding and you want to see as many different species of kiwi as possible this is the best opportunity to see the Rowi/Okarito Brown Kiwi, the rarest of the five species. If you would like to see a kiwi of any species there are better choices elsewhere in NZ, which you won’t need a guide for.
Before the walk you will be given a radio, a torch/flashlight, mosquito netting (use it), and instructions on what you will do and how you will behave while you are on your expedition. Expect a dark 20 minute walk to the observation area. It’s flat so not strenuous, and very pretty and peaceful. Did I say it’s dark? If it’s a clear night the stars are spectacular. Use lots of insect repellent.
After about an hour and a half of waiting and moving around we did see a Rowi. Ours came right up to our feet so we were lucky. Nature does its own thing so no promises can be made in this regard, and you have to go into it knowing that you may see no birds at all. There is a public track in the same area of this tour so you can try your luck on your own but your chances of seeing the Rowi are quite small.
Other commenters here have concerns that the guide uses radio tracking to find the birds. That’s not really a problem. The tracking device doesn’t attract the bird, it just lets us know that it’s there, somewhere, and gives an idea of the chances of seeing it. It has no effect on the bird’s behaviour.
I can attest to other posters’ comments about the manner of the owner. I would not call it professional but demanding. His defiance of any criticism in his replies here is ample evidence of a “unique” approach to customers. I say this only so you’re prepared for a somewhat different experience than you may have with other NZ tour operators. It’s unfortunate because looking for the Rowi can be a lovely experience. It’s too bad that it can be a tainted memory.
Before the walk you will be given a radio, a torch/flashlight, mosquito netting (use it), and instructions on what you will do and how you will behave while you are on your expedition. Expect a dark 20 minute walk to the observation area. It’s flat so not strenuous, and very pretty and peaceful. Did I say it’s dark? If it’s a clear night the stars are spectacular. Use lots of insect repellent.
After about an hour and a half of waiting and moving around we did see a Rowi. Ours came right up to our feet so we were lucky. Nature does its own thing so no promises can be made in this regard, and you have to go into it knowing that you may see no birds at all. There is a public track in the same area of this tour so you can try your luck on your own but your chances of seeing the Rowi are quite small.
Other commenters here have concerns that the guide uses radio tracking to find the birds. That’s not really a problem. The tracking device doesn’t attract the bird, it just lets us know that it’s there, somewhere, and gives an idea of the chances of seeing it. It has no effect on the bird’s behaviour.
I can attest to other posters’ comments about the manner of the owner. I would not call it professional but demanding. His defiance of any criticism in his replies here is ample evidence of a “unique” approach to customers. I say this only so you’re prepared for a somewhat different experience than you may have with other NZ tour operators. It’s unfortunate because looking for the Rowi can be a lovely experience. It’s too bad that it can be a tainted memory.
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.
It's really funny - The people who put the smallest amount of effort it, come up with the biggest of challenging comments.
This person made the trip a lot harder than it should have been, by NOT listening to any of the briefing. It was very clear from the very first meeting of this person that I was going to have a tougher time than I should.
All of my trips are super difficult, super challenging, however, unfortunately some people make the challenge a lot harder than it should be.
Be very aware - this is a trip that require YOU to listen, YOU to make the effort and YOU to buy into the experience.
I can also attest that 99% of the trips this season have been fantastic, with fantastic people, its too bad I remember this demanding guy more clearly than the other people who have come through and that has clearly tainted my memory.
As a side note, the previous reviewer was on the same tour.....go figure ?
Ian
Okarito Kiwi Tours
Written 10 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dom B
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
I highly recommend this tour if you want the opportunity to see New Zealands rarest Kiwi in the wild. Our tour guide and operator Ian was highly knowledgeable, professional and was dedicated to getting us the best chance of seeing a Kiwi in it's natural habitat while putting the animals interests and saftey first. While we did not get to actually see a kiwi on our tour, partly due to them being in nesting season and our chances being greatly reduced, we were lucky enough to get within 10m of a male kiwi in the scrub and heard it call out to it's mate. This was a once in a lifetime incredible experience and it would of not been possible without Ian's expertise.
Thank you Ian for a very memorable experice.
Thank you Ian for a very memorable experice.
Written 6 November 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.
Oh, thanks so much for the positive review.
November is always a more difficult time to see a Rowi in the wild as they are incubating.
Thanks for bringing such positive attitudes
Ian
Written 27 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave E
Queenstown, New Zealand5 contributions
Dec 2020
Had a great experience with Ian and was lucky enough to not simply just see an Okarito Kiwi, but get a great view for a number of minutes following the bird down the road.
Definitely a worthwhile activity for anybody spending some time in the area and a 'must do' for any wildlife enthusiasts!
I found the trip very well run, Ian is very organised and professional and made us feel at ease whilst at the same time keeping us in order and quiet enough to see a bird.
I have spent time out in the NZ bush at night before, but the whole experience of standing quietly, while being able to hear the bird in the bush only metres away and watching Ian working, just adds to the excitement and anticipation prior to successfully seeing a bird.
Thanks Ian!
Definitely a worthwhile activity for anybody spending some time in the area and a 'must do' for any wildlife enthusiasts!
I found the trip very well run, Ian is very organised and professional and made us feel at ease whilst at the same time keeping us in order and quiet enough to see a bird.
I have spent time out in the NZ bush at night before, but the whole experience of standing quietly, while being able to hear the bird in the bush only metres away and watching Ian working, just adds to the excitement and anticipation prior to successfully seeing a bird.
Thanks Ian!
Written 8 December 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.
Hey Dave
Thanks for that review. That night was made a little bit harder with DoC calling Kea very close, but, we all managed the impossible again.
Thanks also, for being my capable co-guide.
It was another memorable night with BZ not only being seen, but calling twice in 30 mins and calling from less than 10 metres away was pretty special.
Regards
Ian
Written 15 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie R
1 contribution
Nov 2022
We had a blast on the Okarito Kiwi Tour. So much fun. Yes, we we fortunate enough to see a rowi kiwi thanks to Ian the guide’s extra effort—an experience few of us who even live in New Zealand have ever had—but for us it was just a lot of fun sneaking around in the dark woods, forcing ourselves to stand still and just listen to the night forest, to be part of a team that has been challenged to work together to give us the best chance to see one of the rarest birds in the world in its native, wild habitat.
It will be impossible to please everybody with this sort of tour. But the guide is right: if you are extra patient and keep a good attitude and do exactly what he says, you have an excellent chance to see an Okarito kiwi. And even if you don’t see one, you might just still have a good time.
It will be impossible to please everybody with this sort of tour. But the guide is right: if you are extra patient and keep a good attitude and do exactly what he says, you have an excellent chance to see an Okarito kiwi. And even if you don’t see one, you might just still have a good time.
Written 13 November 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.
Hi Julie and Eddie
Wow, that was a fantastic review.
Out of 10, that trip was a 10 for a very very long time. However, we were successful because the team was able to stay the distance, concentrate and stay focussed for a lengthy periods.
I applaud you for your great attitudes.
You get out of the trip what you put into it.
Enjoy the nomadic existence
Ian
Written 14 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joan L
Cromwell, New Zealand3 contributions
Dec 2021
Whatever you do in your life do not miss this experience. What a night! From our first meeting with Ian we were impressed by his professional but passionate knowledge of the rowi kiwi and also his organisational skills with the group of 5 excited participants. We were encouraged to totally engage and participate and were rewarded with seeing 'Fancy' when he came off sitting on the egg. This is an amazing and authentic experience. This is the rarest kiwi in Aotearoa and we got to see it, thanks to Ian,
Written 16 December 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.
Hi Joan.
Thanks for that awesome review. You promised, you delivered.
As Joan wrote, we had a very special night with a little bit of luck. Fancy is incubating his egg right now and spends the majority of his time sitting on the precious thing. We got lucky because he crossed the track while on a mission to feed and get back to his egg as quickly as he can.
We got to see Fancy in all his glory and it was certainly a very special night, thanks for supporting me in these hard times and thanks for being part of a great team.
Ian
Written 24 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanna L
Whangaparaoa, New Zealand4 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Have finally achieved my goal of seeing a kiwi in the wild. What a special moment.
All thanks to Ian. His skill in organising a group of strangers to do the right thing at the right time, led us to see BZ the kiwi in all his glory. Firstly feeding and then a full on view of him calling.
A fantastic experience.
All thanks to Ian. His skill in organising a group of strangers to do the right thing at the right time, led us to see BZ the kiwi in all his glory. Firstly feeding and then a full on view of him calling.
A fantastic experience.
Written 20 November 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.
Hi Joanna
Thanks for your review and kind words. Thanks also for being part of a special team that got....not only to see a kiwi in the wild, but a very special few who has actually seen a kiwi call in the wild.
It was so special for me because this only happens on average twice per season. I also went to bed dreaming of BZ arching his back letting out a beautiful, distinctive shrill.
Ian
Written 25 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, every night is different...however...approx 8pm start time in January.
Written 31 January 2017
Hello! I very much realize the kiwi is in the wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Just wondering how often the kiwi is NOT seen...? My son's favorite being in the world is the kiwi. (we're from Colorado in the US, so a long distance affair). If you can see my profile pic you'll see him holding one during a health check - still considered the very best thing ever in his life (1.5 years ago). Something I am still incredibly grateful to make happen. I know that's tough to match, but I'd love to offer him a different and wonderful experience when we return to NZ. Seeing the most rare kiwi would be pretty wonderful. But...he's pretty sensitive about them ; ) and if we didn't see one... : ( So, just thought I'd ask what the chances are.
Thanks so much!!
Written 13 July 2016
Hi, thanks David for the answer to the question.
You are right, coming with me takes effort, participation, ownership and understanding.
My priority, is that you get to see a WILD kiwi in its own habitat. I emphasise that, infact, we are a visitor in the kiwi's environment and we all must respect that.
Taking and sharing these skills and thoughts and ideas enables us to see a bird doing.......exactly what it would be doing if we were not there !
Also, David is right....I cannot find a bird when it is raining, I am predicting where a bird will come out onto the track, while it is raining I have no chance to 'read' the birds behaviour.
Ian
Okarito Kiwi Tours
Written 16 July 2016
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