Kiwi Adventure Tour
Okarito Kiwi Tours is an owner operated company. We aim to take limited numbers per night out into the National Park, deep into Kiwi habitat.
Approximately 200 Okarito Brown Kiwi (Rowi) exist in the Tai Poutini National Park.
Enjoy the darkness of the bush at night as the story of the kiwi unfolds, Learn Maori legend and local flora and fauna.
We offer low-impact, low-key personalised guiding trips in an educational and interpretive way. Backpacker/Motel Accommodation is available. Please Enquire
Okarito Location
Driving 90 minutes south from Hokitika. 90 minutes north of Haast.
From State Highway 6, in between Franz Josef and Whataroa a road comes straight into the village. Fully signposted from the main road.
Okarito Kiwi Adventure Trips
These are the trip details
- Trip duration 2/3 hours
- Prices $75 per adult
- Numbers limited to 8 per night
- Trips depart from Okarito
The trips will start at the office of Okarito Kiwi Tours, which is situated in the middle of Okarito ( population 30ish ). We are harder to miss than find ! The trips we offer will be tailor made to the fitness of the groups. We will take a short drive upon dusk.
We will then take either a short walk into known kiwi habitat or take a longer walk deep into an area that consists of known kiwi habitation. Along the way we will look out for other birds. This will give us a great opportunity to see the vary rare fernbird in its natural environment.
We will interpret all bird calls along the way together with detailed knowledge of the local area and it's history.
We will explain the Maori myths and legends that surround the story as to how a kiwi became a ground dwelling bird.
We will also explain a little about New Zealand's history, Continental Drift, Remoteness, Giantism, Isolation, Immigration, Native Mammals, and Flightlessness
Once we reach the kiwi habitation, we will listen for kiwi activity. There is a very good chance that will hear the birds snuffling for food or generally moving around in the bush.
We will hear the bird calling – the very unique sound resonating for miles into the quiet of the night. We have a 98% Success in viewing Kiwi.
During darkness we will hear Morepork ( Ruru ), tree weta's even possum.
After a time listening we will walk back to the vehicle – Along the way we may encounter more kiwis along the track together with more possums or even deer.
A clear night will give us a great chance to be guided by the stars of our galaxy and we often get a great view of the Milky Way.
Once back at the van – the heater is cranked up as we drive back to your accommodation.
We Provide |
Please Bring |
|
Torch |
Warm Clothes |
|
Safety Whistle |
Sturdy Walking boots |
|
Safety Vest |
Mosquito Repellent |
| Mosquito Hats |
Great Attitude |
Okarito
The small historic settlement of Okarito is built on a sand-spit within Okarito Lagoon. The village lies between the forces of the Tasman Sea and a natural landscape of wetlands and rainforests, dominated by the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, including Mts. Cook and Tasman. The weather in Okarito is vastly different to that of it's close neighbours – we receive 30% less rainfall and increased sun hours. Making us a popular destination.
Okarito is home to the successful Okarito Nature Tours. A beautiful day can be spent kayaking on the Okarito Lagoon. This is a bird lovers paradise – the only feeding ground for the Kotuku ( White Heron ) www.Okarito.co.nz
For bird lovers specifically looking for the Kotuku nesting - www.whiteherontours.co.nz offer fantastic trips to the White Heron Colony. This trip starts at neighbouring Whataroa.
Another great way to enjoy the lagoon is to cruise in a purpose built boat. www.okaritoboattours.co.nz
Locally owned and operated with knowledgable and passionate guides, they will take you birding at a gentle pace. 70 different bird species recorded.
Okarito is home to the splendid Okarito trig walk. A small walk takes you to a viewpoint with magnificent views of the Southern Alps.
Okarito has a range of Accommodation, depending on budget. From the Community run campground to YHA backpackers accommodation to motel type. We can be contacted for further details.
The village is managed by the Okarito Community Association – for more information www.okarito.net
For more information about kiwis visit www.savethekiwi.org.nz
Okarito Kiwi Tours are proud to be founder partners of Birding West Coast
Contact Us
Ian Cooper & Wendy Godfrey
The Strand
Okarito
South Westland
New Zealand
Phone : 643 – 7534330