Ian Cooper, along with his daughter Daisy, owns and operates Okarito Kiwi Tours. Ian and Daisy lead the trips.
Ian originally came from Hertfordshire in England. He came to New Zealand in 1998 as a backpacker.
Only licenced operator in South Island that can take you looking for kiwi in the wild
Experience the Okarito Brown Kiwi in the wild
Ian Cooper along with his daughter explain the flora, fauna and history
During his tour of New Zealand he got dropped off in the tiny village of Okarito. He loved the village so much he stayed. During his stay in Okarito he became fascinated by the local Kiwi that inhabits the bush around the local area.
Ian spent many nights out in the bush and found an un-canny knack of being able to read the behaviour patterns of kiwi.
He had a long term dream. His dream was to share his night-time experiences and start a lifestyle business guiding in kiwi environment. In 2006 he approached the Department of Conservation with his idea.
The Department were very positive and encouraged Ian to apply for the only Concession in the South Island to guide people looking for kiwi.
Within 4 months Ian was operating Okarito Kiwi Tours. Since then, Ian has been honing his technique to minimize any possible disturbance on any kiwi he encounters.



200+ TripAdvisor Reviews
20 Years Experience
20+ Visitors from 20 Countries
Trip details
Trip duration 3-5 Hours
The trip starts approximately one hour prior to sunset.
Limited Numbers per Night departing from Okarito
Contact
Ian Cooper
53 The Strand, Okarito
South Westland, New Zealand
Email okaritokiwitours@gmail.com
Mobile: +64 22 024 1332
Call Ian on WhatsApp or Signal on
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