Kayaking Ōkārito

Ōkārito Lagoon is a stunning, shallow wetland environment, with unbroken views across Westland Tai Poutini National Park, stretching from the shores of the rugged Tasman Sea all the way to the top of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the central Southern Alps/Ka Tiritiri o te Moana.


A three hour gentle, unrushed exploration can take you across the shallow calm open waters and right up into stunning rainforest-surrounded creeks, with most areas accessible only by kayak.


We kayak in only very small groups, to provide genuine interaction between our kayakers and expert local nature guides, and to experience the best of this special environment in an intimate way, without disturbance or noise.



The Lagoon is at very centre of the largest Predator-Free conservation project in NZ, and is internationally regarded for the diversity and abundance of native birdlife; particularly the Kotuku/White Heron. It is rare to not see Kotuku, often at close viewing distance, undisturbed by noisy boat motors, any time of year by kayak.


Start times for kayak exploration are based on the best tidal conditions for any day, as these can make kayaking physically easy or hard, and also affect access right up into the rainforest channels that are too shallow for boat access. In the right conditions, guided kayaking is enjoyable for all ages and physical abilities. Contact us directly for advice on any times and suitability outside of advertised times.


Children (below the age of 18) are half price; Ōkārito Lagoon, with it's shallow, calm and warmer waters, is a wonderful environment for families to explore and adventure safely with nature.

Ōkārito Lagoon is a stunning, shallow wetland environment, with unbroken views across Westland Tai Poutini National Park, stretching from the shores of the rugged Tasman Sea all the way to the top of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the central Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.


A two hour gentle, unrushed exploration can take you across the shallow calm open waters and right up into stunning rainforest-surrounded creeks, with most areas accessible only by kayak.


A private guided trip, with just you, your family or friends, and our expert nature guide, provides a rare opportunity for genuine interaction with local hosts, and the chance to experience the best of this special environment in a slow-moving and intimate way, without disturbance or noise.



The Lagoon is at very centre of the largest Predator-Free conservation project in NZ, and is internationally regarded for the diversity and abundance of native birdlife; particularly the Kotuku/White Heron. It is rare to not see Kotuku, often at close viewing distance, undisturbed by noisy boat motors, any time of year by kayak.


Start times for kayak exploration are based on the best tidal conditions for any day, as these can make kayaking physically easy or hard, and also affect access right up into the rainforest channels that are too shallow for boat access. In the right conditions, guided kayaking is enjoyable for all ages and physical abilities. Contact us directly for advice on any times and suitability outside of advertised times.


Children (below the age of 18) are half price; Ōkārito Lagoon, with it's shallow, calm and warmer waters, is a wonderful environment for families to explore and adventure safely with nature.

Ōkārito Lagoon is a stunning, shallow wetland environment, with unbroken views across Westland Tai Poutini National Park, stretching from the shores of the rugged Tasman Sea all the way to the top of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the central Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.


A three hour gentle, unrushed exploration can take you across the shallow calm open waters and right up into stunning rainforest-surrounded creeks, with most areas accessible only by kayak.


A private guided trip, with just you, your family or friends, and our expert nature guide, provides a rare opportunity for genuine interaction with local hosts, and the chance to experience the best of this special environment in a slow-moving and intimate way, without disturbance or noise.



The Lagoon is at very centre of the largest Predator-Free conservation project in NZ, and is internationally regarded for the diversity and abundance of native birdlife; particularly the Kotuku/White Heron. It is rare to not see Kotuku, often at close viewing distance, undisturbed by noisy boat motors, any time of year by kayak.


Start times for kayak exploration are based on the best tidal conditions for any day, as these can make kayaking physically easy or hard, and also affect access right up into the rainforest channels that are too shallow for boat access. In the right conditions, guided kayaking is enjoyable for all ages and physical abilities. Contact us directly for advice on any times and suitability outside of advertised times.


Children (below the age of 18) are half price; Ōkārito Lagoon, with it's shallow, calm and warmer waters, is a wonderful environment for families to explore and adventure safely with nature.