Okarito

Okarito is a small seaside village situated just 20-25 minutes drive from Franz Josef Glacier. It sees more sunshine hours than inland and generally has much finer weather than many expect of the West Coast. The village is a nature lovers dream with many great walking tracks, fishing, kayaking, Kiwi spotting (the Rowi species is native to Okarito & can only be found here) At the right tide you can take a walk along the beach and collect mussels off the rocks to take home for an appetiser. If you get down to the 5 mile lagoon it is one of the best views you will see of the Southern Alps & the jewel in the crown, the Franz Josef Glacier. The Kotuku (White Heron) come to the area to breed, look out for the distinctive marks they leave in the sand & soil to see if any may be around or take a boat ride up the Lagoon for your viewing pleasure as there are many other forms of birdlife to be spotted. The local population is intimate, it is a holiday haven and as such there are no shops or restaurants in Okarito but with the facilities provided at the Code Time Lodge B&B you can bring any food or beverage you may require.

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Okarito - a place that time has barely touched