Ōkārito Nature Tour | Franz Josef

📍 Franz Josef, New Zealand

4.9 ( 620 reviews)

From

Duration4 hours

FitnessEasy

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

⏰<2h response

🏅Qualmark Silver

Overview

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour and explore a hidden gem of New Zealand's South Westland. Just a 20-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier, the small coastal village of Ōkārito offers an unparalleled bird-watching experience amidst stunning natural diversity. Suitable for all ages and abilities, this tour includes a shuttle service from the Franz Josef township, or you can meet us in Ōkārito. The tour guides you through lush rainforests, estuaries, sea cliffs and wetlands, revealing breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and even Franz Josef Glacier on clear days. Delve into the rich history of gold mining and early settlement with the opportunity to encounter the area's rich birdlife - up to 76 bird species, such as the famous white heron (Kotuku), fern birds, kakariki and kea. Visit the Ōkārito Community Native Plant Nursery to plant a native tree as part of our Okarito Restoration project. Immerse yourself in the mystique of Ōkārito and its spectacular sunsets, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Book your tour today and uncover the natural wonders of Ōkārito!

What you will be doing

10:15 am - Check-in

Glacier Valley Eco Tours office - Franz Josef

Depart Franz Josef Glacier at 10: 30 am or meet at Okārito at 11 am

Returns

2:00 pm (Okarito), 2:30 pm (Franz Josef Glacier)

Things to know

AccessibilityChildren friendly

Fitness levelEasy

Tour languageEnglish

Licence requiredNone

Bring outdoor clothing for the day’s weather conditions: comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses, a camera, and lots of energy
Free use of Macpac Baby Carrier for under 3-year-olds
Raincoats, over-trousers and large heavy-duty umbrellas are included to keep you dry
Total distance is 4.2 km

Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Included

Refreshments
Snack
Hiking pole
Tour guide
Pick up and drop off transport

❌ Not included

Gratuities

Where we'll meet

Meet up/Pick up location: 20 Main Road SH6 Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand

Instruction: Meet at the Glacier Valley Eco Tours base in the township of Franz Josef Glacier, or we’ll pick you up from Okārito

ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.

Your host

This tour is operated by Glacier Valley Eco Tours.

Pay securely online. Your tour is operated by our vetted local partner, and Kodama Travel acts as booking agent. We recommend all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies.

You can select your preferred payment currency and enter any promo or gift card code at checkout. Our typical response time to is within 2 hours. You will be fully refunded if there is no availability.