All our guided, small-group kayak tours are timed to use the tides in Ōkārito Lagoon for the best conditions, for exploring and interpreting the incredible natural environment in either very small groups, or as private tours.
Great for those who might be a little less confident on the water, but especially for those who seek greater knowledge and understanding of the unique natural history, biodiversity and culure of Ōkārito.
At a relaxed pace, we use stable, beautifully-maintained and clean double kayaks to traverse the shallow calm waters of the lagoon, right up into the surrounding rainforest river channels of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The diversity of spectacular scenery , with Aoraki/Mt Cook and dozens of glaciers on the horizon, as well as incredible birdlife, is unmatched anywhere else in New Zealand.
No minimum or maximum age. All guided kayak tours require a minimum of two adults booked to confirm departure; kids below the age of 18 are half price.
If you don’t see an available time that works well for you, for guided kayak trips, just call us on (+64 3 753 4014) or email, and we’ll see what we can arrange.
An easy, gentle introduction to exploring the incredible natural environment and birdlife of Ōkārito Lagoon, with an award-winning sustainability focus, in very small, intimate groups.
Perfect for those who might enjoy less physical exercise, or time in the kayak, but still seek an authentic and deeply informative, active nature experience, with expert kayak nature guides, away from the crowds.
Allow a total three hours, with up to two hours on the water.
The opportunity to venture further for in-depth nature exploration; best suited to active people with a greater sense of adventure, and at least some physical fitness and flexibility.
A deeply informative, gentle-paced tour, with personal and genuinely authentic interaction between curious travellers and local expert nature guides in intimate, small groups, in a stunning environment.
Allow a total four hours, with up to three hours on the water.
Our bespoke, tailored experience introducing the incredible natural environment of New Zealand’s largest unmodified coastal wetland, in complete privacy with just our expert local guide accompanying and hosting couples, families or friends.
An exclusive and unique, deeply personal nature experience.
For active and curious adventurous travellers seeking a personalised, exceptional, hosted experience in one of the world’s most stunning natural environments.
Kayaking at a relaxed pace with an exclusive guide, the Private Kayak Adventurer is a deeply memorable slow-travel highlight for travellers seeking a deeper connection to New Zealand’s nature and people.
Give someone the gift of experiencing nature
All our kayaks are modern, highest quality, stable sea kayaks; all our kayaking equipment is well maintained and cleaned after each use. We take real pride in having the best equipment for our kayakers to enjoy their experience
We deliberately also take time to set kayakers up to be comfortable and confident before setting out on their adventure with us, without rushing.
We suggest arriving ten to fifteen minutes before your start time to be ready get anything ready you might need, or to use bathrooms at our base, to get the most out of your time exploring.
How do we look after you?
Okarito Kayaks are proud to have more than thirty years safe operation, guiding kayakers to explore the stunning Ōkārito Lagoon.
It’s important to understand before kayaking with us that any activity carries an element of risk. Our expert guides accompany & support you to safely enjoy kayaking the shallow waters of the lagoon, but there are always some risks we can’t control, that you should be aware of.
In general, the physical risks in kayaking here with us can be described as lower than those of independently driving yourself here, from where you are staying, to reach us. Kayaking at Ōkārito is a slow-paced activity, free of any danger of impacts, and you are never more than 30 metres away from an area you can stand up on the ground at any time.
Slip, slap, slop …
The greatest hazard we consistently have to manage is sunburn; we strongly encourage you to apply 50+ SPF sunblock early, before kayaking with us.
Take our hand
Getting in and out of the stable well-designed kayaks, on firm ground, is the time where anyone is most prone to physical injury – taking your time to enter and exit the kayak carefully, with the assistance and expert instruction of our guide, reduces risk of any fall.
Four seasons in a day
New Zealand’s changeable weather can present challenges – our decades of experience operating in this environment and continuous monitoring of weather, as well as the detailed advice we have on our website as to appropriate clothing, reduces risk of any significant exposure to cold or heat.
Wearing multiple lightweight layers of quick-drying clothing is great advice for any outdoor activity in New Zealand.
Talk with us – we’re humans
Our guides are exceptionally well-trained and equipped for outdoor remote First Aid – but it’s our intention to never need these skills!
If you’re concerned about your physical fitness, or any pre-existing health conditions or allergies that you think might affect your ability to safely enjoy a slow-paced, fully supported outdoor activity for between two and three hours, then just talk to us.
We’re good and discreet listeners, and believe in enabling kayakers, rather than arbitrarily limiting your experience – we can tailor physical exertion and support to your interest and abilities before setting out, if you let us know of anything you think relevant to your health and enjoyment of the experience.
We’re proud to be able to host and enable travellers of all abilities and ages, from all over the world, to safely explore the nature of Ōkārito Lagoon. We’ll very much look forward to kayaking with you.
Ōkārito is a small, peaceful village on the western sea coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
Only 10km off the main highway, Ōkārito is about 25-minutes drive north of Franz Josef Glacier. Look for the signposted turn-off between Lake Mapourika and Lake Wahapo.
You’ll find spacious, private car parking at our two red sheds on the left just as you enter the village, with a homely base building and bathrooms for comfort.
1, The Strand, Ōkārito, West Coast kayaks@okarito.co.nz +64 3 753 4014 Get directions
Soak up this stunning natural environment. Hire a kayak to independently explore these ancient waterways at your own pace or let one of our experienced guides take you on an intimate tour through pristine wilderness.
Options available for all ages and any fitness level.
