Small village on the West Coast 25 mins from Franz Josef. A great place to spend a few days relaxing- local walks along beautiful beaches; to viewpoints over the lagoon and the mountains inland; home to the brown kiwi and the white heron. Kayaking, boat tours, fishing also available. The Franz Josef glacier is an easy 25 minutes drive away.
It was beautifully sunny when we were there, while 15 mins inland there was torrential rain.
On the coast 25 mins from Franz Josef.
www.okarito.net/
Range of accommodation available, recommend this one with its outdoor fire bath.
www.holidayhomes.co.nz/new-zealand/south-island/west-coast/okarito/listing/6889.html
No public transport, and need to bring your own provisions.
Possibly the best thing to do in New Zealand! Its spectacular, tiring and surprisingly warm - try and get a guided tour because they know better and also they can show you a lot more that if you hiked alone. The pictures will really impress your friends!
Some really good bars, especially the Alice May, and restaurants and the perfect place to set off and climb a glacier - save the carbon footprint by not using the chopper - it's much more satisfying to get to the top by your own power, helped of course by very good guides. Don't forget to buy the T-shirt.
A really good buzzing little town on the West coast of S.Island.
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Franz Josef basics
- Population:
- 320
- Currency:
- Dollar (NZ $)
- Time zone:
- GMT+12
- Dialling code:
- 64 (0) 3
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