Covering 3240 hectares of shallow open water, Okarito Lagoon is New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland. The area is surrounded by the beautifully green Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests and on a clear day you will have stunning views of Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and the Southern Alps.

Okarito is known for the huge variety of birds that breed and nest here - over 70 breeds have been recorded. One of the best ways to explore the area is by kayak and you will see the birds in their natural habitat. The lagoon is the feeding ground for white herons. You will see them nesting alongside shags and royal spoon bills. Black swans migrate here and the bush is alive with robins, tuis, bellbirds and kea.

There are bush and beach walks nearby and a climb up to the Okarito Trig station will reward you with amazing views of the sea, lagoon and snow-capped Southern Alps.