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Vacation rentals in Ōkārito

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Ōkārito

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Superhost
Cottage in Okarito
Beautiful cottage with mountain and sea views
Watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea from the deck of this beautiful character cottage, or walk out the door directly across to the beach, with stunning views back to the Southern Alps. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the Ōkārito Lagoon, surrounding National Park, native forest walks and bird life, including tui, kōtuku (white heron) and kiwi. Listen to the sound of the sea & the call of ruru NZ's native morepork owl. High quality linen, towels, Free Wi-Fi, fridge/freezer, tea and coffee included.
$137 per night
Superhost
Cottage in Franz Josef Glacier
Luxury Lakeview Hidden Gem with Spa Pool
Located on the boundary fence of sprawling valley farmland, over-looking stunning Lake Mapourika, surrounded by lush rainforest, right at the base of the Southern Alps. The cottage is less than 2 years old & offers world class luxury and seclusion as part of your West Coast experience. Pick from the herb garden for your cooking, soak in the brand new 6 seater spa pool whilst taking in the panoramic lake, bush and valley views. The sunsets are a dream! Great WiFi & only 4 min drive from town.
$128 per night
Superhost
Guesthouse in Okarito
The Tower, Okarito
The Tower is a comfortable two storey, seperate building with an upstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom. It has excellent views of the sea and the Southern Alps. A warm, cosy and quiet space with a private garden. Free Wifi (system fully upgraded August 2021) Downstairs is the living room / kitchenette area. Upstairs and downstairs are connected by external stairs (see photos). Awesome outdoor bath - great for stargazing (new Aug 22). There are balconies on three sides of the tower.
$68 per night

Other great vacation rentals in Ōkārito

Superhost
Bungalow in Franz Josef Glacier
Alpine Escape - Two
$127 per night
Superhost
Cabin in Franz Josef Glacier
Cosy Cabin in the Paddocks
$107 per night
Superhost
Chalet in Franz Josef Glacier
Handcrafted Chalet with Spa access
$196 per night
Superhost
Home in Franz Josef Glacier
Gibb’s Guesthouse
$217 per night
Superhost
Cottage in Franz Josef Glacier
Te Awa Cottages - Cottage Tahi
$153 per night
Superhost
Guesthouse in Fox Glacier
One-bedroom unit in garden setting
$154 per night
Superhost
Guest suite in Franz Josef / Waiau
Hockey Hut
$99 per night
Superhost
Home in Franz Josef Glacier
Southern Alps Spectacular
$141 per night
Superhost
Home in Whataroa
Glacier Highway Getaway - 25 mins to Franz Josef
$100 per night
Superhost
Home in Franz Josef Glacier
Three bedroom, two bathroom home - Franz Josef
$186 per night
Superhost
Cottage in Whataroa
Franz Josef Gateway Townhouse
$121 per night
Superhost
Home in Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Villa
$288 per night

Your guide to Ōkārito

All About Ōkārito

On the western coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Ōkārito is home to one of the country’s biggest coastal lagoons, a popular destination for bird watching. Ōkārito Lagoon’s still, shallow waters are excellent for kayaking, and the surrounding lush rainforest and snow-capped mountains make for some spectacular scenery. Birders flock to the area hoping to spot the region’s diverse native birdlife, especially the white heron, known as kōtuku in Māori, and the Ōkārito kiwi, both of which are extremely rare in New Zealand.

Ōkārito is a wonderful place to absorb the natural beauty of the South Island, and you’ll find plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. The area is an ideal base for those keen to explore the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, less than 30 minutes away. There are no shops in this small town, but you will find the oldest remaining commercial building on the west coast, which now serves as a community center and library.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Ōkārito

When it comes to booking Ōkārito accommodation, the most popular time is typically summer, which runs from December through February. The weather is usually warm, rainfall is at its lowest, and conditions are pleasant for hiking and swimming. Spring is a great time to visit Ōkārito as the alps are still covered in a layer of snow, the waterfalls and rivers are at their fullest, and the hills come alive with blooming wildflowers.

Autumn is from March through May, when it starts to get quite chilly. If you’re heading to Ōkārito during this time of year, you’ll need thick layers in the evening. But the scenery can be magnificent, with the mountains developing rust-colored hues. Winter gets very cold, though it tends to bring clear skies. It can also be an ideal time to see the nearby Franz Josef Glacier.


Top things to do in Ōkārito

Ōkārito Lagoon

The coastal wetlands of Ōkārito Lagoon are the key attraction of this small town, and a popular spot with birders. You’ll have a chance to spot dozens of native bird species, including white herons, royal spoonbills, and brown kiwis. As well as offering some of the country’s best bird-watching, the lagoon is also an idyllic spot for kayaking.

Three Mile Lagoon Track

The area surrounding Ōkārito offers some scenic hiking trails. The Three Mile Lagoon Track is a three-hour round-trip hike through forests of rimu, rata, and silver pine trees. If you’re looking for something shorter, the Ōkārito Westland Walk takes just 20 minutes and leads to a viewpoint over the lagoon. The Ōkārito Trig Walk is another option, with a short but steep hike through lush forest to a panoramic deck.

Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere

Just 20 minutes from Ōkārito, you’ll find one of New Zealand’s most renowned attractions, and a World Heritage Site. The 7.5-mile-long Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere is one of the steepest glaciers in the country. It descends from the Southern Alps into the rainforest in Westland National Park and includes spectacular ice caves, tunnels, and crevasses. You can take guided hikes in the glacier valley.

Destinations to explore

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