Vacation rentals in Ōkārito
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Ōkārito
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Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Ōkārito vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Ōkārito
Rental unit in Lake Tekapo
Big Sky Apartment, Lake Tekapo: sunny and central
Guesthouse in Kokatahi
The Nest at Hurunui Jacks (outdoor bath & firepit)
Guesthouse in Mount Somers
Picturesque one bedroom self contained cottage
Bungalow in Franz Josef Glacier
Alpine Escape - Two
Guest suite in Lake Tekapo
Studio at Cairnsmore (lake views)
Home in Franz Josef Glacier
Gibb’s Guesthouse
Tiny home in Greymouth
Bedford Hideaway - includes Breakfast & free Wi-Fi
Train in Greymouth
Historic train carriage (no cleaning fee)
Other great vacation rentals in Ōkārito
Farm stay in Cobden
The Mamaku Roost. Spacious in a Peaceful Setting.
Home in Whataroa
Glacier Highway Getaway - 25 mins to Franz Josef
Rental unit in Lake Tekapo
TekapoB2 Lakeview Apartment, breathtaking views
Cottage in Franz Josef Glacier
Te Awa Cottages - Cottage Rua
Guest suite in Lake Tekapo
Blue Star Inn Tekapo
Guesthouse in Methven
Stylish & private dog-friendly Studio in Methven
Rental unit in Greymouth
Greymouth Central Apartment
Tiny home in Harihari
Wildside Lodge
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Ōkārito
Total rentals
10 properties
Local attractions
Okarito Trig Walk, Okarito Kayaks, and Andris Apse Photographer Ltd
Popular amenities
Gym, BBQ grill, and Laptop-friendly workspace
Wifi availability
10 properties include access to wifi
Total number of reviews
2K reviews
Nightly prices starting at
$50 before taxes and fees
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.
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