Last week we talked a little bit about helicopter tours of New Zealand which will allow you to see the natural wonders of New Zealand from the skies. Today I’d like to come back down to Earth to talk about nature tours that will put you at eye level with local wildlife. If you are a bird lover then this is a tour you will want to add to your New Zealand vacation itinerary.
Okarito Lagoon, located in Okarito, New Zealand, is a fabulous destination for low key, quite and intimate interactions with nature. This lagoon is New Zealand’s largest natural wetland that has not been modified by man. When exploring this lagoon you will not only be able to see over 70 different species of birds, but you will also be surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery the South Island has to offer.
Kayaking is the best way to tour Okarito Lagoon, and Okarito Nature Tours offers you both equipment rentals and guided tours. The cost of your kayak rental will run you between NZ$35 per person and NZ$65 per person, depending on how long you need the equipment for. You can rent it for two hours, a half day, a whole day or even overnight. The price of your equipment rental includes everything that you need for a safe kayaking experience including: a safety briefing, a navigation briefing, a life jacket, a splash guard, a complimentary map, a complimentary ecology and bird guide and waterproof bags to protect your supplies and personal belongings.
New Zealand’s South Island has some of the best natural attraction in the country. However, wild outdoor activities are not everyone’s cup of tea. I will be discussing some inside and cultural activities in later postings to this New Zealand vacation blog.
The South Island of New Zealand has a lot of great wilderness and tramping adventures waiting for you. One of my favorite wild spots on the South Island is Nelson Lakes National Park.
What do you think the best time to visit NZ is? My doctor, who is a friend of our family recently relocated there with her husband for his job. She wants us to visit, but I don’t know anything about the climate!
January, February, March and April, then their winter starts setting in. Their seasons are the opposite of the U.S.