Whataroa

Whataroa is a tiny, tranquil settlement on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, best known as the gateway to the stunning Okarito Lagoon and its renowned kiwi sanctuary. This is a place where the rainforest meets the sea, and the pace of life slows to the rhythm of the tides. With a population of just a few hundred, Whataroa offers a genuine slice of remote West Coast life, with friendly locals and a deep connection to the land and its wildlife.

Highlights & What to See

• Okarito Lagoon – New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, perfect for kayaking, birdwatching (including the rare kotuku/white heron), and serene walks along the Okarito Trig Track for panoramic views.
• Kiwi & Birdlife Tours – Join a guided night tour to spot the elusive rowi kiwi (the rarest kiwi species) in its natural habitat at the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
• Whataroa River – A scenic river ideal for fishing, jet boating, or simply enjoying a picnic by the water.
• White Heron Sanctuary Tours – Take a boat trip to the only mainland breeding colony of white herons (kotuku) in New Zealand, located on the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve.
• Franz Josef Glacier – A short drive south, this famous glacier offers guided walks, heli-hikes, and stunning valley views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two days in Whataroa. A single day allows for a morning kayak on Okarito Lagoon and an afternoon tour to the white heron sanctuary. With an extra day, you can add a night-time kiwi spotting tour and a walk up the Okarito Trig. Pair this with a visit to Franz Josef Glacier (30 minutes south) for a perfect two- to three-day West Coast itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – 30 minutes south, offering glacier hikes, hot pools, and the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
• Fox Glacier – 40 minutes further south, with its own glacier valley and Lake Matheson's mirror reflections.
• Hokitika – A 90-minute drive north, known for its pounamu (greenstone) workshops, wild beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge.
• Greymouth – 90 minutes north, the West Coast's largest town with a brewery, Monteith's, and the historic Shantytown heritage park.
• Punakaiki – 2 hours north, famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Dolomite Point.

Please check official sources for current details.