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Established in 2006 Okarito Kiwi Tours is an owner-operated company in New Zealand. We aim to take small groups deep into the Kiwi habitat looking for the rarest kiwi – The Okarito Kiwi or Rowi.
You could become one of the lucky few to have seen a kiwi in the wild.
We are the only licenced operators on the South Island that can take you looking for kiwi in the wild
Only Licensed operator in the South Island
You could become one of the lucky few to have seen a kiwi in the wild.
Ian Cooper owns and operates, along with his guides, Okarito Kiwi Tours
Trips generally available October – March.
Book from the the contact Page
The small historic settlement of Okarito is built on a sand spit within Okarito Lagoon. The village lies between the forces of the Tasman Sea and a natural landscape of wetlands and rainforests, dominated by the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, including Mts. Cook and Tasman.
Ian Cooper owns and operates, along with his guides, Okarito Kiwi Tours. Ian originally came from Hertfordshire in England. He came to New Zealand in 1998 as a backpacker.
During his tour of New Zealand he got dropped off in the tiny village of Okarito. He loved the village so much he stayed. During his stay in Okarito he became fascinated by the local Kiwi that inhabits the bush around the local area.
Ian leads the trips with a passion and enthusiasm that rubs off and develops in others. The major goal of a trip is to see a kiwi behaving naturally in its own environment with no idea it is being watched by fascinated humans.
Tripadvisor
We still can't believe that we saw a kiwi in the wild. Thank you so much Ian! PS: If you are thinking about booking a Kiwi Tour please bear in mind that you have to be very patient and be able to stand completely still and listen for a while.
Tripadvisor
Dont miss out. Ian is a fabulous and very knowledgeable tour guide. We loved that he went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and taught us things/details here and there. A must do when in this part of NZ, make sure you follow Ian’s directions!
Tripadvisor
Ian is a total pro, and while patience is definitely a necessity, you won't believe how exciting just standing silently in the bush listening to rustling can be! Our patience was rewarded with an incredible sighting of White Eyes on the track, who then hung around in the bush for a few more minutes just to make sure we hadn't missed him. An amazing night, can't recommend it highly enough.
Tripadvisor
Definitely worth the money and time spent doing it! Would definitely recommend doing it if you are willing to sit down and be patient. Ian was an amazing guide and kept things serious and had a good joking matter with everything. It is definitely an experience worth doing if you are willing to put in the effort. Definitely read all the rules and emails he sends you because it really does matter and be prepared to sit down for a while
Trip details
Trip duration 3-5 Hours
The trip starts approximately one hour prior to sunset.
Limited Numbers per Night departing from Okarito
Contact
Ian Cooper
53 The Strand, Okarito
South Westland, New Zealand
Email okaritokiwitours@gmail.com
Mobile: 0064 22 024 1332
Landline: 00643 753 4330
Call Ian on WhatsApp or Signal on
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