View Kiwis in the wild

You could become one of the lucky few

to have seen a kiwi in the wild

Kiwi Adventure Tour

Okarito Kiwi Tours

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

Okarito Location

By car, Okarito is 90 minutes South of Hokitika and 90 minutes North of Haast.
From State Highway 6, in between Franz Josef and Whataroa a road comes straight into the village. (Okarito) Fully signposted from the main road.

95% Success in viewing a Kiwi

During darkness we will hear Morepork ( Ruru ), tree weta’s even possum.
Walking back, we may encounter more kiwis along the track together with more possums or even deer.

 Licensed Operator

Licensed Operator

Only Licensed operator in the South Island

Unique Adventure

Unique Adventure

You could become one of the lucky few to have seen a kiwi in the wild.

Experienced Guides

Experienced Guides

Ian Cooper owns and operates, along with his guides, Okarito Kiwi Tours

Book in Advance

Book in Advance

Trips generally available October – March.
Book from the the contact Page

Okarito Surroundings

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.

About

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.

Testimonials

Okarito Kiwi tours testimonials
    Julia van der Maat

    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.

      Rachel Puha Fenn

      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!

        Jessie F

        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.

          Ben Lamond

          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