The tiny beach settlement of Okarito is 28km from Franz Josef Glacier
and sits at the mouth of New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland - the Okarito Lagoon.
The Lagoon is home to many species of bird-life including the white heron and is surrounded by magnificent Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests.
Hike up to the Okarito Trig for excellent views of the lagoon and Southern Alps. There are great beach walks and kayaking on the lagoon.