Sustaino-man
YHA Okarito

Address Details

Host: Non Hosted
Palmerston St,
Okarito

+64 3 379 9970

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Rooms & Rates
Shared

Number of beds: 12

Rooms from: NZ$60

Select dates above to see rates for that period
Enquire about our group rates
Operating Hours
Reception Hours: Self check in system.  Please follow instructions.
Payment Methods
Cash only 
Guest Services & Facilities
Closest food shop 29km 29km City/Town Centre 32km 32km Common room in Hostel Self catering Library Exchange Car Parking Bicycle storage at Hostel

YHA Okarito

THIS HOSTEL IS NOT BOOKABLE ONLINE. CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOUR BOOKING REQUEST.

Limited accomodation means you must  confirm your booking before arrival. Please note that payment is by cash only.

The smallest YHA backpacker hostel in New Zealand, staying at the YHA Okarito hostel is a special experience not to be missed. Located in the old historic school building from the gold mining days, this Okarito hostel was extensively renovated with love and care yet still retains its unique charm. Set on the wild West Coast of the South Island in the quaint village of Okarito, with its 35 residents, this backpacker hostel has lots of character and a cosy atmosphere.

All of Okarito’s main attractions are walking distance from the YHA Okarito hostel: search for the Okarito Brown Kiwi, go kayaking on the lagoon and view the magnificent white heron Kotuku and stroll along the wild West Coast beach.

Important note: To secure your backpacker accommodation at the YHA Okarito hostel you make a booking in advance, there will be no accommodation for those who turn up off the street. As YHA Okarito is a special community run hostel there is no office so no phone number to call. Use the YHA website’s booking service to secure your bed otherwise you will miss out! And you wouldn’t want that to happen!
 
YHA Okarito a simple two-room affair in an 1860 former schoolhouse, with twelve made-up bunks most of them in the spacious and well-appointed kitchen/living area. - The Rough Guide to New Zealand.


Special features at YHA Okarito that backpackers love:

  • Stay in perhaps New Zealand’s most unique backpacker hostel, an experience not to be missed.
  • Small, cosy and comfortable hostel accommodation.
  • A great affordable accommodation option in this tiny, untouched West Coast town of Okarito.
  • Book exchange and bicycle storage.

About Okarito

Okarito is a very special, charming village in an untouched part of the West Coast near the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Okarito lagoon is birdwatcher’s paradise, famous for the Okarito Brown Kiwi and magnificent and graceful Kotuku (White Heron) and 70 other bird species. The Okarito lagoon is New Zealand’s largest natural area of wetlands in the rainforest. The best way to explore the lagoon and try to get close to the Kotuku White Herons is by kayak. Okarito Nature Tours have a variety of kayaking options to suit everyone. It’s best to go out early in the morning when the water is calmest and there are more birds around.

The main breeding ground of the White Herons is at the north end of the Okarito Lagoon and a tour here can be arranged from Okarito. Go on an eco-tourism kiwi tour into the local bush to try and spot the Brown Kiwi in the wild. Okarito also has great fishing and in season you can try whitebaiting, the famous West Coast delicacy.

There are many scenic walks to do in Okarito, especially the popular Trig Walk with magnificent panoramic views of the Southern Alps including Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and the Franz Josef Glacier. Or go strolling and beachcombing along the wilds of the untouched West Coast coastline while watching the sun set into the Tasman Sea.

Top activities to do while backpacking in Okarito

  • Okarito Nature Tours run excellent guided and solo kayaking trips on the Okarito Lagoon.
  • Okarito is the best location in the country to see the magnificent New Zealand White Heron or Kotuku (as featured on our $2 coin).
  • Okarito Kiwi Tours offers low impact eco-tourism guiding taking you deep into kiwi habitation.
  • Walk along the magnificent beach and the Trig track for wonderful views towards Aoraki Mt Cook and over the Tasman Sea.

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Other hostels in the region


How to get there...
Details
Car
Turn off SH6 at the Okarito turn-off. After 13km road, YHA is on the main street opposite monument.
Bus/Shuttle
No bus to hostel, get dropped off at the Okarito turn-off, then hitchhike 13km. (no pick-ups).
Plane
Train
Ferry

Here's a taster of what's going on in this region, for a full list of events check out Event Finder

Thursday, 11 March 2010 - Thursday, 11 March 2010, Hokitika
Mike King's "The Heat is On" Summer Tour

Thursday, 11 March 2010 - Thursday, 11 March 2010, Westport
Harp Concert - Robin Ward

Thursday, 11 March 2010 - Thursday, 11 March 2010, The Crooked Mile
Josephine Costain - Serpentine Tour

Friday, 12 March 2010 - Friday, 12 March 2010, Greymouth
Harp Concert - Robin Ward

Friday, 12 March 2010 - Friday, 12 March 2010, Cass Square
2010 Wildfoods Festival

Friday, 12 March 2010 - Friday, 12 March 2010, Formerly the Blackball Hilton
Mike King's "The Heat is On" Summer Tour

Friday, 12 March 2010 - Friday, 12 March 2010, NBS Theatre
NZSO in Miniature and on the Road

Friday, 12 March 2010 - Friday, 12 March 2010, Kell's Hotel
Billy T K Snr & Friends

Saturday, 13 March 2010 - Saturday, 13 March 2010, Regent Theatre - Greymouth
NZSO in Miniature and on the Road

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 - Tuesday, 16 March 2010, Regent Theatre - Greymouth
Busting Out!: CANCELLED

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 - Tuesday, 16 March 2010, NBS Theatre
Pacific Curls – New Zealand Tour March 2010

Thursday, 18 March 2010 - Thursday, 18 March 2010, Regent Theatre - Greymouth
Grumpy Old Women

Thursday, 18 March 2010 - Thursday, 18 March 2010, Shantytown
Pacific Curls – New Zealand Tour March 2010

Friday, 19 March 2010 - Friday, 19 March 2010, Franz Josef
Pacific Curls – New Zealand Tour March 2010

Local Knowledge

Events

What to do

Okarito is famous for the Okarito Brown Kiwi, the Kotuku (White Heron) and 70 other bird species. A haven for bird-watching, lagoon kayaking, fishing, bush and beach walking, and the popular Trig Walk with magnificent panoramic views of the Southern Alps including Mt.Cook and the Franz Josef Glacier. A good base to explore the glacier region.
Discounts

JOIN NOW! Join YHA today and get access to discounted accommodation, travel and activities in New Zealand and worldwide!

Check out these great YHA Discounts on travel and activities in the area.


Further information

With the increase of world-wide greenhouse gas emissions through increased travel and energy usage, the Green Footprint Project has been established to help you reduce some of the impacts you are making on your travels. Click here to make a donation.
Travel Packages

YHA New Zealand also has a range of short and long term budget travel packages designed for independent travellers of all ages, so there is something to suit everyone!