Okarito Lagoon
At Okarito lagoon, on the west coast of the South Island, there's a huge area of shallow open water and tidal flats just waiting to be explored. It's the perfect location for sheltered water kayaking, and there is plenty to see as you paddle along. New Zealand's largest unmodified estuarine lagoon is home to more than 70 bird species, including the beautiful kotuku (white heron).
Photo credit: Tourism West Coast
West Coast