Okarito, West Coast

The South Island settlement of Okarito developed into a buzzing town of 4000 during the gold rush of the 1800s. Today, it's returned to a quieter pace of life, with tours to see New Zealand's only breeding ground for the rare kotuku (white heron), one of the highlights.

Kia Ora Waitangi 2025
Photos

Kia Ora Waitangi 2025

The week-long festivities have been full of colour ahead of Waitangi Day. Photos / Dean Purcell and Alyse Wright

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