Okarito Lagoon
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Okarito Lagoon is a coastal lagoon on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is located 130 kilometres south of Hokitika, and covers an area of about 12 km², making it the largest unmodified wetland in New Zealand.
Several small rivers drain into the lagoon, and it is the outflow of Lake Mapourika. The lagoon is home of many species of wading birds, notably the Kotuku (white heron).
At the southern end of the lagoon is the small settlement of Okarito. Originally a gold mining township of over 1500 people, it is now permanent home to only about 30 residents - among them Booker Prize-winning writer Keri Hulme.
Bird watching, eco-tours and kayak tours of the lagoon are available, and there are a number of local hikes.
[edit] External links
- Department of Conservation note on Okarito [1]
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