Three Mile Pack Track - Ōkārito Coastal Walk
Located in Ōkārito area in the West Coast region
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Introduction
Walk through forest then down to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary. Walking along the beach is only recommended within one hour each side of low tide.9.8 km return via same track
Dog access
Follow Ōkārito Wetland Walk before continuing through coastal forest to climb over the Kohuamarua Bluff. The track meanders through wind-shorn rimu, rātā and silver pine forest before dropping down to Three Mile Lagoon - a sheltered estuary fringed with rimu forest.
A bridge crosses the lagoon but there is no track beyond this point. You can return to Ōkārito via the pack track or, if the tide allows, follow the coastline back along the beach.
Note: Walking along the beach to or from the Three Mile Lagoon is only recommended within one hour each side of low tide. However the actual times can be affected by natural influences such as tide heights and storm surges. Allow 1 hour 20 minutes to walk along the beach between the Three Mile Lagoon and Okarito township. Check the tide times at the car park.
Drive 15 km north from Franz Josef Township on State Highway 6 to the Ōkārito turnoff signposted on the left. Drive 13 km along a sealed road to Ōkārito. The walks begin at the car park next to the Ōkārito School House on The Strand in Ōkārito.
The lagoon is home to more than 76 species of native birds including the kōtuku/white heron and royal spoonbills.
Contacts
| Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 752 0360 |
| westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 69 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier 7856 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |