Okarito Beach House: New Zealand Hostel Review

One of the best parts about visiting New Zealand on vacation is the quaint and affordable accommodations you find in out of the way locations. One of my favorite off the road place to stay is the Okarito Beach House located in Okarito, New Zealand. This little hostel offers you a comfortable place to stay, shower and eat before you head off on your next adventure.

Overview of the Okarito Beach House

If you are traveling near the charming coastal village of Okarito and have a limited budget, then consider staying at the Okarito Beach House. This little hostel/bed and breakfast offers several different room choices from a private suite to shared rooms. To find this Kiwi gem you have to get off Highway 6 and enter the town of Okarito, which is located between the Franz Josef Glacier and Whataroa.

While this is one of my favorite spots while on the west coast of New Zealand, it is a no frills destination. It has everything you need to be comfortable, but don't expect the Waldorf.

Room Costs

Whether you are a backpacker or a couple on a honeymoon, you will be able to find a room that you can afford at the Okarito Beach House. There are six different room prices that you can get. If you stay in the double room located in the "Hutel" you will pay about U.S.$80 a night, if you stay in the Summit Lodge you can take either the twin room or the double room for about US$70 per night, in the Rimu House you will be able to choose between a double room and a twin room each priced at about $60 per night and finally, if you are traveling alone or backpacking through New Zealand you can share a room in the Tui House for about $20 a night.

Okarito, The Area

As mentioned above, Okarito is a small coastal village, but it is much more than this. This is a bird lover's paradise. Here you will find the largest unmodified New Zealand wetland and the home of over 70 bird species. If you are a bird lover then you will want to get into a kayak and explore the wetlands to observe white heron, robins, shags, tuis, royal spoon bills, bellbirds, occasional black swans and keas.

If you are a hiker or nature lover then you will want to plan a day trekking along local trails. There are several nearby beach trails and bush trails. For the best view of the Okarito Lagoon and the Southern Alps, climb up the Okarito Trig Station.

Nearby Attractions

If you travel a little bit further you will be able to find some of the most popular New Zealand attractions. The Franz Josef Glacier, Fox glacier and several rainforests are located within a short drive of Okarito. Other great activities that you can charter or participate in near Okarito include: helitours of the local glaciers, eco tours of the glaciers and rainforests, and cruises.