Three Mile Lagoon
Three Mile Lagoon
Okarito
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Information
The Three Mile Lagoon walk is at Okarito, about 25 minutes north of Franz Josef township. The lagoon is a feeding ground for the White Heron (kotuku) - this area is the only breeding ground for the birds in NZ.
There are two tracks for the Three Mile Lagoon walk. A high tide track: a good climb and affording an impressive view from atop the bluffs. A low tide track: slightly shorter, but can only be passed 2 hours either side of low tide.
Enjoy the wild charm of the West Coast!
Details
Moderate walk
2 to 4 hours
DOC Managed
Great walk/Easy tramping track
Reviews
Flatlanders
Ranking: 10/10
A gem off the beaten path with hardly any tourists. There are 4 walks from the carpark (and icecream): The (20min) Wetland Walk, The (30min) Rig Walk and the loopwalk: The Three Mile Lagoon (3hr...or 4 when you bring your camera). Make sure you take the Packtrack first and the coastal track back (beach) at low tide. There's a tidescedule at the start, but better yet, look it up beforehand. It's a breather after trying one of the touristy glaciers. Please try and experience the real NZ like one these places and not just touristcraps...eh...tracks.
There are kiwi a.o. around, so please drive slow (after dusk)!
Isaliner and Mathieu
Ranking: 10/10
When the weather is sunny, the view from the lagoon to Mount cook is probably the most beautiful on the West Coast.
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Prisuille
Ranking: 8/10
Walk to the Alps, panoramic view.
Anita
Ranking: 8/10
If you want to start this walk over the beach because it is close to low tide, continue walking down the road and turn left at the beach.
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Luis .
Ranking: 6/10
Long, steep (up and down), and overall not worthy track. The lagoon was cool with great views. We could not take the coastal track even at low tide.
Sanne Sprogoe Borgaa
Ranking: 10/10
Just a lucky punch to see 2 white herons from the shore up very close. I will never forget it.
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Jos Schieveen
Ranking: 8/10
Nice view of the glacier, the beach and the sea - lots of birds.
Rachel_Flowers
Ranking: 10/10
A brilliant walk without any tourists at all on it. After the crowd scene at the glaciers, a great beach/bush walk without a soul around was really 100% pure NZ!!
E.M. Prideaux
Ranking: 8/10
Bird watching. In particular a visit to Okarito lagoon & seeing a white heron which is quite rare.
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Amanda Iavarone
Ranking: 9/10
steep climb mtn great views @ top.
Loleit
Ranking: 10/10
One way through native forest, back on the beach.
Vivien Williams
Ranking: 10/10
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk along the beach then back along the pack horse track. Excellent.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
Nick Morrison
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