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.
Image 1 of 11: Skipper Swade Finch (left), who runs Okarito Boat Tours, is used to eager photographers. Photo / Stewart Nimmo
