Three Mile Lagoon Track Ōkārito
A scenic loop track near Okarito, featuring a coastal walk and a forest trek with beautiful lagoon and ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Coastal route accessibility
Three Mile Lagoon Track Ōkārito
Best Time
Coastal route accessibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic loop track near Okarito, featuring a coastal walk and a forest trek with beautiful lagoon and ocean views.
"The water is amazing here and view of ocean is mind blowing."
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Coastal route is only safe/possible at low tide. Check info panels in Okarito.
Allow Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
Factor in an hour to reach the bridge, then 2 hours for the forest return.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Three Mile Lagoon Views
Three Mile Lagoon
Stunning water and ocean vistas that are a rewarding sight after your hike.
Okarito Coastal Walk
Okarito Beach to the Lagoon Bridge
A beautiful, scenic walk along the coast, navigating rocks and beach.
Forest Pack Track
Lagoon Bridge to Okarito
A moderate, two-hour hike through lush forest, offering a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Coastal Route
Pack Track vs. Coastal Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Coastal route is only safe/possible at low tide. Check info panels in Okarito.
Allow Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
Factor in an hour to reach the bridge, then 2 hours for the forest return.
Footwear Matters :athletic_shoe:
Good walking shoes are essential for the rocky coastal path and forest track.
Consider the Pack Track :evergreen_tree:
If tides are tricky, the forest Pack Track offers a reliable, scenic alternative.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Coastal route is only safe/possible at low tide. Check info panels in Okarito.
Allow Plenty of Time :stopwatch:
Factor in an hour to reach the bridge, then 2 hours for the forest return.
Footwear Matters :athletic_shoe:
Good walking shoes are essential for the rocky coastal path and forest track.
Consider the Pack Track :evergreen_tree:
If tides are tricky, the forest Pack Track offers a reliable, scenic alternative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for the Three Mile Lagoon Track are mixed, with many praising the beautiful water and ocean views, especially along the coastal route. However, some visitors found the walk not worth the effort, highlighting the importance of timing the coastal section with low tide for the best experience.
"Three Mile Lagoon is a cool track. We started from Okarito beach 1hr before low tide via the Coastal route, beautiful walk between rocks along the coast, you need approx a good hour to reach the bridge that takes you to the Pack Track. A 2 hour moderate walk through the forest brings you back to Okarito (low tide times can be found on the info panel in Okarito, the coastal route can only be made around low tide!)"
Philip Nauta
"The best destination you will find after hiking okarito trig walk.
The water is amazing here and view of ocean is mind blowing."
Shashank Dholakia
"Not worth the walk"
הלל זלמנוביץ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can start the Three Mile Lagoon Track from Okarito beach. The coastal route is a beautiful walk between rocks along the coast, taking about an hour to reach the bridge. Alternatively, the Pack Track is a moderate two-hour forest walk back to Okarito.
Parking is available in Okarito, which serves as the starting point for both the coastal and Pack Track routes of the Three Mile Lagoon Track.
Public transport options to Okarito are limited. It's best to drive or arrange private transport to reach the trailhead for the Three Mile Lagoon Track.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Three Mile Lagoon Track is generally free to access. There are no ticket requirements for this natural attraction.
The Three Mile Lagoon Track is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access to the coastal route is dependent on tide times.
There is no entrance fee for Three Mile Lagoon or the associated walking tracks. Enjoy the natural beauty for free.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk to the lagoon bridge via the coastal route takes about an hour. The return journey via the Pack Track through the forest is approximately two hours, making the full loop around three hours.
The track is considered moderate. The coastal route involves walking on rocks and sand, while the Pack Track is a forest walk with some inclines.
Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots suitable for uneven terrain. Bring layers of clothing as the weather can change, and consider rain gear.
Facilities are minimal. Restrooms are typically available in Okarito village. It's advisable to carry your own water and snacks.
The track can be challenging for very young children, especially the coastal route. Older children who are comfortable with moderate walks may enjoy it. Parental supervision is essential.
📸 📸 Photography
The lagoon itself offers beautiful water reflections and serene views. The coastal route provides dramatic ocean shots with rock formations, and the forest Pack Track has lovely arboreal scenes.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be stunning for photography, offering softer light and potential for golden hour shots. However, tide times are the primary consideration for the coastal route.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tides: A Crucial Element
Conversely, the Pack Track offers a more predictable experience. This forest walk provides a shaded and often cooler alternative, especially on warmer days. It's a moderate two-hour hike that circles back to Okarito, making it a reliable option regardless of the tide. Many visitors opt for a loop, experiencing both the coastal beauty and the forest tranquility, but always prioritizing the tide schedule for the beach portion.
The Dual Experience: Coastal Charm and Forest Serenity
Upon reaching the lagoon bridge, the path transitions to the Pack Track. This section winds through native forest, offering a different kind of beauty. The sounds of the forest, the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the moderate inclines make for a refreshing contrast to the open coast. This two-hour forest trek is a perfect way to complete the circuit, bringing you back to Okarito with a well-rounded appreciation for the diverse environments of the area.
Social
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