Three Mile Pack Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Three Mile Pack Track isn’t just a walk; it’s a collection of standout moments.

The Ōkārito Trig Side Trip: If your legs are feeling up to it, the optional detour to the Ōkārito Trig is non-negotiable on a clear day. This vantage point offers what many consider to be one of the best views in New Zealand. You’ll see the vast expanse of the Ōkārito Lagoon, the tiny settlement below, and the mighty Southern Alps rising abruptly from the coastal plain. If you’re lucky, the snow-capped peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook will be standing proud against the horizon.

The Three Mile Lagoon Bridge: The bridge marks a beautiful transition point. It’s a fantastic spot to stop for a snack and watch the water move in and out of the lagoon. The contrast between the dark forest edge and the bright coastal light makes it a favourite for landscape photography.

The Coastal Scramble: Returning via the beach provides a raw look at the West Coast’s geology. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, sea-worn rocks, and the sheer vastness of the Tasman Sea. It feels wild, lonely, and incredibly empowering.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is straightforward. From State Highway 6, turn off towards the coast onto Ōkārito Road. Follow this for about 15 kilometres until you reach the charming village of Ōkārito.

Parking: There is a dedicated car park located next to the Ōkārito School House on The Strand. This is also known as the Ōkārito Coastal Walk Car Park. It’s a safe spot to leave your vehicle, and there are public toilets nearby before you head off on your tramp.

Wildlife Spotting

Ōkārito is a world-renowned hotspot for birdlife, and the Three Mile Pack Track takes you right through some of the most important habitats in the region.

• Kōtuku (White Heron): These elegant birds are rare in New Zealand, but the Ōkārito Lagoon is their only breeding ground in the country. Keep an eye out for them near the lagoon edges or in the wetlands.
• Rowi (Ōkārito Brown Kiwi): This is the rarest of all kiwi species. While they are nocturnal and very difficult to spot, the forest you are walking through is their home. Listen for their distinctive calls if you are near the forest edge at dusk.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds will likely follow you for much of the bush walk, flitting around to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Korimako (Bellbird) & Tūī: The chorus in the morning is spectacular. Their melodic, metallic notes ring through the high canopy of the rimu trees.
• Tūturiwhatu (New Zealand Dotterel): If you take the beach return during spring or summer, watch your step on the upper sandy reaches where these threatened shorebirds may be nesting.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The West Coast is beautiful year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the Three Mile Pack Track.

• Spring: This is the best time for bird activity and seeing the kōtuku in their breeding plumage. The forest is vibrant and dripping with new growth.
• Summer: Longer days allow for a more relaxed pace, and the beach return is particularly refreshing with the sea breeze.
• Autumn & Winter: Often, the West Coast experiences its most stable, clear weather in the cooler months. A crisp, blue-bird winter day offers the clearest views of the Southern Alps from the Trig.

• Start Time: Check the tide charts first! If you want to do the beach loop, time your departure so you hit the Three Mile Lagoon about 30 minutes before low tide.
• The "West Coast Greeting": Sandflies are part of the experience here, especially near the lagoon and beach. Bring a good quality repellent and wear long sleeves if you plan on stopping for long.
• Footwear: Even though it’s a moderate track, the combination of mud, roots, and coastal boulders means sturdy hiking boots are much better than sneakers.
• Weather: The weather can change in a heartbeat. Always carry a waterproof jacket, even if the sun is shining when you leave the car park.

Local & Regional Context

Ōkārito holds a special place in New Zealand’s history. For Māori, the area was a significant site for gathering mahinga kai (traditional foods), particularly from the lagoon. The kōtuku is also a highly revered bird in Māori culture, symbolising rarity and beauty.

In the 1860s, Ōkārito was a bustling gold-mining town with a population of thousands. The Three Mile Pack Track itself follows the route of an old gold miner’s trail. As you walk, imagine the miners and their pack horses navigating these same bluffs to reach the gold-bearing sands of the southern beaches.

Today, the focus has shifted from extraction to conservation. The area is a sanctuary, and the local community is deeply involved in protecting the rowi kiwi. Because of these intensive conservation efforts, dogs are strictly prohibited on this track to ensure the safety of our flightless national icon.

After the Walk

After 3.5 hours on the trail, you’ll likely be ready for a sit-down and a brew.

Since Ōkārito is a very small, peaceful settlement, it doesn't have a high street full of cafes. However, there is often a local coffee cart or a small pop-up operating near the wharf during the busier months—perfect for a post-hike flat white.

• Snake Bite Brewery: A great spot for a craft beer and a hearty burger to celebrate your successful loop.
• The Landing: A local favourite with a relaxed atmosphere and great outdoor seating, perfect for swapping stories about the views from the Kohuamarua Bluff.

The Three Mile Pack Track is more than just a hike; it’s an immersion into the soul of the West Coast. It’s kid-friendly enough for an adventurous family day out, yet wild enough to satisfy the most seasoned tramper. Just remember: watch the tides, respect the birds, and soak in every shade of green the forest has to offer.