Okarito Lagoon

A beautiful lagoon, which is protected because it is home to the only 150 heron species endemic to New Zealand. It changes a lot with the tides and river levels, and at high tide consists mainly of sea salt water, and at low tide the river is the main water supply. Canoeing in the lagoon is a great experience, and the birds get out if its overflowing. Also, you can climb any of the channels of the tributaries that flow into it.