The Ōkārito Plant Project was founded by the Ōkārito Native Plants Trust as an innovative solution, empowering communities and businesses to be involved in the restoration and protection of natural ecosystems. Working together towards a sustainable future, fostering biodiversity and regenerating vital forests, waterways, and wetlands.
Ōkārito
Plant Project
More than just a Plant Nursery
Innovative Sustainability & Eco Tourism
The Okarito Native Plants Trust is the guardian of two key projects; the Okarito Nursery and the Okarito Plant Project. These establishments work together and independently towards a greener future.
The Okarito Plant Nursery establishes eco-sourced native seedlings and not only sells these to the local community and wider New Zealand but also provides inventory for the various Okarito Plant Projects (OPP). The Plant Project is a unique framework where businesses have the opportunity to become official partners contributing both monetarily and 'getting out there in the field' all while reaping many partner benefits. Both projects also receive generous donations. The result is a multi-dimensional circular economy conservation initiative that is so much more than simply a nursery or donation-based concept. It's about diversifying ways in which individuals, organisations and businesses globally can get involved - donating, buying a plant or partnering with the project.
On-the-ground conservation efforts and planting projects are currently exclusive to New Zealand's South Westland region which is very unique in terms of its biodiversity. Its relative isolation from continental landmasses has resulted in a high level of endemic biodiversity with an estimated 80,000 species of native plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Ōkārito is a prime example of the area's rich biodiversity. This wetland area is one of the last bastions of wetland biodiversity in the country, making it an important natural wonder.
Our nursery is located in the village of Okarito, adjacent to the Okarito Lagoon and plants can be purchased online and shipped New Zealand-wide.
The Ōkarito Native Plants Trust is a non-profit conservation organisation dedicated to environmental preservation and restoration, with a specific focus on South Westland on the West Coast of New Zealand. Our mission is to contribute to a sustainable New Zealand by implementing innovative approaches that encourage individuals, organisations, and businesses to get involved with an emphasis on eco-tourism and conscious travel.
The Ōkārito Native Plants Trust is the guardian of two key projects; the Ōkārito Nursery and the Ōkārito Plant Project. These establishments work together and independently towards a greener future.
The Ōkārito Plant Nursery establishes eco-sourced native seedlings and not only sells these to the local community and wider New Zealand but also provides inventory for the Ōkārito Plant Project. The Ōkārito Plant Project (OPP) is a unique framework where businesses and landowners have the opportunity to become official members reaping many benefits in doing so. The OPP becomes the bridge that connects these two entities resulting in successful collaborations. Generous donations are received for both projects and/or the trust as a whole. The entire model is about diversifying ways in which organisations, businesses of all types globally, landowners, tourists and the local community can get involved - donating, buying a plant, volunteering and/or becoming a member.
On-the-ground conservation efforts and planting projects are currently exclusive to New Zealand's South Westland region which is very unique in terms of its biodiversity. Its relative isolation from continental landmasses has resulted in a high level of endemic biodiversity with an estimated 80,000 species of native plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Ōkārito is a prime example of the area's rich biodiversity. This wetland area is one of the last bastions of wetland biodiversity in the country, making it an important natural wonder.
Our nursery is located in the village of Ōkārito, adjacent to the Ōkārito Lagoon and plants can be purchased online and shipped Aotearoa-wide.
The Ōkārito Native Plants Trust welcomes the support of absolutely any individual or entity. There are several ways to participate: you can purchase eco-sourced native plants directly from our nursery or become a member of the Ōkārito Plant Project as a business or landowner. Donations are another way to contribute, with options to support the Ōkārito Plant Project, Ōkārito Nursery, or the Ōkārito Native Plants Trust as a whole. Landowners can partner with the Ōkārito Plant Project to enhance biodiversity on their properties, while volunteers are always needed for planting days. Lastly, locals and visitors to the region, supporting local businesses in South Westland that are members of the Ōkārito Plant Project helps to further their efforts. Each contribution brings us one step closer to a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
The Okarito Native Plants Trust is the guardian of two key projects; the Okarito Nursery and the Okarito Plant Project. These establishments work together and independently towards a greener future.
The Okarito Plant Nursery establishes eco-sourced native seedlings and not only sells these to the local community and wider New Zealand but also provides inventory for the various Okarito Plant Projects (OPP). The Plant Project is a unique framework where businesses have the opportunity to become official partners contributing both monetarily and 'getting out there in the field' all while reaping many partner benefits. Both projects also receive generous donations. The result is a multi-dimensional circular economy conservation initiative that is so much more than simply a nursery or donation-based concept. It's about diversifying ways in which individuals, organisations and businesses globally can get involved - donating, buying a plant or partnering with the project.
On-the-ground conservation efforts and planting projects are currently exclusive to New Zealand's South Westland region which is very unique in terms of its biodiversity. Its relative isolation from continental landmasses has resulted in a high level of endemic biodiversity with an estimated 80,000 species of native plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Ōkārito is a prime example of the area's rich biodiversity. This wetland area is one of the last bastions of wetland biodiversity in the country, making it an important natural wonder.
Our nursery is located in the village of Okarito, adjacent to the Okarito Lagoon and plants can be purchased online and shipped New Zealand-wide.
Get Involved
Latest Planting Projects
Circular Model
Become a Leader in Regenerative Eco-Tourism
By becoming an official member of the Ōkārito Plant Project you play an active role in working towards a better future. Memberships are open to businesses and landowners with the plant project acting as the bridge - connecting, facilitating and providing resources and a framework for the successful collaboration between the two. There are an array of benefits available for all parties who choose to get involved. Businesses that sit outside of the tourism realm are also welcome.
We believe in reinventing the traditional conservation model and fostering a fresh approach that allows everyone to make a meaningful impact in preserving our natural heritage. Together, we can work towards creating a sustainable environment that benefits both current and future generations. Join us in our mission to protect and restore the unique biodiversity of South Westland, New Zealand.
2000+ TREES PLANTED
1 WATERWAY
RESTORED
2 WALKWAYS
REFORESTED
500+ VOLUNTEER HOURS
