Season Kick-Off: Growing Together in Ōkārito – April 28, 2025
- Glacier Valley Eco Tours
- May 7
- 2 min read
On a crisp April morning, the 2025 planting season officially kicked off in Ōkārito, where 20 enthusiastic participants gathered to dive into the full journey of the Ōkārito Plant Project—from seed to tree.
We began our day in the warm and welcoming Donovan’s Store, Ōkārito’s beloved heritage building, with a shared morning tea and introductions. From there, we crossed the road to the Native Plants Nursery, where the incredibly knowledgeable Sam Speight ran a seed propagation workshop. Participants learned how to sow native species like Carex virgata, mānuka, and wineberry, and had the chance to get hands-on with the process.
Next, we headed to the OPP restoration walkway near the Ōkārito Wharf. There, we revisited a planting site from last winter, where Franz Josef School students had made their mark. Over the months, the area had become overgrown, so our team carefully located the young plants and “released” them by clearing back the grass and weeds. Old cardboard Emguards were repurposed as weed mats—breathing new life into previously used materials.
After returning to the nursery, it was time to transplant: pricking out seedlings into root trainers, potting up larger trees like kōwhai into PB2s, and moving up shade house seedlings into bigger bags to harden off. This step gave participants a full-circle view of how every plant moves through the nursery and into the field—connecting them to the heart of the restoration journey.
Following lunch, we had a chance to reflect on what the Okarito Plant Project means to each of us. No matter where we’re from or where we’re headed, the act of planting, nurturing, and giving back ties us together.
To wrap up the day, each participant chose a tree to plant in the restoration area, placing it carefully in the ground with a guard and stake. At the suggestion of Zak Shaw from Development West Coast, many took the time to write a short message or their name on the guard—adding a personal story to each planting.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to:
Franz Josef Glacier Guides – our gold star corporate sponsors, always turning up with energy and support
Okarito Boat EcoTours (Paula & Swade) and Glacier Valley Eco Tours (Tash & Cliff) – the originators of the OPP
Carey Lister, Rohan and the team from Scenic Circle Hotel Group, including the Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Zak Shaw from Development West Coast for his ongoing mentorship
And of course, Sam Speight, for generously sharing his passion and deep knowledge of native plants
This was more than just a planting day—it was a gathering of people, purpose, and care for the land and each other.
We’re excited to keep growing together.
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