The Ōkari River is a small waterway on New Zealand's West Coast, located roughly 15 minutes south of Westport. It flows through native bush before reaching an estuary and lagoon near the coast. The river winds through a remnant patch of coastal northern rata and podocarp forest, and the surrounding area supports a notable range of birdlife including roroa (great spotted kiwi), shags, herons, tui, bellbirds, fernbirds, and native bats.

From a paddling standpoint, the river is generally considered too small and shallow for conventional boating. A recreational river survey conducted by NIWA explicitly describes it as not navigable in normal conditions. However, the tidal estuary section offers more potential: at least one local accommodation operator offers the possibility of borrowing a kayak and exploring the river at low tide to observe forest birds and fishing birds along the banks. Any paddling is therefore most practically considered in the lower, tidal reaches rather than upstream.

Fishing regulations apply to the river, with the section upstream of State Highway 6 open from 1 October to 30 April, and the section downstream of State Highway 6 open all year. Paddlers should be aware of these seasonal fishing activities when planning a visit.

The Kawatiri Coastal Trail crosses the river via a suspension bridge, and the trail corridor runs adjacent to the river through native forest. Trail users and paddlers may encounter one another in this section. Dogs are prohibited in the Okari section of the trail to protect the local kiwi population, a restriction worth noting for those camping or travelling with animals in the area.