Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier
Description
A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers. Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. The glassy water and unbeatable views make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast. Explore a kiwi sanctuary set amidst some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland! This tour lasts up to three hours and is designed to complete your Glacier Country Experience!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Paddle across the stunning waters of Lake Mapourika with your knowledgeable local guide. Take in views of the glaciers and Southern Alps as you paddle across and explore the rainforest and conservation area on the far shoreline of lake.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(409)
Max was the 🐐! Super fun and welcoming. Had a blast out on the lake, highly recommend fitting this in to your visit to Franz Josef!
Hi Maya, Thank you for your kind review and recommendation! It's awesome to hear that you had a blast with Max on the lake. Happy travels, Briar
Guide Ollie was amazing. The scenery spectacular and information was great. A wonderful experience I would highly recommend. Do the walk with the kayak experience
Hi Debby, Thank you for the review! Great to hear Ollie looked after you out there! The Kayak and Walk is certainly the full experience out on Lake Mapourika. Thanks again for joining us, Dee
Great experience even though it was raining - guide Farrah was excellent- very knowledgeable and fun.
Hi there, Thank you for the lovely review, it is awesome to hear you had a great time out on the lake with Farrah and that you embraced the rain! Have a great rest of your holiday! James
The guides were super-kind and the shop is well-run.
Thank you for the kind review, Safe travels, Dee
Well organised and informative guides about the wildlife and nature of the area, blue mushrooms were spotted which was a highlight, excellent equipment, a great tour and i highly recommend it.
Thank you for the 5 Star review and the recommendation. The bright blue mushrooms are amazing and so glad you spotted some. ~ Happy Adventures, Chastanna
I had an amazing time on the morning kayak tour in Franz Josef. The lake was calm and beautiful, and paddling through such a stunning landscape was a real highlight of my trip. A huge thank‑you to our guide, Farrar, who made the experience even better. Her knowledge of the lake, the local wildlife, and the surrounding nature was incredible. She shared so many interesting insights along the way, and you could tell how passionate she is about the area. It added so much depth to the tour and made the whole morning feel special. The pace was relaxed, the atmosphere was peaceful, and I came away feeling both energised and grounded. I’d highly recommend this tour — especially with Farrar as your guide.
Hi there, Thank you for such a lovely review, it's so awesome to hear how good of a time you had out on the lake with Farrah! She will be so stoked to hear your kind words and we're so glad you got to experience our beautiful landscape. Thanks again for the 5 stars and enjoy the rest of your travels! - James
Really nice tour. The staff were very knowledgeable and the lake was stunning. They take photos for you so you don’t need to bring your phone or anything. The only thing I would say is to be aware you have to share a kayak, so bear this in mind if you’re travelling solo. Being on the lake is a unique way to enjoy the views and wildlife around Franz Josef and I leant a lot about the geography and nature in the area.
Hello, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the tour and found the lake and surroundings so stunning. We’re also glad you had a unique experience on the lake and learned more about the local geography and wildlife from our guides. In terms of single verses double kayaks, we do mostly use our stable double kayaks for safety. But we do also allow clients in single kayaks when the conditions are available. If you're keen on a single kayak we recommend letting us know at the time of booking, and then we can let the guide know to be prepared for this, still not a guarantee if the weather and/or trip numbers are not permissible. But we do our best for any one that's keen. Safe travels, Briar
Ollie was an amazing guide! He made our trip fun and interesting as he knew so much about the local birds and plants. He also gave us great tips for the rest of our trip to New Zealand. The water was calm and the sun was out…. Couldn’t have asked for a better outing! Thanks Ollie!
Ollie is defiantly the best guide to ask about what to do in New Zealand. His passion with Franz Josef, local wildlife and NZ overall really comes out in his tours. So glad you had a great time and hope you enjoyed the rest of you NZ adventures! ~ Happy Adventures, Chastanna
Highly enjoyable kayak tour on Lake Mapoutika with our professional and informative guides, Marcel and Farrah. Small group meaning we were on the water quickly and supplied with all equipment to keep us dry, despite the rain coming in on the lake. Good selection of wildlife, including a White Herron, and experience of native, untouched, rainforest with photos taken by Farrah and shared with the group afterwards, avoiding the risks of camera damage in the rain.
We are so lucky to experience Lake Mapourika with our guests and so glad you got to spoke the White Herron!! ~ Happy Adventures, Chastanna
Fantastic experience in Franz Josef! Small tour of 16 people with 2 guides, professional photos taken on the water, wet weather gear provided and good value for money. A great way to experience the native flora and fauna.
Hi Emma, We are so glad to hear you had an awesome time exploring our beautiful rainforest and river! Thank you for the 5 stars and such a great review! Kind regards, James
