Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier
4.9
319 Ratings
Franz Josef / Waiau
Embark on a small-group kayak adventure near Franz Josef Glacier. Discover the stunning Lake Mapourika, surrounded by the Southern Alps and Glaciers, and explore a kiwi sanctuary in the pristine rainforest.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lake Mapourika - 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.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • All equipment provided including dry bags, splash jackets and gloves and hats in the winter
  • Fully Guided Activity
  • Courtesy pick-ups available on request
  • Courtesy Transport to and from the Lake
  • High Quality Photos
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information

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!

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
30 Main Road
Main Road
Please check-in at our office 15 minutes prior to your trip departure time. We are located in the building next to The Landing Restaurant.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(319 Ratings)
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Nomad67255013003
Jun 16, 2024
Breathtaking scenery and knowledgeable and pleasant guide — the perfect combination! - We had a wonderful experience on our guided small group kayak tour on Lake Mapourika. The scenery — snow capped mountains and rainforest — is breathtaking and our guide, Sydney, was incredibly knowledgeable. She shared information about local plants, birds and NZ conservation efforts including Kiwi egg collection and programs to eradicate non native pests that are threatening the Kiwis as well as other species endemic to NZ. Her wealth of information and warm personality greatly enhanced our tour. She also took great pictures which were shared with us the next day. (We were thrilled that we didn’t have to try and capture what we saw on our iPhones.). We highly recommend the kayak tour as a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful views as well as learn about NZ wildlife and plants in the Franz Josef area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Journey13374724474
Jun 1, 2024
Beautiful lake kayaking experience with informative hike and conservation discussion - Enjoyed a few hours of kayaking and hiking on/around Lake Mapourika. Our guide, Sydney, was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got a taste of true rainforest weather with a bit of rain, but the weather cooperated and allowed us to enjoy our tea and hot chocolate after the hike without getting rained on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craig
May 23, 2024
Incredible day kayaking - Incredible tour. We had our helihike cancelled but after we took a short helicopter ride we did this instead. It was better. The guide was from Canada but a real expert in everything New Zealand and the area. We kayaked for 2 hours and every part was perfect. It was only us two and the guide. At the end they sent us beautiful pictures. One of the best tours we ever had
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Meander50502286107
May 13, 2024
An easy, fun, peaceful experience that I would highly recommend. - I was a bit unsettled about doing the kayaking trip as it is not normally something I would do but it turned out a wonderful experience. The entire trip from start to finish was so easy. I learned so much about the lake region from Dale and the team. Being on the lake was peaceful and amazing. Thank you team for a wonderful time. I would highly recommend the kayaking tour to anyone on the fence about doing it. It's worth every minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Experience704156
May 9, 2024
Knowledgeable tour guides and scenic views - Our tour guide, Pickles, was very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and shared stories about the Māori people. It was drizzling most of our trip, but we were bundled up in our rain gear and enjoyed the serene water and scenic views. It was a great way to start off our New Zealand trip!
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Andreae740
May 4, 2024
Amazing - Amazing experience kayaking on a stunning lake and then a brilliant trek. Thank you to Pickles our guide who was so knowledgable about the local area and very helpful and who took some lovely memorable photos
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David
Apr 22, 2024
Paddling in paradise - Just amazing we had a fantastic guide the weather played its part and was beautiful the lake was a sheet of glass. Stunning views back to Frans Joseph glacier and the mountain ranges Seamless planning and organised by the tour co just a few minutes ride from the village our 16 and 12 year old loved it and we spend a lot of time on our own lake so this said it all. Great fun family morning out we paddled across the lake and up a stunning creek where we were guided by a Fantail and lots of birdsong very tranquil (apart from the kids having a spat at each other 🤣) Recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pattij515
Apr 8, 2024
Great guide and beautiful, quiet area. - This was one of my favorite activities in Franz Josef. Our guide, Pickles, was extremely relaxed and competent. He was filled with enthusiasm and appreciation for nature. The kayaks and gear were excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed the lake, its lore and the birds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S7505jirobynr
Apr 7, 2024
Great family kayaking adventure - This was the last sunset tour for the season and as our first guided activity in New Zealand we weren’t sure what to expect. This was an easy kayak and suitable for novices. We were all in double kayaks and the afternoon we went the lake was very calm and flat. In total about 7 km. Great commentary, experienced guides. Rug up, it was a bit chilly and make sure you have repellant for the sandflies.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G4704ojsheilac
Apr 6, 2024
Beautiful tour; exceptional guide! - Outstanding views, knowledgeable tour guide, and charming company! Our guide, "Pickles," did his best to inform, inspire, and delight us the entire time. He sure helped mend our disappointment when inclement weather prevented our Heli-hike to the glacier. Highly recommend this company!
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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