Lake Mapourika Kayak Tour: Scenic Glacier Views

370 Ratings

Franz Josef / Waiau

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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: 24 hours

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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….

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

(370 Ratings)

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Sarahfabienneh2025

May 7, 2025

Great experience - It was great! We were really lucky with the weather. To hear about the rainforest was also really interesting. I would love to do it again.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jenju270ox

Apr 29, 2025

High quality tour - a definite highlight from my time in New Zealand - My tour companions and I had a great morning and I would highly recommend Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. The kayaking tour was fun with good equipment provided - tandem kayaks with rudder, lifejacket, spray jacket and skirt. The hike was really enjoyable and Dale provided great commentary and demonstrated a real passion for the area and its wildlife. One of my favourite parts of this tour was that Dale took photos for us both on the water and during the hike which meant we had high quality images to share afterwards. Plus this was included in the overall price and delivered less than 24 hours after our tour - a real bonus.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Maryjo_m

Apr 28, 2025

Kayak - Great experience. We had a slight drizzle initially but then that cleared. The kayaks were great and the visit to the forest was wonderful. Great guide.

Review provided by Viator

Terenceo490

Apr 25, 2025

Kayak and Hike is a treat! - Franz Josef Wilderness Tours was pure magic—kayaking through mirror-still waters then walking deep into lush rainforest felt like stepping into another world. Kurt was a top-tier guide, packed with knowledge and good vibes the whole way. Super well run, super scenic, and seriously worth it.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

T0vay

Apr 1, 2025

Worthwhile adventure - Was a very fun afternoon activity The kayaking was a little difficult if you are not an experienced kayaker but the guides. Ollie and Kurt were extremely helpful I actually shared a kayak with one of the guides, Ollie, who was very informative and funny We saw a lot of birds and foliage and were told about it all The scenery, like everything in New Zealand , was stunning Was a great activity!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Luciet497

Mar 30, 2025

A different way to experience the beauty of New Zealand - The views were spectacular! The tour was well designed and well paced. Our two guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and took lots of photos for our group. It was an amazing experience!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jamanda999

Mar 20, 2025

Beautiful kayak trip - Fabulous kayak paddle. Totally atmospheric and misty on the way out and sunny and gorgeous on the way back. Appreciated the cup of tea on the island and the great guide.

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Matthewkj786al

Mar 17, 2025

A three hour tour! - Had a great trip on the lake, views were spectacular. Our guide was awesome so knowledgeable and great to chat with as we paddled around the lake. A fun and unique experience to have in the area, would highly recommend it.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

C574fushelleya

Mar 15, 2025

Gliding over the lake - The guides were at tentative , helpful and funny. Also knowledgeable. The random kayaking was great. I would do it again in a heartbeat

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Mambostonsf

Apr 13, 2025

Weather is in the eye of the beholder. - Just a suggestion for future travelers thinking this is the experience to do. Think about it. I knew it could be rainy in Franz Josef via weather app and contacted tour operator a few days before trip. He noted that rather it could be cloudy w/ some light rain. I decided to risk it as I wanted to go and their website said the trip required “good weather” to operate. As shared in the photos, this was an extremely rainy time that the tour would take place. I went to the operator’s office to say I did not want to go in this weather and was informed that I would not get a refund. Person in front of me also said she could not go due to weather. In their view, weather was okay. That my idea of bad weather was not the same as theirs. Bad weather is wind. Their description never mentioned any such thing. I think this is shameful and shared my view w/ agents. Just think about this tour in this regard as this operator does not explain well. After 8 weeks in Australia and New Zealand, and at least a dozen TA tours, this was my only disappointing experience

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $90

up to 15 guests

1 - Adult