Lake Mapourika Kayak Tour: Scenic Glacier Views

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
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
  • Fully Guided Activity
  • Courtesy pick-ups available on request
  • Courtesy Transport to and from the Lake
  • High Quality Photos
  • All equipment provided including dry bags, splash jackets and gloves and hats in the winter
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
(407 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Mairi33
Apr 11, 2026
Highly recommend - Great experience even though it was raining - guide Farrah was excellent- very knowledgeable and fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kitteridgem
Apr 11, 2026
A nice day out - The guides were super-kind and the shop is well-run.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mrsbb2000
Apr 3, 2026
Loved the blue mushrooms - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anikash7371iw
Mar 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A fantastic morning on the water - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellinggal168
Mar 22, 2026
Awesome Afternoon on the Water - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alasdairsteele
Mar 17, 2026
Highly enjoyable kayak tour and experience of the native wildlife and fauna - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emma_m
Mar 10, 2026
Fantastic experience in Franz Josef! - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Ronvogel
Mar 7, 2026
Perfect - Could NOT have been better. Excellent experience. Excellent guide (asked us to call him Pickles). Beautiful scenery. Great weather. Fantastic location. Great free pictures provided (102 shots). Just the right amount of strenuous activity (thanks to Pickles tied up to us helping us get across against the wind). Thankfully ran tour with just the two of us
Review provided by Viator
Anne
Mar 6, 2026
Pleasant kayaking experience - A cozy morning on a mirror-blank lake, but plenty of good information from our guide Olly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Freedom40631149469
Mar 27, 2026
Great experience - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $88
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).