Lake Mapourika kayak tour near Franz Josef Glacier
Paddle across a glacial lake instead of viewing it from the road.
A small-group kayak tour on Lake Mapourika near Franz Josef Glacier, where you paddle across the lake's glassy water for three hours with a local guide, taking in views of the Southern Alps and exploring a rainforest conservation area on the far shoreline. The lake was carved by Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated 14,000 years ago. Private transportation to and from the lake is included, as are all paddling equipment, dry bags, splash jackets, and winter gear.
3h
Step-by-step itinerary
Kayak adventure on Lake Mapourika
- Meet local guide at Franz Josef
- Paddle across Lake Mapourika
- Enjoy views of glaciers and Southern Alps
- Explore rainforest and conservation area
The Experience
Lake Mapourika sits between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, created when Franz Josef Glacier retreated thousands of years ago. You paddle across its mirror-like water with a knowledgeable local guide, taking in panoramic views of the glaciers and surrounding peaks as you move through the lake. The three-hour paddle is designed to fit into a day spent exploring Glacier Country, and the glassy conditions make it one of the scenic gems of the West Coast.
The far shoreline opens onto a kiwi sanctuary set inside some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland. You explore this conservation area from the water, paddling into the landscape rather than walking past it. All equipment is provided—kayak, paddle, dry bags, splash jackets, and gloves and hats if you're paddling in winter—so you arrive ready to go.
Private transportation picks you up on request and brings you to the lake, then returns you afterward. The guide is English-speaking and stays with the group throughout. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels; infants sit on an adult's lap in the kayak.
What’s included
- Three-hour guided paddle across Lake Mapourika.
- all paddling equipment including kayak, paddle, dry bags, splash jackets, and winter gloves and hats.
- private transportation to and from the lake with courtesy pickups on request.
- high-quality photos taken during the tour.
Operated by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Is this one for you?You get on the water instead of staying on shore, which is what turns a glacier view into a glacier experience—the guide handles the navigation and timing, so you focus on paddling and the landscape unfolding around you.
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Top questions
How far is Lake Mapourika from Franz Josef Glacier?
Lake Mapourika is only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, making it easy to fit the paddle into a day spent exploring the glacier region.
What equipment do I need to bring for the kayak tour?
All paddling equipment is provided, including the kayak, paddle, dry bags, splash jackets, and winter gear like gloves and hats if you're paddling in the colder months.
Can I bring my young child on this kayak tour?
Children are welcome from age 2, and infants sit on an adult's lap in the kayak. An adult must accompany any child on the tour.
What is the rainforest area on the far shore of Lake Mapourika?
The far shoreline holds a kiwi sanctuary set within some of the oldest untouched rainforest in Westland, which you explore from the water as part of the paddle.
Is transportation to the lake included?
Yes, private transportation to and from Lake Mapourika is included, with courtesy pickups available on request from your accommodation.
Lake Mapourika kayak tour near Franz Josef Glacier
3h · EN
from NZ$ 135 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.91410 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
