Franz Josef
Wilderness Tours

KAYAK TOURS & BOAT TOURS
LAKE MAPOURIKA

Experiencing a magical mirror lake a must-do while visiting the West Coast.  Our kayak tour adventures have been one of Franz Josef Glacier’s top rated activities for many years.  Book a morning tour for perfectly serene rainforest and mirror lake reflections boasting panoramic views of many Glaciers and the West Coast of New Zealand’s tallest peaks.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (formerly Glacier Country Kayaks) also offer scenic boat tours and salmon or brown trout Fishing Charters.  Boat tour and kayak tour options also include guided rainforest walks through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.  This stunning part of Franz Josef lies within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, we take ownership and care for the natural environment in which we operate.

View Our Kayak Tours

OFF ROAD ADVENTURE
QUAD BIKES & BUGGY TOURS

Our safe and passionate quad bike tour guides will show you the glacier region from new perspectives, as you ride through glacial riverbeds and splash through puddles in our Jurassic rainforest trails.  On a sunny day we experience panoramic glacier views – but when it rains is when the fun begins…

As we like to say “the wetter the better” our adventure quad bike and buggy tours are Franz Josef Glacier’s ultimate rain day activity! 

View Off-Road Adventure Tour

On all our tours from Lake Mapourika to the Waiho riverbed’s quad bike tracks; we promise to deliver an engaging tour experience you won’t forget! We’ll snap high quality pictures of you along the way so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.  These are sent out FREE to all our guests after each trip. 

As previous guests have raved: “It truly is one of the best things to do in Franz Josef!”

It’s no wonder this region is classed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site! Let’s explore our slice of paradise together…

One of the best Things to Do
in Franz Josef Glacier…

​Did you know we’ve been rated the #1 Franz Josef Tour on TripAdvisor for the last 7 years? There’s a tour for everyone whether you’re into a kayak tour or a relaxing scenic cruise in our comfortable, fully covered tour boat or an exhilarating off-road adventure tour!

View the wildlife up close on any Lake Mapourika trip, including the majestic White Heron (Kotuku) which visit the lake year round.  On a clear day, enjoy views as far as Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman from the Lake.

Our off-road adventure tours take you on a wild journey around the Waiho riverbed which flows from the Franz Josef Glacier, as well as the rainforest and grasslands alongside it!  The diversity of terrain and our experienced guides provide fun for all levels of riding experience. 

Ride solo on a single quad bike or bring a mate on one of our unique 2-seater Can-am vehicles.  Our three seater adventure buggy’s are comfortable and easy to drive – great for families and those looking for the most comfort!