Kayak Tours in Franz Josef Glacier
Explore Lake Mapourika, part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, on a small group kayak tour led by our passionate local guides. Suitable for beginners, families and nature lovers alike, the lake’s uniquely calm, mirror-like waters offer panoramic mountain views and access into pristine rainforest within a protected bird sanctuary.
As the only kayak operator on the lake, it’s not uncommon to spend much of your time on the water without encountering another group, making this one of the most peaceful kayaking experiences on New Zealand’s West Coast. Choose between our kayak tour options with guided nature walks, or explore rainforest creeks, paddle on morning mirror-lake reflections or head out at sunset. Our diverse range of kayak tour options suit all ages and abilities. Free photos are included with every tour.
Why Go Kayaking on Lake Mapourika?
Formed by the Franz Josef Glacier around 14,000 years ago, Lake Mapourika is the largest kettle lake in South Westland. Its calm, dark water creates beautiful mirror-like reflections of the surrounding rainforest, Southern Alps and glaciers.
Paddle beneath the mountains and into hidden rainforest creeks along the lake’s remote western shoreline where pristine native rainforest forms part of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a peaceful habitat for Rowi, New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, and many other native birds.
Unlike many areas along the West Coast, Lake Mapourika’s ancient rainforest was never logged and remains in its natural state. Paddle beneath towering rimu and kahikatea trees creating an almost prehistoric landscape. White heron or kōtuku are also regularly seen feeding around the lake’s shoreline. Explore this remarkable environment with a knowledgeable local nature guide and learn about the conservation work helping its wildlife thrive.
Kayak off the beaten path
- Over 4000 5-star reviews
- Lake Mapourika’s only guided kayak operator
- Exclusive rainforest creek and walking-track access
- Small groups with qualified local nature guides
- Safety-audited tours with free photos and quality gear
- Calm freshwater without tides or ocean currents
FAQS
What is the best time of year to go kayaking in Franz Josef Glacier?
Kayaking on Lake Mapourika is available throughout the year, with each season offering something different. Summer brings warmer days and evening departures, while autumn and winter are often known for calm conditions, mirror-like reflections, misty mornings and snow-covered mountain views.
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
No. All our guided kayak tours are suitable for first-time kayakers, and no previous experience is required. Your guide will provide a full safety briefing and basic paddling instruction before you set out.
You do not need to know how to swim, as a correctly fitted personal flotation device is worn throughout the experience.
Are your kayak tours suitable for families with children?
Yes! All of our tours are suitable for kids, our stable double kayaks and life jackets are perfect for families. The mornings are the best time of day to kayak with kids. Children over 3 years of age can join any of our tours – the Kayak Classic, Sunset Classic, Kayak & Walk or Private Kayak Tour are all great options. Or if you’re travelling with kids under 3 years old, the best options include our Private Kayak Tours or the Kayak Discovery Tour are the best options. We have lots of options to fit families of all sizes into our boats, whether you’ve got children in the center hatch, on mum & dad’s laps or in the front seat with our fun kayak tour guides. It’s all possible, but as always feel free to get in touch with the team if you have any extra questions.
What are the kayaking conditions like on Lake Mapourika?
Lake Mapourika is a sheltered freshwater lake without tides or ocean swell. Conditions are often calm, making it a beautiful setting for relaxed guided kayaking and mirror-like reflections.
Weather and wind can change throughout the day, so our experienced guides assess conditions before every departure and adapt each tour to keep the experience safe and enjoyable.
How long are your Franz Josef kayak tours?
Tour lengths vary depending on the experience:
- Kayak Discovery: two hours, with approximately one hour on the water
- Kayak Classic: three hours, with approximately 2¼ hours on the water
- Sunset Classic: three hours, with approximately 2¼ hours on the water
- Kayak & Walk: up to four hours, including approximately 2¼ hours of kayaking and a one-hour guided rainforest walk
- Private Kayak Tour: tailored to your group for up to four hours
Tour times include transfers between our Franz Josef base and Lake Mapourika, equipment fitting and safety instructions.
What wildlife might we see while kayaking?
Native birds regularly seen around Lake Mapourika include tūī, bellbirds, fantails, kererū, kingfishers, black swans, scaup, shags and oystercatchers. White heron or kōtuku are also regularly seen feeding along the shoreline, while kea and kākāriki are occasional visitors.
The lake’s western shoreline forms part of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, home to rowi, New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. Kiwi are nocturnal and are not normally seen during our tours, but your guide will share information about the sanctuary and the conservation work protecting them.
Is kayaking on Lake Mapourika safe?
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a safety-audited adventure activity operator. We are audited through AdventureMark. Our experienced guides are trained in kayak safety and are familiar with Lake Mapourika and its changing conditions.
Each tour includes a safety briefing, paddling instruction and correctly fitted equipment. Personal flotation devices and paddling jackets are provided, and tours only depart when conditions are considered safe.
What should I bring on a Franz Josef kayak tour?
Bring a water bottle, comfortable clothing, a hat or sunglasses, and optionally a camera or phone. A light snack if you’re joining a Kayak & Walk tour. We will provide the rest.
How do private kayak tours differ from regular tours?
Private tours give you the flexibility to set your pace, choose your route and duration (up to 4 hours), and enjoy one of our experienced guides all to yourselves. You’ll avoid other groups on the lake and have a bespoke experience. They’re ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a more personal experience. Light snacks and hot drinks are provided on this tour.
Can I take photographs during the tour?
Yes. Free high-quality digital photos taken by your guide are included with every guided kayak tour. You are also welcome to bring your own phone or camera, and dry bags are available to help keep personal items protected.
What happens if it rains?
Our kayak tours operate in both wet and dry weather whenever conditions are safe. Rain often creates atmospheric, misty views and brings the surrounding rainforest to life.
We provide waterproof jackets, over-trousers and spray skirts when required. Tours may be changed or cancelled if wind or weather conditions make kayaking unsafe, in which case we will discuss your available options.
Can I hire a kayak without a guide?
Yes, self-guided kayak hire is available for experienced paddlers. We provide all the gear, including dry bags, PFDs, and maps, so you can explore Lake Mapourika at your own pace.
CANCELLATION
We want you to be confident when you book directly with us! We provide hassle-free full refunds without any penalties. We do ask that any cancellations and changes are made a full 24 hours prior to the trip time. Cancellations made within the 24 hour time frame cannot be refunded (for any reason including medical or other) so please let us know in time if you need to change, or cancel your booking! Private/Group bookings or charters incur a 48 hour cancellation policy.
We reserve the right to cancel tours if minimum numbers are not met or in the event of unsafe conditions, in which case full refunds are issued.
We’re here to help, so feel free to drop us an email if you have any questions.
