News
The White Heron (Kotuku)
The White Heron or Kotuku is well-loved by the New Zealand people, but it is rarely seen as it has a very small population of between 150-200 birds. The Kotuku are abundant in other places such as Asia and Australia and are commonly known as the Eastern Great Egrets....
Sunset Tours on Lake Mapourika, West Coast
Our Sunset Tours are now underway. They depart at 3:30 pm daily and at the end of the month they will begin departing at 5 pm. Our Sunset tours are the perfect option for photographers and those looking for the perfect gram. Paddling in the golden hour is a beautiful...
Winter Highlights on Lake Mapourika – Franz Josef Tours
With winter coming to an end, we are enjoying this warmer weather and getting excited for summer! Although we will miss the stunning winter paddling conditions. Take a look at some of the below shots that have been captured on our kayaking tours this winter. Here are...
The Fantail / Piwakawaka
If you've ever been a walk through New Zealand's native rainforest you have surely spotted a Fantail! Fantails are commonly spotted as they follow you along a trail. Although it may seem purely friendly - you're actually stirring up their food! Fantails follow...
Winter is here! – Franz Josef Tours
The evenings are beginning to cool down and the mornings are freshening up leading to some amazing photos coming back from the lake. Mirror Reflections Because of the black water in Lake Mapourika it is renowned for its mirror reflections. The black water...
Misty morning beauty! – Franz Josef Tours
Things are beginning to cool down around the place which is leading to some stunning misty mornings on Lake Mapourika. The calm mornings are leading to some amazing reflections caused by the Black water of the lake. Lake Mapourika has really been living up to its name...
Kicking off 2018 in style
This Summer has been a polar opposite to last season with plenty of sunshine and hot temperatures! We have been flat out on the Lake this season with plenty of spectacular Scenic Cruises and also fishing charters, leading to some nice fish being caught. The...
Trout Fishing – Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef Glacier
What a view we've got from the back deck of the Hanna-K! Although the salmon season has now come to an end, the Trout season remains open on Lake Mapourika all year! Here's a few snaps of our recent Brown Trout catches: The trout in Lake Mapourika range in size of an...
Easter Long Weekend – Franz Josef Tours
Happy Easter from all of us at Franz Josef Tours! The weather, although changeable, was great for paddling over the Long Weekend! Just a quick post to share some of the fabulous images taken by our guides over the last week... Enjoy! We're still filling up trips! ...