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Scenic Cruises

Experience the beauty of Lake Mapourika on our personalised scenic cruises with some of the West Coast’s finest scenery and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.

Scenic Cruises Lake Mapourika

Discover Lake Mapourika the scenic gem of the West Coast, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier our boat tours depart at the iconic Jetty Bay. Our scenic cruises and guided nature walks offer a breathtaking experience against the stunning Southern Alps backdrop of many glaciers including the Franz Josef Glacier Neve.  Lake Mapourika’s rainforest-fringed shoreline is a haven for native birds, and the rare White Heron often graces us with its presence, drawn by the abundance of fish and eels in the lake. Join us for a boat tour in our “office,” where the beauty of the West Coast unfolds around you.

COMBO TOURS

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Scenic Cruise

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Lake Mapourika’s scenic cruises are a landscape photographer’s dream!

Discover the true beauty of the West Coast on a personalised scenic cruise of Lake Mapourika.  Marvel at the Jurassic rainforest-fringed bays reflecting the majestic Alps and Glaciers.

Dale, the owner & operator, has been passionately guiding in the region for the last 15 years, from glacier guiding on the Franz Josef Glacier to boat tours on the West Coast’s Lake Mapourika!  He and his team of dedicated skippers will take you on a journey, a through scenic bays to discover the rich birdlife of Lake Mapourika.  Savour a warm cup of tea or coffee while observing curious native birds in the lush rainforest shoreline.  Keep an eye out for the legendary White Heron that feed on the lake.

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Evening scenic cruises, with a glass of wine (BYO) in the summer time are a wonderful way to end the day.

CURRENT PRICES:

NZ $120 Adult
NZ $75 Child (17 and under) — Under 3 go FREE!

DURATION

Allow 2 hours

ADULTS: $120

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Cruise & Nature Walk

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Embark on a scenic cruise journey across Lake Mapourika, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Stepping off the boat, you’ll find yourself transported into a Jurassic rainforest, like entering another world!

The nature walk follows a track thoughtfully carved by your skipper Dale and his team, ensuring minimal impact on the area. Experience the pristine beauty of old-growth rainforest, untouched and preserved in its natural state. This haven is home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds.

Indulge in the premium West Coast experience of our Scenic Cruise & Nature Walk, suitable for all ages.

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Sturdy footwear is recommended and walking poles are available for the walk.  For any other questions about the guided walk contact our friendly team!

CURRENT PRICES

ADULT: $149
CHILD: $85 (17 years and under)

DURATION

Allow 2.5 hours

ADULTS: $149

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Book a Private Charter

Customise a private boat tour for your group of friends, family or small gathering.  Get in touch with someone from our friendly team and request a quote for your group.

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Forward bookings are essential. Please send us an enquiry to book this tour.

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WHAT TO BRING:

Camera – a must-have on our Scenic Cruises!

Sunglasses or a cap

Any food or drink (optional BYO wine or beer for evening scenic cruises)

Scenic Cruise & Walk: Walking boots / closed toe footwear

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Toilet on board

Hot drinks on board

Sunscreen / insect repellent

Binoculars / commentary

Courtesy transport if required

Cruise & Walk: Walking poles

WATCH OUR BOAT TOURS

BOAT TOUR REVIEWS

Absolutely brillliant! Great fun, well looked after, everyone from the office to the guide was lovely and helpful. We had a hoot!

Perth, Australia

We loved every minute of this well organised kayak on the lake. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Excellent views and reflections of the mountains and the flora in the lakes. We even had a closeup visit to a white heron. Highly recommended!

Simi, New York, USA

I cannot recommend this enough! I’ve now done it twice in 3 years and both times it was spectacular, both in terms of scenery and overall experience. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was taking candid snaps all throughout the trip that we had access to later on. I highly recommend the morning trip, as that’s when the water is like glass and it feels so serene gliding over it. It truly is one of the best experiences in Franz Josef.

Hourikhat, Sydney, Australia

FLEXIBLE & FREE CANCELLATIONS

We want you to be confident when booking with us, with no deposits or charges for cancellations.  We do ask that 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 so please let us know if you need to change, or cancel your booking!  We're here to help, so feel free to drop us an email if you have any questions.

> Please note: Private/Group bookings or charters incur a 48 hour cancellation policy. This is specifically advised at the time of booking. Tours require minimum numbers to operate.

We reserve the right to cancel tours if minimum numbers are not met or in the event of unsafe conditions.