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.
Lake Mapourika Boat Tours
Lake Mapourika is a scenic gem on the West Coast, situated just north from Franz Josef Glacier at the iconic Jetty Bay photo stop. Our boat tours and guided nature walks are set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps & many Glaciers (including the Franz Josef Glacier). The lake’s rainforest fringed shoreline is home to many native birds and we’re often visited by the rare White Heron as they come to enjoy the lake’s abundant fish and eels. Join the team in our “office” – the best one in the world!
Scenic Cruise
Discover the true beauty of the West Coast in a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. The Jurassic rainforest fringed bays which reflect the surrounding Alps and Glaciers will leave you in awe of its beauty.
Dale, our knowledgeable skipper (owner & operator) has been passionately guiding in the region for the last 15 years, from glacier guiding on the Franz Josef Glacier to guiding eco tours on the West Coast’s Lake Mapourika! He’ll take you on a journey, through the Rowi Kiwi Sanctuary & much more. Enjoy a great cup of tea or coffee while you watch curious native birdlife in the surrounding rainforest shoreline. You might even get lucky and spot one of the region’s legendary locals – the White Heron.
Lake Mapourika’s scenic cruises are a landscape photographer’s dream!
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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.
SALE PRICES:
NZ $95 Adult — Normally: $115!
NZ $50 Child (17 and under) — Normally: $65!
DURATION
Allow 2 hours
ON SALE: $95
Cruise & Nature Walk
Journey across Lake Mapourika and enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest that feels like another world!
The track we follow on our nature walk was carved by your skipper Dale & his team with care, taking effort to keep the area as untouched as possible. On this eco-tour you will experience the old growth rainforest in its pristine state! This is some of Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest full of abundant birdlife – including white herons and native bush birds.
The Cruise & Nature Walk is a premium West Coast experience, suitable for all ages.
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Sturdy footwear is recommended and walking poles are available for the walk.
SALE PRICES
ON SALE: $115 Adult — Normally: $145!
ON SALE: $60 Child (17 years and under) — Normally: $75!
DURATION
Allow 2.5 hours
ON SALE: $115
Book a Private Charter
Customise a 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.
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 TOURS
REVIEWS
We took the morning tour and it was fantastic. The waters were calm and the morning clouds were lifting. Laura and Reiss were our guides. They were informative, personable and informed. They talked about current conservation objectives and provided a safe and fun environment. My partner and I are seniors and had no problem keeping up. There were adequate rest periods and beautiful views.
Simi, New York, USA
This was a great way to spend a few hours in an idyllic setting. Our guide Johnny was excellent – so friendly and full of knowledge about our surroundings. Highly recommended, thanks!
Gary, Liverpool UK
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.