Scenic Cruises
Glide along the idyllic Lake Mapourika as our local expert skipper Dale talks you through our magical West Coast cruises in NZ. Explore the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary – home to NZ’s rarest kiwi bird the Rowi.
Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruises
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Mapourika is a scenic gem on the West Coast, situated just north from Franz Josef Glacier at the iconic Jetty Bay. Lake Mapourika’s Jetty is a popular spot for photographers, although you need get onto the water to see the Lake in it’s full beauty! Our scenic cruises and guided walks are popular with visitors of all ages. Set amongst a breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps & many Glaciers (including the Franz Josef Glacier), you can even see as far as Mt Cook from the water. The lake’s rainforest fringed shoreline is home to many native NZ bush birds and we’re often visited by the rare White Heron as they come to enjoy the lake’s abundant fish and eels.
Select from our range of glacier lake cruises – complete with a leisurely stroll and even a glass of wine on an evening cruise if that takes your fancy. 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 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 scenic 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 is a landscape photographer’s dream!
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Evening cruises, with a glass of wine (BYO) in the summer time are a wonderful way to end the day.
WINTER SALE PRICES:
NZ $85 Adult — Normally: $115!
NZ $50 Child (17 and under) — Normally: $65!
DURATION
Allow 2 hours
ON SALE: $85
Cruise & Walk
Journey across the lake and enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the Rowi Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into a journey through another world!
Our rainforest track was carved by your skipper Dale & his team with care and effort to keep the area as untouched as possible, so you can experience the old growth rainforest in its pristine state! This is some of Westland’s oldest Jurassic-like rainforest abundant with curious native birdlife – including white herons and native bush birds. A premium scenic cruise of the West Coast, suitable for all ages.
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Sturdy footwear is recommended and walking poles are available for the walk.
PRICE
ON SALE: $95 Adult — Normally: $145!
ON SALE: $60 Child (17 years and under) — Normally: $75!
DURATION
Allow 2.5 hours
ON SALE: $95
Private Charter
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Forward bookings are essential. Please send us an enquiry to book this tour.
WHAT TO BRING:
Camera
Sunglasses or a cap
Any food or drink (optional BYO wine or beer for evening cruises)
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.