CRUISE & NATURE WALK
Cruise Lake Mapourika before a guided walk through the predator free bird sanctuary. Experience untouched rainforest up close.- 2.5 HOURS
- FROM $149
IN THIS SECTION
OVERVIEW
Step aboard for a Scenic Cruise across the mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika, surrounded by the dramatic peaks and untouched rainforest of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey doesn’t end on the water, you’ll also explore our exclusive rainforest trail within the Okarito Kiwi Conservation area!
Stepping off the boat feels like entering another world. Our track through the Okarito kiwi sanctuary has been hand-built by our skipper Dale and the team with conservation in mind. Wind through an untouched Jurassic rainforest of towering 1200 year-old kahikatea and rimu trees, to the sound of native birdsong. This region is recently predator free, inviting the return of endangered species. Your expert skipper and tour guide will share stories of the land, along with first-hand insights into the ongoing kiwi conservation work taking place within this protected sanctuary.
The rainforest is alive with birdsong, keep watch for New Zealand bush birds through the forest canopy, and the possibility of spotting the rare white heron (kōtuku) feeding along the shoreline. This is one of the few places in the country where you can encounter these graceful birds year-round.
Combining the tranquility of a scenic boat journey with an intimate guided walk, this tour offers a peaceful yet immersive way to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of Franz Josef.
Please note: This tour includes a short guided walk on a natural rainforest track. While most guests find it manageable, there are some uneven sections. Our guides provide walking poles and support along the way, feel free to get in touch if you’d like advice on whether it’s right for you. If you’d prefer to stay on the water, our Scenic Cruise is a great alternative.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- 2.5 hours
- TIMING:
- Departures may differ
on some days.
- SUMMER:
- 1 Nov – Mar 31st,
9am / 1pm / 5pm.
- REST OF YEAR:
- 9am (or 10am) / 1pm
PRICES
- Adult
- $149 (from Oct. 1st- $159)
- Child (17 years & under)
- $85 (from Oct. 1st- $90)
- Infant (0-3 years)
- FREE
BUNDLE
AND SAVE!
Book 2 tours to save 10% (COMBO10*)
Book 3 tours to save 15% (COMBO15*)
* Direct bookings only. Not valid with other offers. Discounts apply only when booking 2+ tours with the promo code.
WHAT TO BRING
- Sunglasses or cap
- Camera or phone
- Spare warm layer
- Comfortable footwear, closed toe shoes please
What’s Included
- Walking poles
- Toilet facility on board
- Hot Drinks
- Wet weather equipment
- Personalized Tour Guides
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
A wonderful trip on the lake and rainforest walk.
What a wonderful afternoon we had on the boat trip on the lake and the rain forest walk. Dale was an excellent tour guide whose informative commentary about the vegetation and wildlife both of the lake and the forest gave a great insight into the area. The lake cruise was tranquil and idyllic and the walk was fascinating with several stops to hear about how the area had become predator free. Being followed by a black fantail made the walk more magical. To top it all Dale provided a great cup of tea at the end of the walk. Brilliant! I would wholeheartedly recommend this trip.
Anne B
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Good trip out
Very good trip. The lake and walk were amazing. The guide was informative and friendly. Pointing out things as we went that we would have missed. A great combination of being on the water and then the walk in the forest. Unforgettable.
Alison H
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Spectacular!
Joe or guide, was delightful! We have been rushing about NZ trying to see a much as possible with many very busy days. With Joe, we were not harried or hurried just what we needed after a very busy week. And of course the scenery, rainforest walk was spectacular!
Terri M
GALLERY
FAQS
How difficult is the walk?
- Please note the guided walk is designed to keep the rainforest in its pristine state, as the region is part of the Westland National Park. This means there are some roots throughout the track, and a couple of steps early on.
- Your skipper & tour guides walk the track with the group, and can lend a hand to assist during the walk. There are many stops throughout to discuss the rainforest and conservation.
- There are a couple of set handlines and walking poles available if you require them.
- The track itself is 400 meters, and if often only enjoyed 1 way (you’re skipper will pick you up at the end).
For any other questions about the guided walk, feel free to contact our friendly team! - If you’d rather stay on the water, then our Scenic Cruise is a great alternative!
Will I see the Glacier on the boat tour?
On a clear day we can see many different Glaciers from Lake Mapourika including the Neve of the Franz Josef Glacier. The Southern Alps and Glaciers are magnificent to view afar from the lake as you will see a panoramic vista of the regions Glaciers and even Mt Cook and Tasman.
If the clouds are lower in the valley, then we will not see the Glaciers – but this really doesn’t matter as the primary focus of our tours is the lush rainforest and learning about the conservation and Lake Mapourika.
What if it’s raining for my Scenic Cruise or Fishing?
The Hanna-k (our tour boat) is fully covered to keep you warm and dry in a weather conditions. You can even sit on the back viewing deck while remaining dry!
Lake Mapourika holds equally beautiful qualities in the rain as it does on a bluebird day. On a drizzly day enjoy dramatic clouds sweeping over the Alps and a beautiful lush misty rainforest surrounding the lake. In the rain, this is a true west coast experience! We provide wet weather equipment for any walking tours during wet weather.
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.
