KAYAK DISCOVERY
Get on the water, take in the scenery, and experience kayaking on Lake Mapourika with this relaxed introductory tour.- 2 HOURS
- FROM $125
- FREE PHOTOS!
IN THIS SECTION
OVERVIEW
Get on the water, take in the scenery, and experience kayaking on Lake Mapourika with this relaxed introductory tour.
The Kayak Discovery Tour is our shortest and easiest kayaking experience, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the unique experience of paddling a kayak without committing to a longer adventure. With stable double kayaks, expert local guides, and plenty of time to take photos, this tour offers a fun and accessible introduction to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes.
After meeting your guide and receiving a full safety briefing, you’ll launch from Lake Mapourika and enjoy a gentle paddle along the sheltered shoreline. Surrounded by native rainforest and stunning views of the Southern Alps, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax. Photo opportunities are abundant as you soak in the scenery, and capture memorable photos from the water and your guide will also take photos of you along the way.
This two hour experience includes approximately one hour on the lake, with short paddling distances designed for first time kayakers and those looking for a relaxed pace. Your guide will share local knowledge about the area and help you make the most of your time on the water.
If you’re looking to cross the lake, paddle through rainforest creeks and explore the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, we recommend choosing one of our longer kayaking tours, including the Original Kayak Classic Tour or Kayak & Walk Tour. All of our tours are suitable for beginners, and families with children. If you’re not sure what to pick feel free to contact our team.
Free high quality photos are included and emailed to you after your tour at no extra cost.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- 2 hours (approx 1 hr
kayaking)
- SUMMER:
- 1 Nov – Mar 31st,
10am / 2pm
- WINTER:
- 1 Apr – Oct 31st,
10am / 2pm.
- TIMES:
- Times may vary from the
above, please check on
our booking page for the
most up to date times.
PRICES
- Adult
- $125 (from Oct 1st- $135)
- Child (0-17 years)
- $90 (from Oct 1st- $95)
- Tour requires a min of 3 to operate
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
- Come dressed warm enough for the weather on the day,
preferably no denim. - Sunglasses or a hat
- Phone or go-pro (optional)
- Waterbottle (optional)
What’s Included
- FREE high quality digital photos
- Wet weather equipment
- Paddle
- Paddling Jackets
- Pogies (kayaking gloves)
- PFD
- Dry Bag
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Love our kayaking experience so much! It was a rainy day but it really made the day even more magical.
Everything was smooth sailing from the check-in process to the activity itself. The tour provides everything, so you basically only need to show up with a curious mind. Ollie, our guide, was wonderful and very knowledgeable, he also took really good pictures of my husband and I, which we really appreciate.
Agnes J
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
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, USA
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Amazing kayak tour,
We had a cloudy day with some beautiful flat mirror water, and Pickles’ facts and stories really made the experience – thank you!
Lily G – Local Guide
GALLERY
FAQS
What if it’s raining for my kayak discovery tour?
Our kayak tours operate in gentle rain when conditions are calm and safe. We provide full wet weather equipment, from jackets to pants to keep you dry on the tour. We will even provide you with free photos so you can keep your equipment safe. Lake Mapourika is often warmer and drier than the conditions in Franz Josef township. We won’t operate unless we can guarantee you’ll have a great time with our expert guides!
What's the policy with infants?
Infants are welcome to join our Kayak Discovery Tours! We have life jackets that will fit the smallest adventurers, and this tour is designed to be safe for infants. Without paddling far from the shoreline, or crossing the lake we are always a short distance from shore if we need to turn around or make an emergency feeding stop. The tour is designed to cater for these events.
What will we see on the Kayak Discovery Tour?
Our Kayak Discovery tour will not paddle across the Lake, where our other tours go. Instead, we explore the intricate and meandering shoreline of Lake Mapourika. We will tuck into sheltered bays and look for birds, including the rare White Heron, and check out the rainforest trees. On a clear day, we experience beautiful views of the Southern Alps and Glaciers from Potters Creek just around the corner from Jetty Bay. All up we’re kayaking for about 1 hour.
If you’re looking to see a little more we’d encourage you to explore our Kayak Classic or Kayak & Walk tours.
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.
