KAYAK HIRE
Explore Lake Mapourika at your own pace with our kayak hire options, explore a UNESCO World heritage site and spot rare native birds.- 2 HOURS+
- FROM $65
OVERVIEW
Set your own pace and explore the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika, part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. As the only kayak operator on the lake you can often explore without encountering anyone else. In the mornings, the Southern Alps and Glaciers reflect perfectly on the lake’s mirror-like surface, it’s the perfect setting for a peaceful paddle surrounded by untouched nature.
One of the advantages of kayaking on Lake Mapourika is the freedom to explore without worrying about tides or ocean currents. The lake’s calm, sheltered waters are ideal for families, first-time paddlers and those looking for a relaxed experience on the water, while still providing spectacular scenery and opportunities to encounter native birdlife.
Our self-guided kayak or paddleboard hire is a flexible way to experience the Franz Josef area from a unique perspective. Just you, your paddle strokes and the quiet of the lake, you’re often the only ones out on the water! Explore hidden bays and rainforest-lined creeks within the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Keep your camera ready for native birdlife, including the rare white heron (kōtuku), often seen feeding along the shoreline.
Choose the hire length that suits your adventure:
- 2 Hour Hire: Ideal for a relaxed paddle across the lake to take in the scenery and enjoy a taste of the wilderness.
- Half-Day Hire: Gives you time to explore further into the kiwi sanctuary creeks and find your favourite quiet spots for a break or photo stop.
- Full-Day Hire: The ultimate freedom paddle — spend the day discovering every corner of the lake, enjoying a picnic on a secluded beach, and truly soaking in the peace of this remarkable landscape.
Kayak hire is best suited to those with previous kayaking experience and confidence on the water. If it’s your first time, or you’d like to explore further with local knowledge, we recommend one of our guided kayak tours for the best overall experience.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- 2 – 8 hours
- TIMES:
- Choose from set hire
times when booking,
or select “All day” and
let us know your
preferred departure time.
- MORNINGS ARE BEST:
- Mornings tend to be
the calmest time of
day for rentals.
PRICES
- 2 Hours, adult
- $65
- 2 Hours, child (17 & under)
- $40
- Half day, adult
- $75
- Half day, child (17 & under)
- $50
- Full day, adult
- $85
- Full day, child (17 & under)
- $65
Choose your KAYAK HIRE!
$65/$40
2 hours
Hire a kayak for 2 hours and explore the shorelines of Lake Mapourika, enjoy a scenic view of the mountains and spot some birdlife.
$75/$50
Half Day
Hire a kayak for a half to explore the far shoreline of Lake Mapourika and experience the true wilderness of the West Coast! You’ll have time for a picnic lunch at one of the pulls off along the lake.
$85/65
Full day
Pack the togs, some lunch and snacks and get ready for a full day on Lake Mapourika! A full day hire is excellent value, and allows time to paddle our tour routes and also to go hang out at the locals favourite swim beach at Otto’s corner and enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner on the water.
WHO CAN JOIN
- We recommend that those hiring kayaks have been kayaking before. We will teach you the basics of how to use our equipment, but it’s not recommended for hiring kayak if you have never been in a kayak before. If it’s your first time we recommend booking a guided kayak tour.
- Children of any age are allowed to join with experienced parents as kayakers, we have a selection of stable double sea kayaks and smaller PFDs for children.
- All kayak hire a subject cancellation if weather conditions are unstable, we may still be operating guided kayak tours when we cancel our kayak hire sessions.
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 or more different guided tours with the promo code.
WHAT TO BRING
- You MUST bring a cellphone with you that can place an emergency call if required.
- Spare warm layers.
- Sunglasses / caps.
- Snack and/or drinkbottle.
- Sunscreen.
- You must transport yourselves to and from the Lake Mapourika Jetty (10 minute drive north from Franz Josef).
What’s Included
- Dry Bag
- PFD
- Map
- Paddle
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
This was such a great experience. We did the 2 hour kayak rental. The kayak, paddles, pfd, dry bag, and map were all provided, along with such kind and great help from Oli. The double kayak was a new experience but it had a peddle rudder that made it a breeze. The lake was mirror still when we started and we saw black swans and many other birds. The wind did pick up a bit as we headed back. Had a wonderful time.
Jennifer Lake
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
One of the nicest places to kayak if the weather is right. The lake was a mirror throughout our entire two hour kayak time. We did not do a tour since we like to be on our own time and kayak often. The kayak was comfortable and Will kept.
Angela
GALLERY
FAQS
What if it’s raining?
We will not cancel kayak hire’s if it’s drizzly and calm, as the lake can still be scenic and worth checking out in drizzly weather. But if there’s wind or any unstable weather in the forecast we will cancel all kayak hire departures. We may provide opportunities for joining a guided tour where full wet weather equipment and an experienced guide is with the group. It’s always good to touch base with the team about local weather conditions and forecasts, as many phone weather apps can be misleading!
Where do we meet?
For our kayak hire bookings, you will need to meet us at the Lake Mapourika Recreational Area (known as the Lake Mapourika Jetty). This is located 8 kms north from Franz Josef Glacier township, just off the HWY. Look for the wooden Jetty and some kayaks on the beach.
Is kayak hire suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you’ve got a bit of water confidence kayak hire is suitable for beginners. Lake Mapourika’s calm, sheltered waters make it one of the most accessible places to kayak on New Zealand’s West Coast. Without any ocean current or tides, you can choose to book any time of day. Booking the morning departures is perfect for guaranteed calm water and mirror-lake reflections. While previous paddling experience is helpful, many guests choose kayak hire for a relaxed and scenic introduction to kayaking.
Why choose kayak hire on Lake Mapourika?
Lake Mapourika offers calm water and amazing panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Glaciers. The predator free rainforest is also home to abundant native birdlife. Unlike coastal kayaking, there are no tides or ocean swells to navigate, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
How long should I hire a kayak for?
A 2-hour hire is ideal for a relaxed paddle and enjoying the scenery. Half-day hire allows you to explore further into some rainforest creeks and really explore the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Likewise a full-day hires allow more time to explore hidden bays, rainforest creeks and quiet sections of the lake at your own pace – pack a lunch and your togs (swimsuits) for a picnic and a swim!
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.
