PRIVATE CRUISE
Enjoy exclusive use of your own private boat and skipper. A relaxed, tailored cruise on Lake Mapourika.- UP TO 2.5 HOURS
- $1200
IN THIS SECTION
OVERVIEW
Design your own experience on the tranquil waters of Lake Mapourika with a Private Boat Charter — the perfect option for families, friends, or small groups seeking a more personal journey. Enjoy exclusive use of our comfortable tour boat and your own experienced skipper, who will tailor the trip to suit your interests.
Cruise through the mirror-like bays of Lake Mapourika, surrounded by the towering Southern Alps and pristine Jurassic rainforest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, your skipper will share stories of the area’s rich history and wildlife, creating a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere on the water.
You can choose to simply unwind and take in the scenery, or step ashore to explore our private rainforest trail within the Okarito Kiwi Conservation area. This guided walk offers a rare glimpse into the efforts behind local kiwi conservation and the pristine beauty of Westland’s untouched rainforest.
Keep an eye out for native birdlife, including the graceful white heron (kōtuku) that feeds year-round on the lake’s predator-free shores. With the option to include light catering or refreshments, this private experience blends comfort, nature, and connection — a truly memorable way to enjoy Franz Josef’s wilderness.
Groups of up to 12 people can book directly online, or get in touch with our friendly team to create a customised charter that perfectly suits your plans.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- Up to 2.5 hours
- SUMMER:
- 1 Nov – Mar 31st,
9am / 1pm / 5pm
(alternate times may
be available).
- REST OF YEAR:
- 9am (or 10am) / 1pm.
PRICES
- 1-12 people
- $1200 (from Oct. 1st- $1300)
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
- Camera / phone
- Snacks / meals or drink for your group
What’s Included
- Hot Drinks
- Toilet facility on board
- Walking poles
- Wet weather equipment
- Personalized Tour Guides
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
A magical morning cruise
Lake Mapourika is beautiful from the waters edge but what you see from the shore is a fraction of the views when you are out on it. The key to this tour was the slow cruise that didn’t ruin the magical reflections as views emerged out of the morning mist. The skipper paid great attention to the needs of those on the cruise to get the shots they wanted, so I captured some wonderful pictures of this fantastic location. One of the best experiences on the West Coast!
Robert G, Christchurch, New Zealand
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Highly recommended!!
Was amazing such a lovely experience Dale was the best tour guide ever learnt so much and such beautiful views even in the rain ❤️
Lily M
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Lake Tour with Joe
Absolutely stunning tour of the lake and glacier views -bonus of spotting a Kōtuku -wow! The reflective nature of the lake provided perfect photos of the forest and glacier views!
Tamla, Hastings, New Zealand
GALLERY
FAQS
What if it’s raining for my Scenic Cruise?
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.
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.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately no, the tour boat is not wheelchair accessible. Our lake levels change frequently, making it difficult to move a wheelchair from the Jetty onto the boat’s back deck. Furthermore the doorway from the back-deck to the cabin is too narrow for wheelchair passage.
Can I purchase food or drink on the tour?
No, we do not have anywhere to purchase food on the boat or on the Lake at any point. Franz Josef township is well equipped with a small 4-square supermarket and many great cafes and restaurants. You can purchase food and drinks to bring along with you on the boat tour or fishing charter, or simply enjoy a meal before or afterwards.
We do always have hot water on board for our complimentary tea and coffee.
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.
