PRIVATE KAYAK TOUR
Explore Lake Mapourika your way on a private kayak tour, tailored to your pace and guided by one of our most experienced local guides.- TO 4 HOURS
- FROM $339
- FREE PHOTOS!
IN THIS SECTION
OVERVIEW
Discover Lake Mapourika on a tailored private kayak experience, designed entirely around you. With up to 4 hours available, your time on the water is flexible. Whether you prefer a shorter paddle, a relaxed pace, or a deeper exploration of the lake’s pristine wilderness and bird sanctuary – the choice is yours!
Guided by one of our most experienced and passionate local kayak guides, you’ll have the freedom to shape your journey. Kayak across mirror-like water and explore hidden creeks, or step ashore to walk our exclusive, custom-built rainforest track within the predator-free Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Surrounded by untouched rainforest within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, you’ll move through ancient Kahikatea and Rimu forest alive with native birdlife.
Along the way, your guide will share first-hand insights into kiwi conservation, offering a deeper connection to this remarkable and protected environment. All at your own pace, and away from other groups.
To complete the experience, enjoy a relaxed stop on the lake with light snacks and hot drinks, while your guide captures high-quality photographs throughout your journey.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- Up to 4 hours (you choose)
- DAILY:
- 10am (if you’d like a
different time, please
get in touch!)
PRICES
- Adult
- $339 (from Oct. 1st- $360)
- Child (any age, including infants)
- $220 (from Oct. 1st – $235)
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
- Water bottle
- Hat or sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing (ideally no denim)
- Comfortable shoes or sandals (feet remain dry)
- Phone / camera (optional)
What’s Included
- FREE high quality digital photos
- Wet weather equipment
- Light Snack
- Dry Bag
- Hot Drinks
- PFD
- Paddling Jackets
- Kayak Skirt
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Today, I had the pleasure of experiencing an exceptional kayaking tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, complemented by a delightful rainforest walk around a stunning peninsula. The weather was perfect, allowing us to fully appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the area, including mesmerizing views of the glacier. A highlight of the day was the rare sighting of the elusive white heron—not once, but twice!
Our guide, Oli, was outstanding; his extensive knowledge of the landscape’s history and the surrounding flora enriched our experience immensely. He was always eager to answer our questions, making the adventure even more engaging. Additionally, we were treated to refreshing refreshments halfway through our walk, adding a thoughtful touch to our journey.
I wholeheartedly recommend this excursion to anyone considering it.
Helen Houlding
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Everybody comes to Franz Josef for the glaciers, and rightly so. But if you have even half a day to spare, the kayak tour on Lake Mapourika is absolutely worth doing. It exceeded all my expectations!
Our guide, Oli ran the tour like a pro. Everything was super well organized, his instructions were clear, and he shared fascinating insights about the lake, its surrounding vegetation, birdlife, and all sorts of fun facts along the way.
The beauty of Lake Mapourika is truly hard to put into words, calm, reflective waters surrounded by lush rainforest and mountain views. Just stunning.
Bonus: Oli takes photos throughout the tour for us and turns out he’s a fantastic photographer. We walked away with some great memories and even better pictures.
Lin Zhang
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
What a brilliant experience our Kayaking adventure was! Ollie our guide was informative and made the day fun for all, making sure everyone was safe and happy at all times! What better activity to do in such a beautiful place, admiring the nature, while learning about the land and birds at the same time. I would recommend to anyone coming through Franz Josef. The professional photos sent through to us after, were sent through quickly and were brilliant mementos of the day.
Leyla Ledwith
GALLERY
FAQS
I can’t swim! Is this OK?
What if it’s raining on my kayak tour?
Like true west coasters – we get out kayaking rain or shine! Rain is the main ingredient in our beautiful temperate rainforest. Lake Mapourika often remains dry while it is raining in town due to being a greater distance from the Southern Alps. We provide full wet weather gear (jackets and pants) to keep you warm and dry on your kayak tour.
Is there a weight limit for the kayak tour?
Will I see the glacier on my kayak tour?
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. Mirror lake reflections are often really dramatic when it’s cloudy. As we navigate our kayaks deep into the rainforest it’s truly stunning – and even comes to life – in the rain!
Can I have a single kayak?
What's the best time of day to kayak?
The best time of day for a swim is our midday kayak tours in the summer-time! Yes, you can swim and the lake is often above 20 degrees Celcius from Dec-March annually.
Wheelchair accessibility for kayak tours?
We’re often asked if our kayak tours are wheelchair accessible, and the short answer is no. However we have modified tours in the past to allow some people with wheelchair disabilities to join us on tour. We have an added back support seat we can install in the kayak for you, as long as your comfortable to transfer between the chair and kayak seat. (Our staff are more than happy to assist!)
We do no have wheelchair accessible transport vehicles so you would need to provide your own transport to the lake.
It won’t work for everyone but if you think this sounds like something you could try, please contact our team.
Can I kayak while pregnant?
Yes you can come kayaking with us if you’re pregnant. As long as you are comfortable and if you’re concerned speaking with your doctor first is recommended. We do recommend that all participants understand the risk associated with our adventure activity. Read these inherent risks here.
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.
