SCENIC CRUISE
Relax on a small-group scenic cruise across Lake Mapourika with our local skippers. Enjoy rainforest, native birdlife and glacier views.- 2 HOURS
- FROM $125
IN THIS SECTION
OVERVIEW
Explore Lake Mapourika on a personalised scenic cruise, where rainforest meets the Southern Alps in a calm setting within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Cruise across pristine tannin-filled water with uninterrupted glacier views, surrounded by one of the West Coast’s most peaceful environments – we’re often the only people out on the lake.
Led by Dale and our team of experienced local skippers, each tour is relaxed, personal, and shaped by genuine local insight. As you glide along rainforest-lined shores, spot native birdlife and enjoy a warm drink while taking in the surroundings and native birdsong.
Along the lake’s edge, untouched predator-free old-growth rainforest creates a safe haven for native species, including the graceful white heron (kōtuku), which feeds here year-round.
With small group sizes and a slower pace, this is a chance to truly unwind, connect with nature, and experience Franz Josef’s wilderness from a different perspective.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- 2 hours
- SUMMER:
- Nov 1 – Mar 31,
9am / 1pm / 5pm
- REST OF YEAR:
- Apr 1 – Oct 31,
9am or 10am / 1pm
PRICES
- Adult
- $125 (from Oct. 1st- $135)
- Child (17 years & under)
- $75 (from Oct. 1st- $80)
- Infant (0-3)
- 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
- Camera / phone
- Sunglasses or hat
- BYO any food or drinks (we include complimentary hot drinks)
- Spare warm layer during shoulder seasons
What’s Included
- Hot Drinks
- Personalized Tour Guides
- Toilet facility on board
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Highlight of South Westland
Beautiful part of our country. Thanks to Captain Jake and Dale for a fantastic morning on Lake Mapourika. Jake’s knowledge of the area, the lake and surrounding area was outstanding and he was willing to answer all our questions. While the cruise around the lake was breathtaking the easy walk through the forest was amazing. The explanation on how the forest regenerates and the life cycle of different plants all made sense. Their endeavors to remove predators to ensure the well being of the kiwi in the area displayed what must be a true passion for the area and what they are doing. As Jake said ‘you couldn’t get a better office than this’.
If you are in the area, head out to the Lake, if you are not here, you should be!
Graham S, Ashburton, New Zealand
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Awesome afternoon
Wow, what a fantastic way to see some of the most untouched parts of NZ. The perfect way to spend a couple of hours cruising Lake Mapourika. Our guide was exceptional and his knowledge of the area extensive. Even though my 10 year old son thinks he’s on holiday he learnt heaps…….not that he’d admit it.
If in this neck of the woods as definite must do.
Shaun_chelsea, Christchurch, New Zealand
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Lake Mapourika cruise
We had an amazing two hours on Lake Mapourika with Jake as our skipper/tour guide.
You were able to be outside taking photos from either end of the boat , or sit comfortably inside. It was a beautiful day and we were the only boat on the lake. We saw a Kotuku, Black swans with their chicks and many other birds. The views of the mountains were stunning. I would love to go back and do the kayaking tour.
Philippa43, Wellington, 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.
