SUNSET CLASSIC
Paddle across the calm waters of Lake Mapourika at sunset, on a relaxing small-group evening kayak experience.- 3 HOURS
- FROM $149
IN THIS SECTION
OVERVIEW
Experience Lake Mapourika in its most peaceful evening light on our Sunset Classic Kayak Tour. As the day winds down, you’ll paddle across calm water in a small guided group, with a quieter atmosphere all around.
Following the same stunning route as our Kayak Classic, this evening departure offers a completely different feel. With Franz Josef’s heli-flights finished for the day, the lake becomes still and tranquil and the soft golden light reflects off the Southern Alps and rainforest as you paddle home.
The long summer evenings create a relaxed and unhurried experience, often with very few others on the water. During spring and autumn, cooler air and changing light can bring rich sunset colours across the lake.
Led by our qualified local guides, this gentle paddle is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s a calm, immersive way to experience Franz Josef Glacier’s wilderness at its most peaceful. Free photos are included, so you can fully enjoy the moment while we capture it for you.
Please note: Sunset Classic tours operate during the summer months (Nov–March). During the winter months, our afternoon Kayak Classic departures often coincide with sunset conditions. Get in touch with the team if you have any questions.
TIMES & DURATION
- DURATION:
- 3 hours
- SUMMER:
- 1 Nov – Mar 31,
5pm.
- REST OF YEAR:
- Try the 2pm Kayak Classic
for a sunet experience!
PRICES
- Adult
- $149 (from Oct. 1st – $159)
- Child (17 & under)
- $95 (from Oct. 1st – $99)
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
- Spare warm layer
- Comfortable clothing (ideally no denim)
- Shoes or sandals (feet stay dry!)
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses or a cap
- Phone/camera (optional)
What’s Included
- FREE high quality digital photos
- Kayak Skirt
- Paddling Jackets
- Dry Bag
- PFD
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
We visited Lake Mapourika for Kayaking with the Franz Josef kayaks. We chose to go on the sunset kayaking slot and were lucky enough to be the only ones in that group – we saw some stunning scenes – the view of the mountains and the lake were absolutely beautiful. Our guide was both fun and informative. She also took some lovely pictures of us. We had a great evening.
Divya
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
A different way to experience the beauty of New Zealand
The views were spectacular! The tour was well designed and well paced. Our two guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and took lots of photos for our group. It was an amazing experience!
Lucie T
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Well worth it
Kurt was our guide. He did a great job guiding us across the lake and into places we never would have found on our own. He shared fascinating information about the flora and fauna. Loved the Māori story of how the glacier was formed.
MidwestTraveler11608, Kansas City, USA
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.
