SUP ADVENTURE
Join a guided SUP adventure on Lake Mapourika and discover secluded bays and wildlife with an experienced SUP instructor.- 2 HOURS
- FROM $125
- FREE PHOTOS!
OVERVIEW
Discover the magic of Lake Mapourika from a whole new perspective on our Guided SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Adventure. Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage area of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, this serene lake is surrounded by one of the last untouched rainforest ecosystems in New Zealand.
Glide across calm, mirror-like waters as your guide leads you through sheltered bays and into the heart of a 1000-year-old kahikatea and rimu rainforest canopy. Keep an eye out for native birdlife, including the graceful white heron (kōtuku), which often feeds along the shoreline.
Our inflatable paddleboards are large and incredibly stable – perfect for beginners and families alike! No experience is needed, and your friendly SUP Instructor/ guide will be right there to help you find your balance and confidence. Most guests are surprised by how easy and relaxing it feels.
On warm summer days, take a refreshing dip! Lake Mapourika can reach over 20°C (often up to 25 degrees) and is perfect for a swim. Or simply soak up the peace and scenery of this ancient landscape.
This is one of the most tranquil and rewarding ways to explore further in Franz Josef Glacier.
WHO CAN JOIN
- We recommend that all participants are able to swim and move confidently in the water whilst wearing a PFD.
- We recommend that children are 8 years or over.
- If you’ve got a really confident child under 8 years, please feel free to book this is just a guideline for water confidence.
- Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
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
- Sunglasses or a cap
- Phone (optional we will provide a dry bag – you may also choose to leave this behind locked in our van)
- Swim wear or clothing you don’t mind getting wet
- Towel
- Change of clothes or warm jersey
What’s Included
- FREE high quality digital photos
- Dry Bag
- Personalized Tour Guides
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Serene SUP experience
Going on this Stand Up Paddle board tour was a fantastic way to start the day. Lake Mapourika is a very calm lake, perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. The native forest surrounding the lake is beautiful too. It was good to hear about the area, flora and fauna from Dale as we paddled.
We are fairly new to paddle boarding and Dale gave us lots of tips on the best ways to paddle. There was also time after paddling through the kiwi sanctuary to play around on the boards. The lake water is quite warm so no problems if you fall off!
Photos are taken throughout the tour and were emailed through to us later in the same day – it’s a bonus to have some great shots of the morning. There is no additional cost for the photos.
Meagantravels, Christchurch, New Zealand
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
Lovely day on the water
Dale was very informative, fantastic with the kids. The board paddling and teacher will be a cherished memory. Beautiful part of New Zealand.
Jacqui
REAL STORIES FROM REAL ADVENTURERS
AMAZING
The most amazing experience! Ariel made the stand up paddle board experience so enjoyable with his knowledge of the culture and landmarks of NZ. I would highly recommend this tour for everyone.
Bronte M
GALLERY
FAQS
Will I fall in?
Most of our clients find the SUP boards are extremely stable, and most people will not fall in during the tour. We will coach you on how to remain stable on the board, and this may mean that some of the tour is done on your knees if you’re starting out. Gradually increasing the confidence to stand on 2 feet and paddle.
The good news is that if you do fall in – the lake is warm during the summer months! Many people bring their togs along and choose to swim in Lake Mapourika during the tour.
Regardless of being on or off your board, your SUP instructor will be only a stroke away, and there to help you out.
Do I need to be able to swim?
We recommend that you are confident in the water whilst wearing a PFD. You do not need to be a confident swimmer, but the ability to move yourself in the water and float comfortably in a PFD will make the experience easier for you.
What sort of board do you use?
We use inflatable SUP boards. They are better than they sound – extremely firm and the most stable sort of board for paddling on a calm lake and for beginners.
Can I book in the afternoon?
We recommend booking onto a morning slot, as during the summer months the wind can pick up in the afternoon. Stand up paddle boards are best on very calm conditions, particularly for starting out. We can book an afternoon session if that’s all you can do, but we may reserve the right to cancel this tour on the day if winds pick up.
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.
