Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise

During your visit to the Franz Josef Glacier, embark on a scenic cruise along Lake Mapourika, exploring a temperate rainforest and its unique wildlife.

Activity Details

On the day of the adventure, meet at 30 Main Road in Franz Josef. There, we will travel to the launch point and board our vessel for a scenic journey across Lake Mapourika, situated in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

As we sail across Lake Mapourika, you'll enjoy views of wilderness landscapes, featuring lush rainforests and various native bird species. The boat includes covered cabins for comfort on colder days and outdoor viewing platforms for a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will navigate through the Okatarito Kiwi Sanctuary, home to New Zealand’s rare kiwi bird. Our knowledgeable local guide will offer commentary on the unique ecosystems and diverse flora and fauna of Westland.

After 2 hours immersed in nature, we will return to the starting point.

Hiking Route

Upgrade your experience to include a 1.5-hour nature walk into the rainforest!

After the cruise, we will depart on a rainforest hike through an ancient landscape. Keep an eye out for various bird species and unique local flora and fauna.

Our guide may introduce some edible plant species along the way, and you might also take home flax flowers as a souvenir. This experience will conclude after a total of 2.5 hours at the meeting point.