Franz Josef Kayak Tour

Join us for a kayaking tour along Lake Mapourika in Franz Josef. Paddle through glacial waters, discover ancient rainforests, and spot native wildlife.

Tour Details

We'll meet at the indicated time at 30 Main Road for a kayak tour on Lake Mapourika, a glacial lake formed by the Franz Josef Glacier. From the meeting point, we'll travel by vehicle to the launch site, where we will explore the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Before starting, safety guidelines will be reviewed to ensure a safe kayaking experience. Then, we’ll board our kayaks and begin our adventure.

During the tour, we’ll paddle on the lake, enjoying views of the Southern Alps and Franz Josef Glacier. Guided by our expert, we’ll navigate a narrow estuary surrounded by the lush rainforest of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.

Our guide will provide insights into the area's biodiversity as we paddle through untouched Jurassic rainforest and pristine wilderness, perfect for photographs. After approximately 3 hours of kayaking, we’ll conclude back at the meeting point.

Nature Walk

Enhance your experience with an optional nature walk during the kayak tour. Following the same itinerary, we'll explore a custom-built rainforest trail within the Okarito Kiwi Conservation area. We will learn about kiwi conservation and aim to spot native bird species.

This extended tour lasts a total of 4 hours, ending back at the meeting point.