Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise

During your visit to the Franz Josef Glacier, embark on a scenic cruise along Lake Mapourika. Explore a temperate rainforest and discover unique wildlife on this adventure.

Activity Details

Meet at 30 Main Road in Franz Josef on the day of the adventure. From there, travel to the launch point and board your vessel for a scenic journey across Lake Mapourika, located within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Sail over the calm waters of Lake Mapourika and enjoy views of wilderness landscapes, including lush rainforests and various native bird species. The boat features covered cabins for colder days and outdoor viewing platforms for a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel through the Okatarito Kiwi Sanctuary, home to New Zealand’s rare kiwi bird. Look out for these native birds during the navigation of the pristine lake.

Our local guide will share commentary on the unique ecosystems that contribute to this area’s World Heritage status, including the only temperate rainforest in a glacial environment. Learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Westland.

After 2 hours, the tour concludes back at the starting point.

Hiking Route

Upgrade your experience to include a 1.5-hour nature walk in the rainforest.

After the cruise, enjoy a rainforest hike reminiscent of the Jurassic period. Look for various bird species and unique local flora and fauna.

Guides may introduce edible plant species and offer flax flowers as souvenirs. The total experience lasts 2.5 hours, concluding at the meeting point.