Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise

During your visit to the Franz Josef Glacier, embark on a scenic cruise along Lake Mapourika. You'll explore a temperate rainforest and discover unique wildlife on this West Coast adventure.

Activity Details

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

As we sail over the waters of Lake Mapourika, you'll see wilderness landscapes featuring lush rainforests and a variety of native bird species. The boat provides covered cabins for colder days and outdoor viewing platforms for an up-close view of the surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our route includes the Okatarito Kiwi Sanctuary, home to New Zealand’s rare kiwi bird. We'll look for these native birds as we navigate the lake.

Our knowledgeable local guide will provide commentary on the unique ecosystems that contribute to this area's World Heritage status. You'll learn about the diverse flora and fauna that make Westland distinct.

After 2 hours immersed in nature, we'll conclude our tour back at the starting point.

Hiking Route

Upgrade your experience to include a 1.5-hour nature walk into the rainforest. After the cruise, we'll embark on a rainforest hike that explores an ancient landscape, with opportunities to see various bird species and unique local flora and fauna.

Your guide may introduce edible plant species, allowing you to experience the region's natural bounty. You might also have the chance to take home flax flowers as a souvenir. After a total of 2.5 hours, we'll conclude this experience at the meeting point.