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 West Coast adventure.

Activity Details

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

Sail over the calm waters of Lake Mapourika, enjoying views of wilderness landscapes, lush rainforests, and various native bird species. The boat features covered cabins for colder days and outdoor viewing platforms for close-up views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Navigate through the Okatarito Kiwi Sanctuary, observing New Zealand’s rare kiwi bird. The knowledgeable local guide provides commentary on the unique ecosystems that grant this area its World Heritage status, focusing on the temperate rainforest within a glacial environment.

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

Hiking Route

Upgrade your experience to include a 1.5-hour nature walk into the rainforest. After the cruise, enjoy a rainforest hike that explores the Jurassic period. Look for various bird species and unique local flora and fauna.

The guide may introduce edible plant species along the way, and participants might have the chance to take home flax flowers as a souvenir. This experience lasts a total of 2.5 hours, concluding at the meeting point.