THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Paddle the mirror-like surface of Lake Mapourika with panoramic glacier views and rainforest shoreline. This three-hour small-group kayak tour from Franz Josef combines easy paddling, guided wildlife insight and local geology.
Paddle the mirror-like surface of Lake Mapourika with panoramic glacier views and rainforest shoreline. This three-hour small-group kayak tour from Franz Josef combines easy paddling, guided wildlife insight and local geology.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours · Franz Josef, West Coast
A flat, glassy plane of water unfolds at dawn: Lake Mapourika holds the Southern Alps like a photograph, glaciers and ridge-lines doubled in the clear surface while a kayak slips forward with a soft, steady rhythm. Guides brief the group on the pebbled shore, then you push off and let the lake’s hush shape the first hour—mountain light, rainforest edges, and the distant rumble of meltwater.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for people with basic mobility and light aerobic fitness; no prior kayaking experience required
The experience lasts up to three hours with about 90–120 minutes on the water—guides keep pace gentle and suitable for beginners.
No. The tour is designed for all fitness levels; guides teach basic strokes and safety before launch.
Operators may cancel or alter the route for safety; full refunds are typically offered if cancelled 24 hours prior or due to bad weather.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may be required to sit on a lap—check with the operator for age guidelines.
Lake Mapourika formed after the Franz Josef Glacier retreated during the late glacial period roughly 14,000 years ago; the area is within Ngāi Tahu tribal lands and has long-standing cultural connections.
The lake fringe supports delicate forest and bird sanctuaries—stay on established access points, minimise noise near nesting areas, and follow guide instructions to reduce disturbance.
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Book directly with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now