Lake Mapourika Kayak Tour: Scenic Glacier Views

Embark on a small-group kayak adventure near Franz Josef Glacier. Discover the stunning Lake Mapourika, surrounded by the Southern Alps and Glaciers, and explore a kiwi sanctuary in the pristine rainforest.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Mapourika - Paddle across the stunning waters of Lake Mapourika with your knowledgeable local guide. Take in views of the glaciers and Southern Alps as you paddle across and explore the rainforest and conservation area on the far shoreline of lake.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • All equipment provided including dry bags, splash jackets and gloves and hats in the winter
  • Fully Guided Activity
  • Courtesy pick-ups available on request
  • Courtesy Transport to and from the Lake
  • High Quality Photos
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika’s mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers.
Lake Mapourika was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14 000 years ago, now it sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea….

Location
30 Main Road
Main Road
Please check-in at our office 15 minutes prior to your trip departure time. We are located in the building next to The Landing Restaurant.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(331 Ratings)
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Aarti_d
Jan 7, 2025
Best kayak ever!!! - Danny was our guide, she is wonderful. The kayak was one of the best that we have done in years. We have done a few but this one was unique. It was raining that day a I thought this was not going to be good, but then the water is warmer and as we reached the mirror river, things began to clear up, and it was so calm and beautiful. Because of the rain, the chopper were not flying so it was clam, quiet and beautiful. It was memorable. Thank you Dani for this experience.
Review provided by Viator
Akshat1179
Jan 2, 2025
Fantastic tour - We did the 3 hour classic kayak tour on 27-Dec. It’s a fantastic experience. Our guides Max and Penny were very good. They were very friendly and explained the kiwi conservation efforts underway in that area. They took good care of everyone including helping anyone with small kids who needed help by tying their kayaks with their own kayaks to pull them when needed. It’s a must do family experience if in Franz Josef.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amarinder_s
Dec 28, 2024
A great family time on the water - Max was being super nice and polite. He took great photos of us while kayaking Highly recommend this kayak tour!
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca_lebeka
Dec 27, 2024
Very nice kayak tour on a beautiful lake - We really enjoyed our tour a lot, the guides were really nice and explained a little bit about the lake and the surrounding area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexcw125du
Dec 18, 2024
Beautiful Kayak Trip from Franz Josef Glacier - Good day for it so the lake was beautiful and Photos were good, our guide Max was an absolute legend who entertained us the whole way and made the experience one to remember.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannaha934
Dec 14, 2024
Incredible morning - I don’t honestly know where to start. What an incredible morning. I had the best morning so far of my New Zealand trip. Sydney and Curt who were our guides made the whole thing so memorable. Said lots of interesting facts and they were both so friendly and lovely to talk to. We thought a lot of the time allotted for this tour would end up being wasted by setting up but we ended up being on the lake for a long time. And you get free photos which are absolutely breathtaking. If your lucky with a clear day it’ll be the best thing you do!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annie_p
Dec 13, 2024
Loved it! So beautiful... - Loved it! So beautiful and our guide had so much knowledge to share. Was also a lot of fun and a great way to spend a morning!
Review provided by Viator
J5948gutaylorb
Dec 11, 2024
Relaxing morning on the lake - Beautiful day out on the lake with Max! The trip was well organized and Max had everything prepared for us. Max was able to coach us as we kayaked towards severals bays and was able to share his knowledge about nature and paddle sports.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_m
Dec 6, 2024
Must do Kayaking Adventure - This kayak experience was fantastic. The lake was pristine and the rainforest backdrop was beautiful. Kurt, the guide was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and at only 21 years was a lovely & polite young man. He was able to answer all our questions about this area. We highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Viator
813kristinb
Dec 18, 2024
A well-spent morning on a good weather day! - 3 hours total, about 2 of which was easy-paced kayaking around the lake. We lucked out with a clear day, great views of the mountain, and a small group - not sure there'd be as much to offer on a less good day! Max was an excellent guide and knew a lot about the trees, birds, and area's history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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