Kayaking Franz Josef / Waiau

Explore Lake Mapourika on our original kayak experience, set within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape on the edge of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. In a small, friendly group, paddle across the lake’s mirror-like water with our qualified local guides, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages and abilities.
Follow your guide into a hidden creek winding through untouched, pristine native rainforest within the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where towering canopy trees can be over 1200 years old. Rich in native birdlife and rarely visited by others, this is one of the most peaceful and immersive kayaking experiences on the West Coast.
Free photographs are taken by your guides throughout the tour and emailed to you afterwards, at no extra cost.


Evening Kayak Classic Tours: To book our Sunset Classic Kayak Tourt during the summer months (November 1st - March 31st) please select the 5 pm departure. During the winter months our 2 pm Classic is also a sunset tour!

Explore the best of Franz Josef Glacier’s wilderness on our small group Kayak & Walk tour, combining the calm waters of Lake Mapourika with an exclusive rainforest experience within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. After paddling across the lake, surrounded by alpine and glacier views, you’ll step ashore into the predator-free Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
Led by our qualified local guides, follow a private, custom-built rainforest track developed and maintained by our team. Accessible only by water and used exclusively by our tours, this is a truly unique and uncrowded way to experience one of New Zealand’s most protected environments.
Walk beneath towering kahikatea and rimu, some over 1200 years old, in a peaceful forest alive with native birdlife. With small group sizes and a remote setting, you’ll often feel like you have the area entirely to yourself.
This guided Kayak & Walk experience combines the tranquillity of kayaking with an intimate walk through a thriving conservation area, leaving you with a genuine sense of connection to Franz Josef Glacier’s wilderness and the efforts being made to protect it for the future.
Free photographs are taken by your guides throughout the tour and emailed to you afterwards, at no extra cost.

Discover Lake Mapourika on a tailored private kayak experience, designed entirely around you. With up to 4 hours available, your time on the water is flexible. Whether you prefer a shorter paddle, a relaxed pace, or a deeper exploration of the lake’s pristine wilderness and bird sanctuary – the choice is yours!
Guided by one of our most experienced and passionate local kayak guides, you’ll have the freedom to shape your journey. Kayak across mirror-like water and explore hidden creeks, or step ashore to walk our exclusive, custom-built rainforest track within the predator-free Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Surrounded by untouched rainforest within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, you’ll move through ancient Kahikatea and Rimu forest alive with native birdlife.
Along the way, your guide will share first-hand insights into kiwi conservation, offering a deeper connection to this remarkable and protected environment. All at your own pace, and away from other groups.
To complete the experience, enjoy a relaxed stop on the lake with light snacks and hot drinks, while your guide captures high-quality photographs throughout your journey.
Our private ours are run at minimum of 2 adults.