About Us

Our friendly, experienced team are passionate about the South Island's glaciers and rain forests and love nothing better than to help people make the most of the unique environmental setting and experience.

Its all about the weather on the day

Wayne - owner/operations manager/guide
Wayne began Glacier Kayaks ten years ago after guiding on the Franz Josef Glacier for eight years. He has been based in South Westland since 1990 and is a snowboard instructor and qualified raft guide. Wayne's extensive natural history knowledge ensures customers get the most out of their Franz Josef experience.

Glacier Kayaks is licensed by the Department of Conservation, registered with Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA), affiliated to the Sea Kayak Operators Association of NZ, (SKOANZ), Outdoor Instructors Association (OIA) and to the Tourism Industry Association.

Best Freshwater Kayak Tours in NZ
Glacier Kayaks was voted best fresh water kayaking business in the 2009 Rankers Traveller Voted Awards. Here is what they said:

"It rained a little, but that only made me feel more hardcore. It didn't matter though, because Wayne knew the rainforest would be sheltered and beautiful. We got to see the lake's perfectly reflective surface in the protected rainforest area, which was incredible." - KL Bonney, France

"This was an absolutely fantastic experience. Wayne took my group out on the lake on a cold, cloudy day, and made it into one of the most fun activities I've had in New Zealand! The views were amazing, the kayak gear provided was in great condition and very comfortable, and he even towed me for a bit when I got tired." - Tigrrbeth, United States

Tours & Kayaks

Glacier Country Tours and Kayaks provides and packages an exciting range of guided tour activities, scenic flights, and equipment rental to fully experience the amazing transition of three different micro-climates in a glacier valley...from the mountains to the sea.

We have access to equipment and transport options to give you the best of the day.

Best Prices on Helicopter prices
Guided Tours in the glacier valley
on the glacier with our glacier guide team
In the rainforest -our natural history interpretation is second to none.
Kayak Equipment Rental
Kayak tours and packages with glacier activities
Heli-hike Paddle Package
Quad bike use
Digital Photos Free of Charge

The Setting

There are few places left on earth like Westland National Park, where a complete cross section of landscapes from the tops of the highest mountains right down to the sea is still in a near wilderness state.

And we have all the euipment training expereince and care to imform and guide a wonderful, safe expierence to expand your apprication of your time whilst visiting it.