The Experience
Our experienced guides will talk about the geography, geology and development of the unique flora and fauna of the rainforests as we paddle through the pristine environment. Due to the micro-climate, the weather on the lake is often fine and you can watch snow and rain sweep across the Southern Alps towering above.
Lake Mapourika (80 metres deep)has a black mirror-like quality due to tannins washed from the forest floor. In the winter, the dark water retains the heat, creating a misty start to the day, which clears as the sun heats the cooler air.
The guided kayak tour takes you across the lake to the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where kiwis are rarely seen during the day, but the untouched natural habitat of the indigenous Rowi kiwi can be appreciated.
Continuing through 900-year-old kahikatea trees swathed in moss, which provide seed beds for delicate orchids and lichens, you will kayak through a swamp delta. The bird life is rich - fantails follow, native bellbirds and tuis call and cormorants, spoonbills and kotuku (white heron) come from the Okarito Lagoon to feed.
After paddling up a small stream through flax, swamp and the 45 metre kahikatea trees, you will appreciate the opportunity to fully experience the sense of isolation as you glide, one at a time, downstream - people rave about this experience!
While keen photographers may like to take their own photographs, we are happy to take high quality digital photographs and give them to you on a CD - free of charge.
Paddle and safety instruction are provided where required. Glacier Kayaks provides all equipment and transport to and from Lake Mapourika, seven kilometers north of Franz
Josef village on SH6.
Each guided kayak tour takes approximately three hours, but allow up to four hours from start to finish.
Contact us if you would like to discuss other kayak tour options to match your other activity or travel plans. We can organize a package to give you the best of the region according to your budget and time available.
Helihike Paddle Combo
If you want to experience all Franz Josef has to offer in one day, this package features a thrilling scenic Helicopter Line flight over all three icefalls of the Franz Josef Glacier. Landing high on the glacier, you will be guided on a two hour walk through the spectacular alpine environment by Franz Josef Glacier Guides. After returning to the village to change equipment and have a break, it's on to Lake Mapourika for our three hour eco-adventure tour. Minimum age 10, moderate fitness required.