Okarito
Wilderness Tours - Franz Josef
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours offers unique lake experiences only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Paddle, Cruise or Fish with us on the calm, reflective waters of Lake Mapourika, with a stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps and Glaciers. The far shoreline of the lake is part of a Kiwi Conservation area, which features some of Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest and curious native birdlife.
Explore the lake by Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard with our team of passionate kayak guides equipped with SLR cameras to capture your experience. You receive these photos free after your trip!
Discover the beauty of the lake from the comfort of our purpose-built tour boat. Enjoy a warm indoor cabin area and a covered back deck and front viewing platform, which is excellent for photography and wildlife viewing. Tea and coffee are on board, and your skipper provides unique insight into the region.
Fish for Brown Trout or Wild Salmon with our local, knowledgeable fishing guide. We practice catch and release, or if you’d like to keep a legal catch, we can prepare it for you to take home! Enjoy a classic kiwi BBQ and experience with our Fish, Cruise & BBQ tour and make the most of your day in Glacier Country.
Kayak Classic
Price: $130 per person
$80 (under 15 years of age)
Departs: 9 am & 2 pm
Duration: 3 hours (approx)
Glide effortlessly across the water, taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers and untouched Jurassic rainforest of Lake Mapourika. Paddle into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, exploring the protected area with your knowledgeable guide.
Kayak & Walk
Price: $145 per person $79 under 15 years of age
Departs: 9 am & 1 pm
Duration: 4 Hours (Approx)
Explore the Jurassic rainforest and kiwi sanctuary on our private rainforest trail! Exclusively accessed by kayak and boat, you’ll experience the pure remote wilderness of Lake Mapourika.
Hot drinks are provided, with an unbeatable panorama of the glaciers across the lake.
Sunset Classic
Price: $135 per person
$85 under 15 years of age
Departs: 5 pm
Duration: 4 Hours (Approx)
Embark on our original Kayak Classic Adventure in the soft evening light. Experience 3 hours of solitude and gentle paddling with an unbeatable view of the Southern Alps, returning to the beach in time to watch the sun set below the mountains.
A premium tour is only available during the summer months.
Franz Josef Glacier Boat Tours on Lake Mapourika
Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika
Duration: 2 Hours
Price: $135 per person Child: $65 pp
Join us on a spectacular landscape and wildlife eco-cruise with the Southern Alps, Glaciers and lush rainforest as your scenic backdrop. Relax in comfort as you take in the views on our small per- personalized tours. Journey into a kiwi conservation area, enjoy old-growth rainforest and spot New Zealand’s native birdlife.
Cruise & Rainforest Walk
Duration: 2 Hours
Price: $135 per person Child: $75 pp
Journey across the lake and enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into another world! Experience Westland’s oldest Jurassic rainforest and meet curious native birdlife. This trip is our premium cruise, suitable for all ages.
West Coast Trout & Salmon Fishing Lake Mapourika
Lake Mapourika’s calm, reflective waters are home to many fish, such as Trout and Salmon. Experience the beauty of Lake Mapourika while trolling silently past 900-year-old Kahikatea trees and Native Birdsong while you wait for a nibble on the line!
The Hanna-K can seat a large group in the enclosed cabin area and has space for four people to fish off the back of the boat at once. The Skipper provides commentary along the way to keep the non-fishers engaged and having fun! The mirrored lake water and scenic views leave you in awe while awaiting your first bit.
The Trout season runs year-round, and the salmon season runs from October 1st to March 31st annually.
Trout: Brown Trout can be caught year-round.
Salmon: Lake Mapourika is a productive trout and quinnat salmon fishery containing both resident and sea-run salmon.
Fishing Charter Lake Mapourika
Duration:3Hours
Price: $160 per person Child: $75 pp
Lake Mapourika is one of the South Island’s most scenic fishing destinations! The lake holds stocks of Brown Trout and wild Salmon. Your local NZ fishing guide will provide all necessary fishing instructions and equipment. No previous experience is required.
Fish, Cruise & Barbecue
Duration: 3 Hours
Price: $179 per person Child: $89 pp
Spend 3 hours on the water with your mates and us! Relax and unwind as you troll the lake. Pack some cold drinks and food for the BBQ.
The BBQ comes with all you need, and you need to supply food & drink to prepare on board. If you catch a legal size fish, we will fillet the fish for you to cook on the BBQ!
Phone: +64 (03) 752 0230 Freephone: 0800 423 262
Email: [email protected] Visit our Website: www.franzjoseftours.co.nz/
