Franz Josef Scenic Cruise and Nature Walk - 2.5 Hours
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Franz Josef on the Lake Mapourika Cruise & Nature Walk package. This unique two-and-a-half-hour excursion blends a serene lake cruise with a rainforest walk through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, showcasing the native flora and fauna of New Zealand's west coast.
The journey commences with a tranquil Lake Mapourika cruise, a lake famed for its calm and reflective waters that often mirror the surrounding Jurassic rainforest and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Throughout the Lake Mapourika cruise, soak in the panoramic views of glaciers and the Southern Alps while gaining local insights from your knowledgeable guide.
Your boat tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours also ventures into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Here, you will step into the ancient Jurassic rainforest and home of New Zealand's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Your Franz Josef Wilderness Tours guide will lead the way along a private trail for a glimpse of native birdlife and untouched ecosystems.
This 2.5-hour Lake Mapourika scenic cruise and nature walk package not only promises staggering views but also an educational journey through some of New Zealand's most pristine environments. Ideal for nature lovers and sightseers alike, this experience takes you into the heart of New Zealand's wild West Coast.
Location
What you need to know
- Boat cruise along Lake Mapourika
- Guided nature walk through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
- Friendly knowledgeable skippers and guides
- Complimentary hot drinks
- This experience has regular departures at 9am, 10am and 1pm
- Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience
- This experience takes place in Franz Josef, New Zealand
- This experience departs from Franz Josef township - 30 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier
- A camera, phone
- Complimentary tea and coffee on board
- Snacks, or refreshments (optional)
- Sturdy footwear is recommended and walking poles are available for the walk
- This experience operates in most weather conditions, it’s extremely unlikely that the tour will be cancelled. The boat is warm, dry and fully protected from the weather and wet weather gear is available if required
- Your guide will point out the birds and tell you all about the flora, fauna and kiwi conservation in the region. You may even get to try some edible native plants or take a flax flower home as a gift
- Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Cancellations within 24 hours - no refund
- Private/Group bookings or Charters incur a 48-hr cancellation policy
- This is specifically advised at the time of booking
- Tours require minimum numbers to operate
- Tour operator reserves the right to cancel tours if numbers are not met or in the event of adverse weather conditions
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
