SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Group size
- Up to 16 people
- Guide
- English
- Ages
- 4 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the longer of Franz Josef Wilderness Tours' lake trips on our Franz Josef tours page: a guided paddle on Lake Mapourika combined with a walk in the rainforest of the Okarito kiwi sanctuary. Allow about 4 hours. Hotel pickup, the guide, equipment, park fees, tea and coffee and photos are included. Meals aren't, and the listing tells you to pack a small snack or lunch.
Around 124 reviews average close to 4.9. Children from 4 can come with an adult, which makes it the youngest-friendly tour on the page. Against the shorter kayak trip it adds the bush walk and an extra hour. The listing asks only for moderate fitness, but one reviewer found the trail rough enough that good mobility matters. A host reply to a review says weather cancellations get a full refund or a rebooking.
Good for
- Families with young children, from age 4
- A full half day without a helicopter when the cloud is low
Think twice if
- Anyone with limited mobility, as the trail is rough
- You only want a paddle, which the shorter kayak trip covers
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier! Paddle across the calm, reflective waters and take in the panoramic views of NZ's tallest peaks and Glaciers. Follow your guide through the rain forest trail and enjoy coffee and tea while taking in the views. Plus, FREE photos (emailed after tour)
From the listing by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours on Viator.
What's included
- Equipment
- Beverages (tea/coffee)
- Local guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- National Park fees
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Complimentary photos
Not included
- Meals (please pack your own small snack or lunch)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
Please check-in at our office 15 minutes prior to your trip departure time. We are located in the building next to The Landing Restaurant.
Checking in
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Bring loose comfortable clothing, we recommend no jeans. We do our best to keep you dry!
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure times.
- Minimum child age is 4 years
Where it ends
Please check-in at our office 15 minutes prior to your trip departure time. We are located in the building next to The Landing Restaurant.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum child age is 4 years
- Wear loose comfortable clothing, jeans are not recommended. We do our best to keep you dry.
- Comfortable walking shoes
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our franz josef glacier tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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