SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Small Group Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise in Franz Josef
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Group size
- Up to 12 people
- Guide
- English
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is the lake without the effort. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours checks you in at 30 Main Road 15 minutes before departure for a 2 hour cruise on Lake Mapourika, with tea and coffee on board and up to 12 guests. Reviewers describe being driven to the lake and a comfortable boat, and some had only one other guest, though the listing doesn't spell out the transport.
Around 116 reviews average around 4.8. On our Franz Josef tours page it sits next to the kayak trips for people who'd rather sit than paddle. You can bring your own snacks. It isn't wheelchair accessible. With the helicopters often grounded, a calm lake trip is a useful second plan, and the 24 hour free cancellation lets you hold it as a backup.
Good for
- Travellers who want the lake without paddling
- Older travellers or anyone after a gentle couple of hours
Think twice if
- You need wheelchair access
- You want something active, since the kayak trips cover the same lake
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 Franz Josef's Lake Mapourika on a personalised scenic cruise, where rainforest meets the Southern Alps in a calm setting within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Cruise across pristine tannin-filled water with uninterrupted glacier views, surrounded by one of the West Coast’s most peaceful environments, we’re often the only people out on the lake.
Led by Dale and our team of experienced local skippers, each tour is relaxed, personal, and shaped by genuine local insight. As you glide along rainforest-lined shores, spot native birdlife and enjoy a warm drink while taking in the surroundings and native birdsong.
Along the lake’s edge, untouched predator-free old-growth rainforest creates a safe haven for native species, including the graceful white heron (kōtuku), which feeds here year-round.
With small group sizes and a slower pace, this is a chance to truly unwind, connect with nature, and experience Franz Josef’s wilderness from a different perspective.
From the listing by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- Discover the true beauty of the West Coast in a small personalized cruise on Lake Mapourika. The Jurassic rainforest fringed bays which reflect the surrounding Alps and Glaciers will leave you in awe of its beauty. Explore a kiwi conservation area with your knowledgeable local skipper and enjoy watching curious native birdlife in the surrounding rainforest shoreline. About 120 min.
What's included
- Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting point
Please check-in at our office 15 minutes prior to your trip departure time.
Where it ends
Please check-in at our office 15 minutes prior to your trip departure time.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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