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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier
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West Coast, New Zealand
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From $83.84
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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
- 24 hours prior100% refund
- Within 24 hoursNo refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations
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Safety measures
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking?
Vaccine? Quarantine? Masking? We know, there’s a lot to keep track of. Be sure to check local guidelines so you’re aware of all travel requirements before you go.
What you can expect during your visit
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785
3 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Overview
Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand’s glacier country on this kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand’s most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region’s fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.
- Paddle through Lake Mapourika on a kayak tour from Franz Joseph Glacier
- See native wildlife and receive digital photos after your tour
- All necessary equipment and instruction is included
- Round-trip transportation from Franz Joseph available upon request
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From $83.84
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What's Included
Fully Guided Activity
High Quality Photos
All equipment provided including dry bags, splash jackets and gloves and hats in the winter
Courtesy Transport to and from the Lake
Courtesy pick-ups available on request
Private transportation
Lunch
Food and drinks, unless specified
Departure & Return
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Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- OPERATED BY Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Learn more about cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier?
A:The policies on social distancing are:
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Reviews
5.0
224 Reviews
5 stars
216
4 stars
7
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
1
Reviews by Viator travelers
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Showing 1-10 of 224 reviews
Absolutely amazing!
Emma_M
, Jun 2021
The whole experience was amazing absolutely beautiful day what a view kayaking through the lake around the mountains and the kayak guide we had with us was great :) can’t wait to come back next month and do this again I’ll be booking this again very soon! Loved it :)
Super afternoon of kayaking, led by...
Iain P
, Mar 2018
This kayak tour is a must-do...
Rahul C
, Feb 2018
This kayak tour is a must-do activity while at Franz Josef Glacier Village. Lake Mapourika is a spectacular glacial lake, surrounded by temperate rain forest-covered hills. The tour keeps right on schedule, with safety being the primary concern of the tour guides, and your enjoyment of the tour coming in a close second. For the most part, you'll be paddling your kayaks without commentary from the tour guides. Once you cross the lake, however, the tour guides provide nice insights about the origins of the lake and the forests and the wildlife. We paddled up a somewhat narrow creek, and stopped to listen to the tour guides about the various plants and original human inhabitants. We were lucky to get reasonably close to the somewhat elusive New Zealand White Heron.
Our guides were Johnny aka Woody because he wore a hat similar to Woody in Pixar's Toy Story and Bom Bom Brandon?. Both were entertaining and informative, and clearly love what they do.
Wonderful scenery, good physical activity, and a learning experience. What are you waiting for?
Lovely, tranquil...
Margaret P
, Jan 2018
We had an awesome 4 hour kayak/walk...
harris g
, Mar 2017
We had an awesome 4 hour kayak/walk on Lake Manapouri, including 90 minutes of kayaking each way across beautiful lake, with a one hour walk through bush to the cafe, where our guide had set up coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Our guide, Mike, was wonderful, taking photos of the kayakers in each of the 4 kayaks. The kayaks are great, with a rudder and pedals, aprons so you stay dry, and back support. Best of all, the company has the only permit on the lake, so there were no other kayaks on the lake for the majority of the trip. It was a definite highlight on our spectacular New Zealand vacation.
Great tour guide, very friendly and had...
bianca.burian01
, Jan 2017
It was a fantastic kayaking trip...
Rachel O
, Jul 2016
An absolute MUST DO in Franz Josef...
Hannah C
, May 2016
An absolute MUST DO in Franz Josef! It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. You get to learn about the Maori culture and the geological history of the area, from the knowledgeable guide as well! The experience is serene and fun the views are breath taking! Plus you get awesome hi-def, free pics
This was a beautiful, relaxing and...
Belinda K
, Dec 2015
This was a beautiful, relaxing and highly enjoyable kayak. The scenery was amazing, the guides were friendly and knowledgeable about not only kayaking but about New Zealand and the kiwis in the kiwi sanctuary. While not high on the 'adrenalin junkie' list, this is a must do activity for anyone visiting Franz Josef wishing to see the amazing scenery.
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If you see an Experience Award Winner label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Viator over a 12-month period.
The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We’re always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.
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