Kayak & Walk on Lake Mapourika: A Magical West Coast Adventure
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is famous for its spectacular scenery, towering mountains, ancient rainforest and, of course, its rain. But sometimes the best way to experience this incredible part of the country is to get out on the water and explore it from a completely different perspective.
We recently joined Franz Josef Tours for their Kayak & Walk experience on Lake Mapourika, just a short drive north of Franz Josef Glacier township.
It was a wet, misty day when we headed out, with low cloud hanging over the surrounding rainforest and the lake disappearing into the fog. Far from spoiling the experience, the weather actually made it feel even more atmospheric.
With a small group of eight people, double kayaks, a knowledgeable guide and a beautiful lake surrounded by native forest, this turned out to be a fantastic way to spend a few hours on the West Coast. If you're travelling around the South Island in a campervan, this is definitely an excursion worth considering.
Where is Lake Mapourika?
Lake Mapourika is located approximately 10–15 kilometres north of Franz Josef township, alongside State Highway 6. It's one of the largest lakes in Westland Tai Poutini National Park and is surrounded by lush native rainforest, with the Southern Alps rising behind the landscape.
The lake has an interesting geological history. It was formed during the last Ice Age, when the Franz Josef Glacier retreated and left behind a large block of ice. As that ice eventually melted, it created what is known as a kettle lake.
Today, the lake is fed by streams draining the surrounding forest and hills. Its water has a distinctive dark appearance, partly due to natural tannins released from the forest vegetation.
On a clear day, Lake Mapourika is famous for its reflections, with the surrounding rainforest and mountains mirrored across the water. But even when the weather isn't cooperating, the lake has a special atmosphere. The surrounding forest, mist-covered hills and quiet water make it feel like you're exploring somewhere a long way from the main tourist route.
Starting our kayak adventure
Our trip began at the Franz Josef Tours office in the township. After checking in, we were transferred by vehicle to Lake Mapourika, where our guide helped us get organised for the adventure.
The tour included eight participants, with everyone travelling in double kayaks. There were due to be a few more joining us, but the nasty weather put them off and they cancelled last minute (their loss!).
Before heading onto the water, we were provided with waterproof clothing and life jackets. Our guide then gave us a safety briefing, explaining how to paddle, what to expect on the lake and the importance of following instructions throughout the trip.
The briefing was straightforward and reassuring, particularly for anyone who doesn't regularly go kayaking. Once everyone was ready, we climbed into our kayaks and set off across the lake.
Kayaking across Lake Mapourika
The first part of the trip involved paddling across Lake Mapourika towards the forest on the opposite side. This was a great opportunity to take in the surrounding scenery.
The lake is relatively sheltered by the surrounding hills and forest, and the double kayaks made it easy for everyone to get involved, regardless of their kayaking experience.
Our guide led the group across the water, keeping everyone together while sharing information about the lake and the surrounding environment.
One of the things we particularly enjoyed was how quiet everything felt. There were no busy roads, buildings or crowds around us. Just the sound of paddles entering the water, the occasional bird and the surrounding rainforest.
The weather was very wet, with low cloud and mist hanging over the lake. Normally, you might hope for blue skies and sunshine when booking an outdoor excursion, but the West Coast has its own character. The mist created a mysterious atmosphere, with the forest disappearing into the background and the lake stretching away into the fog. It felt like we were exploring a completely different world. And although we were all getting a little wet, it certainly didn't dampen the enjoyment.
A nature walk through the rainforest
After paddling across the lake, we reached the shoreline and left our kayaks behind for a short nature walk. The walk lasted approximately 30 minutes and took us into the surrounding forest. This was a completely different experience from the kayaking.
The rainforest was lush and green, with native vegetation, moss-covered trees and the sort of damp, earthy atmosphere that makes the West Coast so distinctive.
Our guide provided information about the surrounding environment as we walked.
The short hike was a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs after being in the kayaks, and it added another dimension to the excursion. Rather than simply paddling across the lake and returning, we were able to explore the landscape from both the water and the forest.
The walk wasn't particularly demanding, making it a good option for people who enjoy nature but aren't necessarily looking for a challenging hiking experience. It's also a nice way to break up the trip and experience the West Coast rainforest at close quarters.
A hot drink in the rainforest
One of the highlights of the excursion was stopping for a hot drink during the trip.
Our guide provided tea, coffee and hot chocolate, which was very welcome given the weather. There is something particularly enjoyable about having a warm drink while surrounded by rainforest, especially when it's raining.
It was a chance for everyone to relax, chat and enjoy the surroundings before heading back onto the lake. This was a small detail, but it helped make the experience feel more like an adventure rather than simply a kayaking activity.
It's also worth remembering that the West Coast can be wet and cool, even during the warmer months, so having an opportunity to warm up during the trip was appreciated.
Back onto the lake
After our nature walk and hot drink stop, we returned to the kayaks and headed back across Lake Mapourika. By this point, everyone was comfortable in their kayaks and the group had settled into the experience.
The return journey gave us another opportunity to enjoy the lake and surrounding forest.
The weather remained wet and misty, but the conditions added to the atmosphere rather than detracting from it. The low cloud made the surrounding hills feel particularly dramatic, while the dark water and rainforest created a beautiful contrast.
It was a reminder that the West Coast doesn't always need sunshine to be spectacular.
Sometimes the mist, rain and changing light are what make the landscape so memorable.
How long does the Kayak & Walk trip take?
Our experience lasted approximately 3.5 hours in total, including the transfer, safety briefing, kayaking, nature walk and hot drink stop. This makes it a great half-day activity, you don't need to dedicate an entire day to it, which is particularly useful when travelling around the South Island and trying to fit several experiences into your campervan trip.
The combination of kayaking and walking also means you're not spending the entire excursion doing the same activity. It's a good balance of being active, enjoying the scenery and learning about the surrounding environment.
What is the Franz Josef Tours Kayak & Walk experience like?
We really enjoyed this excursion. The combination of kayaking, walking and the opportunity to explore Lake Mapourika made it a memorable experience.
A few things particularly stood out:
A different perspective: Exploring the lake by kayak gives you a completely different view of the surrounding landscape compared with driving along State Highway 6.
A small group experience: With eight people on our trip, it felt relaxed and manageable rather than crowded.
A knowledgeable guide: Having someone explain the surrounding environment and lead the trip made the experience more interesting.
A manageable adventure: The kayaking and short nature walk provide some activity without requiring a particularly strenuous day.
The West Coast atmosphere: The rain and mist added to the experience, making the lake and surrounding rainforest feel especially magical.
It's the sort of activity that allows you to slow down and appreciate the natural environment rather than simply passing through it.
Our top tip: Take insect repellent!
If there's one practical tip we'd recommend for anyone doing this trip, it's to take insect repellent. The West Coast is well known for its sandflies and mosquitoes, particularly around lakes, rivers and forested areas. Lake Mapourika is no exception.
Although we were travelling in wet weather, insects can still be an issue, particularly when you're stopped on the shoreline or exploring the forest.
It's worth applying insect repellent before the trip and having some available if you need to reapply. You might not notice them while you're paddling across the lake, but the quieter stops around the forest are where they can become a nuisance. A little preparation can make the experience much more comfortable.
What should you wear?
The West Coast weather can be unpredictable, so it's worth being prepared. For our trip, waterproof clothing and life jackets were provided, which made getting out onto the water much easier.
We'd recommend:
Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather.
Layers underneath your waterproof clothing.
Comfortable footwear suitable for a short walk through the forest.
Insect repellent.
A camera or phone to capture the scenery.
A change of clothes for afterwards, particularly if you're travelling in wet weather.
The tour provides the essential kayaking equipment and waterproof clothing. And don't let a forecast of rain automatically put you off. As we discovered, the West Coast can be just as beautiful when it's wet.
Why add Lake Mapourika to your South Island campervan itinerary?
If you're travelling around the South Island in a campervan, Franz Josef is one of those destinations that deserves more than a quick stop. The area is famous for its glaciers, rainforest, waterfalls and spectacular mountain scenery. But there are plenty of other experiences to enjoy beyond the main attractions. The Lake Mapourika Kayak & Walk is a great example.
It's an easy addition to your West Coast road trip
Lake Mapourika is conveniently located just north of Franz Josef township, making it an easy excursion to include while travelling along State Highway 6.
You don't need to make a major detour or drive for hours to reach the starting point. If you're travelling between Hokitika and Fox Glacier, Franz Josef is a natural place to stop for a night or two. Adding the kayak trip gives you another activity to enjoy while you're there.
It gives you a different experience of the West Coast
Many visitors come to Franz Josef to see the glacier, explore the rainforest or visit the surrounding waterfalls. The kayak trip offers something different. Instead of viewing the landscape from the road or a walking track, you're exploring it from the water.
It's a fantastic way to appreciate the scale of the surrounding forest and mountains.
It's a good half-day activity
When travelling in a campervan, it's nice to have activities that fit comfortably into your itinerary without taking up the entire day. Our trip lasted around 3.5 hours, making it easy to combine with other activities. You could spend the morning kayaking and walking, then enjoy lunch in Franz Josef before heading out to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, it's a great way to spend part of a day before continuing your South Island road trip.
It's suitable for a range of travellers
The combination of double kayaks, a guided experience and a relatively short nature walk makes this an appealing option for travellers who enjoy being outdoors. You don't need to be an experienced kayaker to appreciate the trip.
The guide provides a safety briefing and leads the group, while the double kayaks make it possible to share the paddling.
It's a good option for couples, friends and families looking for an outdoor activity, although you should check the operator's current age, fitness and booking requirements before travelling.
It showcases the West Coast in all its glory
The West Coast is one of the wettest parts of New Zealand, and the weather can change quickly. But the rain is also what helps create the incredible rainforest environment that makes this part of the South Island so special.
Our trip was wet and misty, but that actually added to the experience. The low cloud, dark water and surrounding forest created a wonderfully atmospheric setting.
If you're travelling around the South Island, you’ve got to embrace the West Coast weather rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
You might discover that some of your favourite experiences happen on the days when the weather doesn't quite go to plan.
Where to stay when visiting Lake Mapourika
Lake Mapourika is close to Franz Josef township, which makes the village a convenient base for exploring the area.
If you're travelling by campervan, there are several accommodation options in and around Franz Josef, including holiday parks and campsites.
Staying locally means you can enjoy the kayak trip without having to make a long drive before or after the excursion, it also gives you time to explore some of the other attractions around Franz Josef, including the surrounding rainforest walks and glacier viewpoints.
For a South Island campervan trip, we'd recommend allowing at least one night in the area, and preferably two if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace. That way, you can enjoy the kayak excursion without feeling rushed and still have time to see what else the region has to offer.
Booking the Franz Josef Tours Kayak & Walk
The Lake Mapourika Kayak & Walk is operated by Franz Josef Tours. The excursion includes a guided kayaking experience, a short nature walk and a hot drink stop.
Our trip took approximately 3.5 hours, making it a convenient half-day activity while visiting Franz Josef.
You can find the tour details and booking information here:
We recommend checking the website for current prices, departure times, availability and booking requirements before planning your visit.
Our verdict
The Franz Josef Tours Kayak & Walk on Lake Mapourika was a fantastic addition to any South Island West Coast road trip.
We enjoyed the combination of kayaking, exploring the rainforest and having a hot drink along the way.
The trip was relaxed, well organised and gave us a different perspective on the surrounding landscape. And although the weather was very wet, it didn't detract from the experience.
In fact, the mist and rain made the lake feel even more magical.
If you're planning a South Island campervan trip and stopping in Franz Josef, we'd definitely recommend considering this excursion.
South Island by Van tip: Allow a little extra time in Franz Josef rather than treating it as a quick overnight stop. Between the glaciers, rainforest walks and Lake Mapourika, there's plenty to enjoy in this part of the West Coast.
And if you're lucky enough to experience the lake in misty weather, don't be disappointed. Sometimes that's when the West Coast is at its most magical.
