Kayaking - Glacier Kayak Tours Franz Josef
from NZD$95.00
About
Description
Visitors to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers experience a variety of landscapes, from the dramatic alpine environment of the Southern Alps and glaciers, to Westland's scenic wetlands and rugged coastline.
Our inspiring kayak tour offers a unique experience where you will paddle through a protected habitat with panoramic views of the glaciers and mountains. Weather is a feature of our tour - sandwiched between mountains and sea, Lake Mapourika, has its own micro-climate which enhances the ambience of the experience. With all equipment provided and our expert paddling advice, you should remain warm and dry on your eco-tour.
Leaving from Jetty Bay, the guided half day tour takes you across the glacial lake past rain forest and imposing vertical walls of glacial moraine. You then paddle through the pristine environment of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary and 900-year-old kahikatea trees.
In the morning, when there is generally little wind, our hassle-free kayak tours glide across the surface of the lake which mirrors the surrounding landscape and, on a good day, you can see views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and 14 glaciers, including Franz Josef Glacier.
After lunch, a coastal sea breeze ruffles the surface of the lake, making our afternoon scenic tours a little more adventurous, with the bonus of dramatic light change and cloud formations sweeping across the highest peaks of the Southern Alps.
The opportunities for photographers are endless. For those who don't want to carry cameras, we take high quality digital photographs of your kayaking adventure for you to take away free of charge.
Our experienced guides will ensure your guided eco-adventure tour on the South Island's West Coast is informative, safe and memorable. Your comfort and enjoyment are our priorities!
Helihike and Kayak Combo
Combine a morning Franz Josef Helihike with The Helicopter Line and Franz Glacier Guides with an afternoon guided kayak tour (photos included) and finish it off with a 2 course dinner at the Landing restuarant.
Trip Includes
- 3 hour guided kayak tour
- Digital photos of your experience
- All equipment
- Informative guides
- Helihike (if booking the Combo)
Duration
- Allow 3.5 hours
- Allow 6 hours for the Combo
Departures
- Summer: 9am and 4pm (times for afternoon tour varies depending on sunset)
- Winter: 9.30am & 2.30pm
- Helihike & Kayak Combo departs at 8.30am
- Departs from Glacier Kayaks shop, 20 Cron street, Franz Josef village
Other Information
- All equipment provided
- If you prefer to kayak in calmer conditions with less wind then we recommend booking the morning tour as the afternoon tour can get effected by the late breeze
- Afternoon tours depart 4 hours before sunset at approximately 12.30pm. Times vary slightly depending on the seasons and sunset. Your time will be confirmed when you book
- Operates all year in most weather conditions
- Minimal fitness is required
- No minimum age for kayaking
- Minimum age for Helihike & Kayak combo is 10 years