Small Group Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise in Franz Josef
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting Location
30 Main Road
Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Lake Mapourika
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Small Group Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise in Franz Josef?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-7653P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 115 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour 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.
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Small Group Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise in Franz Josef is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Small Group Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise in Franz Josef will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
