4WD Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$102
per adult
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
5
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursBoat ToursFishing Charters & ToursStand Up PaddleboardingKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Explore further in Franz Josef Glacier...
Kayak Tours, Boat Cruises & Off-Road Adventure tours in Franz Josef Glacier.
We're an 100% locally owned and operated family business in Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast of NZ's South Island. On Lake Mapourika experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps relfected onto mirror-like water amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest! Fish for Brown trout or Wild Salmon and enjoy a Scenic Cruise with amazing landscape & birdlife viewing.
Join an off-road adventure tour to experience Franz Josef's ultimate wet weather activity or on a sunny day enjoy spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier from afar.
FREE photos with each tour.
Franz Josef, New Zealand
Features animals
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Boat Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$145
per adult
Likely To Sell Out
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$149
per adult
Kayaking Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$165
per adult
Boat Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$120
per adult
Travellers talk about
(71 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,315 reviews
Excellent
1,187
Very good
90
Average
27
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Nikhil T
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Lots of fun, really beautiful ride through the rainforest before doing some fun off-roading in the river bed. Sadly it was too misty to see the glacier, but the wet weather made the quad biking more fun. Quite safe, with no concerns.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you for the awesome review!
Rain or shine the quads do offer a good time!
Kind regards
Dee
Written 29 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
timjstark
Milwaukee, WI687 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I cannot rate this company high enough; permit me to explain...
We booked a half day kayak tour, made all the arrangements the night before with Deanna (D), and were all fired up for the next day. My wife became a bit ill during the night and decided not to do the kayaking in the AM
Fast forward to showing up (just minutes before departure) and I presented D and Teanna (T) with that fact. They had every right to simply state that the rules with such a late cancellation were NO Refunds...but they didn't. (Sometimes, in this crazy world of ours, it is tiny decisions such as this that make all the difference). They silently conferred, made their choice, gave me a half refund, and proceed to go about their day making everyone that they encountered a bit happier than before...what an amazing legacy!
I then met Dylan ( our Guide for the day) who continued this epic company's journey to making everyone happy. He was professional, chill, and quite a positive force. With an odd number on his reservation sheet, but an even number of actual humans, Dylan quickly assessed that I would paddle with the other single...and he did this without missing a beat. He drove us to the launch site, gave us an awesome safety chat, helped us putting on all the gear and launching all three kayaks.
It quickly became apparent that my (size 14) shoes were either too big or had jammed the navigation pedals in the rear of our kayak. While the other two kayaks went out on the lake, he and I attempted to troubleshoot the pedals while on the water. Dylan made the call that we should forget the pedals, navigate only by paddles, and that he would fix the pedals when we docked prior to our little hike. He did 100% of that without any drama! He even towed one of the other two kayaks because the two young women in that kayak simply were too tired to paddle.
He did fix the pedals, we had our wonderful hike, enjoyed some tea/coffee, a few laughs , multiple photos, and then headed back.
Throughout all of this, Dylan (who could have easily expressed frustration with silly tourists), never showed any of that. We ended the tour with smiles all around, he put all the gear away without any sweat, and drove us back to Franz Josef with glowing memories of a day that could have gone so wrong, but did not due to:
D
T
and Dylan
Thanks to all three of you, because you could have made a different choice at any moment in this sequence. But each of you made an implicit decision that made all the difference!
Thanks! Tim Stark
We booked a half day kayak tour, made all the arrangements the night before with Deanna (D), and were all fired up for the next day. My wife became a bit ill during the night and decided not to do the kayaking in the AM
Fast forward to showing up (just minutes before departure) and I presented D and Teanna (T) with that fact. They had every right to simply state that the rules with such a late cancellation were NO Refunds...but they didn't. (Sometimes, in this crazy world of ours, it is tiny decisions such as this that make all the difference). They silently conferred, made their choice, gave me a half refund, and proceed to go about their day making everyone that they encountered a bit happier than before...what an amazing legacy!
I then met Dylan ( our Guide for the day) who continued this epic company's journey to making everyone happy. He was professional, chill, and quite a positive force. With an odd number on his reservation sheet, but an even number of actual humans, Dylan quickly assessed that I would paddle with the other single...and he did this without missing a beat. He drove us to the launch site, gave us an awesome safety chat, helped us putting on all the gear and launching all three kayaks.
It quickly became apparent that my (size 14) shoes were either too big or had jammed the navigation pedals in the rear of our kayak. While the other two kayaks went out on the lake, he and I attempted to troubleshoot the pedals while on the water. Dylan made the call that we should forget the pedals, navigate only by paddles, and that he would fix the pedals when we docked prior to our little hike. He did 100% of that without any drama! He even towed one of the other two kayaks because the two young women in that kayak simply were too tired to paddle.
He did fix the pedals, we had our wonderful hike, enjoyed some tea/coffee, a few laughs , multiple photos, and then headed back.
Throughout all of this, Dylan (who could have easily expressed frustration with silly tourists), never showed any of that. We ended the tour with smiles all around, he put all the gear away without any sweat, and drove us back to Franz Josef with glowing memories of a day that could have gone so wrong, but did not due to:
D
T
and Dylan
Thanks to all three of you, because you could have made a different choice at any moment in this sequence. But each of you made an implicit decision that made all the difference!
Thanks! Tim Stark
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Hi Tim,
Wow!!! Thank you so much for the awesome review!!
I am so glad we were able to give you an enjoyable tour!
I will certainly pass on this amazing review to the team!
Safe travels
Dee
Written 29 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael D
28 contributions
It was raining (believe it or not) and we decided to have some fun outdoors. The quad bike tours was great fun, safe and allowed us explore the area. The guides were super friendly and informative without being mollycoddled. Great way to spend a couple of hours.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your lovely review!
The quads are definitely a good way to make the most off a rainy day!
Glad you had a good time with us!
Safe travels
Dee
Written 29 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane F
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Had a great time on the kayak tour. The weather wasn't great but still enjoyed the experience. Not for the unfit though. We had sore muscles the next day
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you for the lovely review!
Safe travels
Dee
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
raneale
Adelaide, Australia27 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had hoped to see a vista of the snow-capped mountains but, in true NZ fashion they were covered in clouds and we couldn't see a thing.
But, instead of being disappointed, we had the lovely Tom to ourselves and learnt a wealth of information about the lake, the nearby forests, the flora and fauna. Having worked previously for the Department of Conservation, Tom told us so many interesting facts about the lake and its surrounds. Honestly, we could have stayed out on the water for another couple of hours.
But, instead of being disappointed, we had the lovely Tom to ourselves and learnt a wealth of information about the lake, the nearby forests, the flora and fauna. Having worked previously for the Department of Conservation, Tom told us so many interesting facts about the lake and its surrounds. Honestly, we could have stayed out on the water for another couple of hours.
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you for the lovely review!
The West Coast is certainly infamous for it's "great weather". So glad we were still able to offer a scenic tour, with some really interesting facts about the area!
Safe travels
Dee
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cheryl H
Carson City, NV66 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful experience! Our guide Joe was fantastic -- very knowledgable, friendly, and welcoming. If we lived in Franz Josef, we'd be friends! We appreciated our discussions not only about the lake/rainforest flora and fauna but also about life in New Zealand, culture, and politics. We wish it had been an all-day tour!
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you for the great review! We are glad you had such a fantastic time on your Cruise and Walk with Joe!
Written 25 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mehulshah24
Ahmedabad, India11 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
One amazing experience which made our franc Joseph visit altogether a lifetime memory. Super friendly staff, great outdoor activity, real good high adrenaline experience. Must do.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you so much for the great review!
So glad we were able to make your trip a memorable one!
Safe travels
Dee
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tour15115521573
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Had a really amazing time and surreal experience! Taylor and Carl were outstanding guides. Must do!!
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you for the lovely review!
I will pass on the kind message to Tayla and Karl.
Kind regards
Dee
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erwin K
Etten-Leur, The Netherlands74 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We did the quad tour and had a blast! Especially because it had been raining all morning and it's true what they say "the wetter the better".
Thanks to the wonderful team of Franz Josef Wilderness Tours!
The heli tours are great but don't miss out on this one!
Thanks to the wonderful team of Franz Josef Wilderness Tours!
The heli tours are great but don't miss out on this one!
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Wow! Thank you for the awesome review.
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Safe travels
Dee
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Climber62076596288
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
The Guides were very informative. Local Guides who knew their ecological history and facts.
Great views of snow capped mountains on the far side.
Great views of snow capped mountains on the far side.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BronBurrows
Thank you for the awesome review!
Glad we were able show you why we love this area!
Safe travels
Dee
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
silent84
singapore139 contributions
Hi, we are 5 adults, the 4 has no kayak experience, only 1 has minimum experience. We will be travelling in mid-Aug. Will there be still tours and will it be very cold?
GlacierLakeTours
Franz Josef, New Zealand
Hi,
Yes we operate tours all year around. With your level of experience I would recommend booking the Discovery Kayak this is our shorter tour of 1.5 hours and is great for beginner kayakers.
In August it will still be cold, nearing the end of winter. We recommend wearing 2-3 warm layers on our tours and we will also provide some layers to keep you dry.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
Kind regards,
The Glacier Kayaks Team.
robena88
East Granby, CT2 contributions
We plan to come there in mid to late November. Would that be a good time to kayak the lake? Does it ever get to windy to comfortably paddle on it?
Franz Josef Tours
Franz Josef, New Zealand20 contributions
Hi, around that time of year is a nice time to go kayaking on the lake. for the calmest times of day I would recommend a morning tour or our sunset tours as this is when the wind is generally the lightest. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. Dale
Shreya H
21 contributions
hi I will be coming with a group of 5, can we share kayaks as my mum would not be able to paddle for long? also are there any issues with the water being too icy?
Franz Josef Tours
Franz Josef, New Zealand20 contributions
Hi Shreya,
With a group of 5 your mother will likely end up paddling with the guide in a double kayak and we will pair up the rest of your group into our stable double kayaks. That way it's perfectly fine if she doesn't paddle much!
During the winter here on the coast we experience our calmest and most settled weather, which is surprisingly temperate as well. There will definitely not be any ice on the water, and we'll do our very best to keep you completely dry during the trip.
We hope to see you on the lake with us this winter!
Bronwyn
Joann T
Hong Kong, China3 contributions
Hi, can I play kayaking if I am not able to swim?
Franz Josef Tours
Franz Josef, New Zealand20 contributions
Hi Joann,
You don't need to be able to swim to come kayaking with us. You will be provided with a life jacket and there will always be a guide with the group.
Please don't hesitate to ask if there should be any other questions!
Regards, Izzy
I have never kayaked before. Is that okay? We ard planning to come in September and I really want this experience.
Franz Josef Tours
Franz Josef, New Zealand20 contributions
Hey there! Thanks for your message. That is absolutely fine. Our guides are top notch, and will do everything they can to ensure that you are comfortable and have the best experience possible. We would love to have you come paddle with us!
Stephanie L
Kansas City, MO8 contributions
How far in advance should we book tours if we are planning on coming in early February 2017? We are concerned we might get bad weather if we book too far in advance.
Franz Josef Tours
Franz Josef, New Zealand20 contributions
Hi Stephanie,
As your travel date falls into the busiest time of the season it is recommended to book in advance, to secure your spot on your preferred date and time. The weather over here can not really be predicted until really close to the date, as it changes quickly and often. For us there is no bad weather. We go out shine or rain and provide you all the gear you need (Raincoats, pants, hats, ...) to stay as dry as possible.
Don't hesitate to ask if there should be more questions.
Regards,
Izzy and your Glacier Country Kayaks Team
can the boy of almost 8 join the kayaks tour？
Franz Josef Tours
Franz Josef, New Zealand20 contributions
Hi there, Yes we can take children of all ages with us. It is always recommended that young children partake in either a 9 am morning tour or on a Sunset paddle in the evening as the lake is the calmest at these times of day. You can check availability and book online on our website.
We hope to see you on the lake this summer!