Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a 100% locally owned family business operating out of Franz Josef Village on the West Coast, with over 20 years' experience and 4,000+ five-star reviews. Their guided kayak tours on Lake Mapourika take in mirror-calm water reflecting the Southern Alps and glaciers, with routes into the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary through ancient rainforest. The scenic boat cruise covers the same spectacular landscape at a relaxed pace, while fishing charters target brown trout and wild salmon. For those after something more high-energy, guided quad bike and buggy tours navigate glacier-fed riverbeds and rainforest tracks — all-weather, all year round. All tours depart from 30 Main Road, Franz Josef Village.

Inclusive statement

The Franz Josef Wilderness Tours team welcomes guests of all abilities and works with MakingTrax to adapt experiences where needed. The calm, sheltered waters of Lake Mapourika make kayaking here one of the most naturally accessible paddle experiences in New Zealand — if it's possible, the team will find a way to make it work.

Good to know

Kayaking requires the ability to hold a paddle and transfer independently into a kayak — custom MakingTrax support harnesses are available for guests with reduced mobility. If you are unable to transfer independently, contact MakingTrax in advance to discuss options. The quad bike tour requires drivers to be a minimum of 16 years old; passengers on quad bikes must be at least 145cm tall to reach the footrests. Drivers with children under 17 must be 18+. The boat cruise is the most accessible option for guests with significant mobility needs — contact the team ahead of arrival for assistance boarding. We have yet to develop an Access Guide — please contact us directly, or adaptive trips through Makingtrax