Franz Josef Cruise & Guided Walk
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Discover the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary in Franz Josef on a cruise and rainforest walk with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours. Franz Josef is renowned for its glaciers, ancient rainforest and native flora and fauna, the perfect destination for experiencing the South Island’s wild west coast. Journey across the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika on a scenic cruise before exploring the Kiwi Sanctuary on foot with a guided rainforest walk.
Your scenic cruise with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours takes you across the glassy waters of Lake Mapourika, known for its incredible mirrored reflections. Along the way, enjoy views of the Jurassic rainforest and snow capped mountains, where you can spot some of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers. Your friendly skipper provides interesting commentary on your surroundings, before leading the way off the boat and onto the rainforest trail in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
Carefully carved out by the team at Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, the trail winds through untouched rainforest and provides the best viewing of pristine native bush and curious wildlife. Look out for white herons and native bush birds as you make your way through this pure natural environment in Franz Josef, which is also home to the rarest kiwi in the world - the Rowi.
Location
What you need to know
- Scenic cruise of Lake Mapourika
- Guided rainforest walk in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
- Knowledgeable local guide
- Allow 2.5 hours
- 9:00am, 10:00am & 1:00pm
- Departs from Franz Josef township - 30 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier
- Operates daily all year
- How long or difficult is the walk portion of this Franz Josef cruise and walk tour? The walking portion of the Cruise & Rainforest Walk by Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a short, guided nature stroll designed to be easy and accessible for most ages.
- Infants (0-2yrs) travel free of charge
- Child rates (3-17yrs) apply
- Please dress comfortably. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear & to bring an extra jersey/jacket along, sun protection & of course, don’t forget your camera!
- Walking poles are available for the walk
- Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Cancellations within 24 hours - no refund
- Private/Group bookings or Charters incur a 48-hr cancellation policy
- This is specifically advised at the time of booking
- Tours require minimum numbers to operate
- Tour operator reserves the right to cancel tours if numbers are not met or in the event of adverse weather conditions
