Franz Josef Wilderness Tours - Private Kayak Tour

Experience the luxury of Lake Mapourika our private kayak tour. Delve into the ancient beauty of Westland’s pristine rainforest, with a local knowledgeable kayak guide. Witness the wonders of kiwi conservation up close on our bespoke rainforest trail and encounter an array of native birdlife. Or if you prefer to paddle more your guide will show you hidden creeks that await your discovery – the choice is yours as this tour is designed just for you.

Your expert kayak hosts will pack warm water for a cup of tea or coffee along the way, and snap high quality photographs for you throughout your journey.

Lake Mapourika is deep and is an exposed body of water. Inherent risks of the activity include (but are not limited to):

1) RISK OF CAPSIZE OR FALLING IN

We will fit you into equipment suitable for your size, level of experience as well as the current weather conditions.

2) RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is a risk at any time of year in this climate. The risk is especially high during WINTER. It is up to you to bring WARM LAYERS on your tour. ASK US if you’re dressed appropriately. We provide splash jackets to aid with keeping you dry.

Please note: we recommend no denim on our tours!

3) RISK OF DROWNING

We will fit you to a buoyancy aid suitable for your weight and size, you must ALWAYS wear a buoyancy aid throughout the activity.

4) LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS

We provide waterproof dry-bags, and we will show you how to use them properly. It is important that EACH ITEM you take with you is kept in the drybag. When you take items out of the dry bag – it’s at YOUR OWN RISK.

5) RISK OF DEATH OR OTHER SERIOUS INJURY
We will provide all safety equipment, safety instructions, safety pre trip training, a fully trained guide who is trained in first aid. During the tour you will be monitored and given extra safety instructions. YOU MUST listen and follow your guides INSTRUCTIONS at ALL TIMES.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours staff reserve the right to terminate the tour / your participation at any time that your safety becomes compromised. Pre-tour consumption of DRUGS or ALCOHOL is strictly forbidden.

Our Kayak Tours are an ADVENTURE, through a REMOTE part of the Wild West Coast! This means that at times during your trip you will be 1-2 HOURS FROM MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. Before your tour we will ask that you advise us of any medical conditions or injuries.

If you’re not sure about something feel free to get in touch with our team and ask!

CANCELLATION POLICY
We want you to be confident when you book directly with us! We provide hassle-free full refunds without any penalties. We do ask that any cancellations and changes are made a full 24 hours prior to the trip time. Cancellations made within the 24 hour time frame cannot be refunded (for any reason including medical or other) so please let us know in time if you need to change, or cancel your booking! Good travel insurance will cover last minute scenarios you might encounter that affect your bookings. Private/Group bookings or charters incur a 48 hour cancellation policy.

We reserve the right to cancel tours if minimum numbers are not met or in the event of unsafe conditions, in which case full refunds are issued.

We’re here to help, so feel free to drop us an email if you have any questions.

If you need help with an existing booking please email us at [email protected] if your enquiry is urgent please follow up your email with a quick call on +61 2 5633 1149 so we can help you.

Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100NZD deposit required).

We endorse the recommendation that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.

Absolutely, just let us know your preferred start and finish location and we’ll make it work.

There is definitely no wrong way to travel New Zealand. Depending on what type of traveller you are, you might enjoy a Campervan road trip over the Hop On Hop Off Bus Packages. We recommend booking a free consultation with one our friendly team and they can tailor their recommendation to your personality and  travel plans.

We get it. Life is all about the unexpected, especially when you are travelling. If you are unable to make your pre-arranged tour you will need to reach out to our [email protected] so we can give you a helping hand. In all cases we strongly recommend having a valid travel insurance policy which covers you for unexpected cancellations.

Yes. All of our packages are customisable so if you would like to make any changes please contact our team under [email protected] or our WhatsApp (+64) 3409 0617