-
travel_explore
Hokitika Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is one of the most scenic kayak locations on planet earth
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is one of the most scenic kayak locations on planet earth
Highlights
- One of the most scenic kayaking tours in the world!
- Unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers
- Tranquil mirror-like waters - great for paddling
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is one of the most scenic kayak locations on planet earth!.
Enjoy a 3 hour kayaking tour in Franz Josef Glacier.
Join us on a unique kayak adventure and kiwi sanctuary tour, just minutes from Franz Josef Glacier!
Glide effortlessly across the lakes mirror-like water, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding high mountains and glaciers. Our stunning lake was created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14,000 years ago.
Now it sits calm and reflective, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. At the back of the lake, we navigate our kayaks deep into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
Paddle silently past some 900-year-old kahikatea trees, all to the sound of native birdsong.
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is locally owned and operated, so like true west coasters, we'll get out there rain or shine!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$84.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencyThe guides were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable for everyone (10 people said this).
- emergencyThe scenery was breathtaking, with many customers highlighting the beauty of Lake Manapouri (8 people said this).
- emergencyThe kayak trip was well-organized and the perfect length for a fun outing (6 people said this).
- emergencyMany found the experience peaceful and relaxing, appreciating the tranquility of the surroundings (5 people said this).
- emergencyCustomers loved the personal touch from the guides, who shared local knowledge and stories (7 people said this).
- emergencyOverall, the kayak tour was considered excellent value for money (4 people said this).
- star_shineBring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Be prepared for an early start if your time changes.
Showing all 187 authenticated Bookme reviews
junxinl from Singapore wrote on 28 February 2026
Amazing Kayaking Experience
Everything was wonderful about this activity. The guides are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, professional and super fun to talk with. Highly recommended if you love nature or kayaking.
William Fowler from New Zealand wrote on 19 August 2025
Fun and Social
Max was a friendly knowledgeable guide and ensured we had a great time out on the water. The tour was an ideal length, with beautiful scenery. Thanks to the people at Franz Josef wilderness tours for an amazing experience, would highly recommend as was one of our highlights from our time down in the South Island.
patriciav2 from New Zealand wrote on 05 July 2025
10/10
Our initial kayak slot was in the afternoon, but it got moved to the morning due to low numbers. We really didn’t want to pay extra to secure that timing, so we left Queenstown at 3am just to make it on time definitely an early mission! Despite the early start, the experience was totally worth it. Lake Manapouri is breathtaking, and kayaking there for the first time was such a peaceful and unforgettable experience. Grateful it all worked out in the end!
karans3 from New Zealand wrote on 22 May 2025
Kayak 3 hours
Very veey good very nicce
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
Qualmark Gold
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Qualmark Silver
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
Qualmark Bronze
The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.
Continue with Facebook
Megan Page from New Zealand wrote on 03 March 2026
Fantastic thing to do whatever the weather
Spending time in this jurrasic landscape on the kayak tour is the ultimate way to spend a few hours in the area. Double kayaks with spray skirts so you don't get wet. Great guide with good knowledge that he shared along the way. Highlight was kayaking down the hidden creek, saw loads of birds. Bonus we also saw 2 Kotakus the endangered white heron while we were paddling and then was just fishing in the shallows where the tour ended. Fab day, highly reccomend