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The West Coast Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
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 in NZD ($)
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$149.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$99.99 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$67.00
- Adult$122.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- 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$67.00
- Adult$122.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
- Adult$104.00
- Child$95.00
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 187 authenticated Bookme reviews
Bernadette Schulze from Germany wrote on 26 October 2023
Kayaktour without seeing the glacier
Our trip with the kayaks was very nice. The view over the see is beautiful. You get photos for free and that is very cool! :) We expected to see the glacier, but you did not see it during the tour. We think, it's a bit expensive for what you get.
From Franz Josef - 3 Hour Kayak Classic
Hi Bernadette! Thanks for the review, some days you get to see the glaciers and mountain ranges surrounding the Lake and other times unfortunately you can't due to the low lying cloud that sits in the ranges. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels. Thanks Emma
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
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.
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Coralie from France wrote on 03 April 2017
Belle Expérience
Nous avons adoré cette session de Kayak avec Zac. Le temps était de notre côté. Le lac est calme, paisible et loin de toute activité touristique. Zac est un guide agréable ayant trouvé le juste équilibre pour nous faire vivre une expérience à la fois enrichissante en informations et en instants magiques. Et puis, nous sommes très heureux d'avoir de très belles photos souvenir à partager ! Merci !