The mighty Franz Josef Glacier is a spotlight of many individuals’s South Island adventures. On this weblog submit you can find out that one of many coolest methods (no pun supposed) is to see the Franz Josef Glacier from a kayak!
The Glacier Nation Kayak group will take you on a tour of the attractive glacial lake, present you completely breathtaking views and fill your head with fascinating native information. You possibly can go to Franz Josef on our South Island or North and South Island excursions. Read more about our tours for 2022/23 here.
This is the reason we expect Franz Josef Glacier by kayak must be the brand new NZ!
Mirror pictures
Positioned within the valley of the Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Mapourika was created some 14,000 years in the past when the glacier retreated after a major ice age. The encircling excessive peaks go away the lake calm and reflective. Not solely does the lake’s shelter make for straightforward paddling, it additionally offers you unsurpassed panoramic views of snowfields, glaciers, and among the highest peaks within the nation. Simply try these photographs…
Reflection. You possibly can see the mountains within the background and within the water
Benefit from the peace and tranquility of Lake Mapourika
Climate
In case you’ve heard about heli-hiking or the Franz Josef Glacier, you’ve got in all probability been instructed that the climate may be very erratic. The west coast of the South Island is called the wettest space in New Zealand (which is why the rainforest is so lush and delightful).
The draw back to that is that the glacier is shrouded in clouds on some days and there is not a lot to see. However there’s excellent news! As a result of Lake Mapourika is so sheltered by the dramatic, towering mountains that border it, the climate on the lake is usually a lot better than on the glacier.
So on a wet, foggy day, when you might not have the ability to see the glacier, you’ll be able to nonetheless see some fairly spectacular sights out of your little yellow kayak.
Sustainable sights
The group love New Zealand’s distinctive pure setting and are enthusiastic about conservation and sustainability. Kayaking is a brilliant low-level technique to see the glacier and surrounding panorama, so you’ll be able to make sure you take solely photographs and go away solely paddle ripples. The lake you paddle on is surrounded by rainforest from the Jurassic period. It’s a part of the Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park, a World Heritage Web site.
Along with different treasured native animals, the rarest kiwi on the planet, the Rowi lives right here. Glacier Nation Kayaks is dedicated to making sure that your kayaking journey has as little affect on the environment as doable.
As well as, a part of the worth of your ticket goes to the Division of Conservation, which is liable for defending New Zealand’s distinctive pure, historic and cultural heritage. You go!
Guides that present and inform
That Nationwide Park we instructed you about can also be the oldest rainforest within the Westland. It’s residence to a wide range of native birds, from the notorious cheeky kea to the uncommon and delightful grebe. The best a part of having an enthusiastic and educated information is with the ability to perceive what you’re looking at!
Your information will let you know tales of native Maori legend, educating you in regards to the space’s geographical historical past, wildlife and conservation. These guys are actually passionate, so that you’re sure to study one thing new to share together with your Stray buddies on the bus.
In case you select the paddle and hike choice, your tour features a guided stroll the place you study in regards to the rainforest and the tremendous uncommon Rowi kiwi. This course was created and maintained by Glacier Nation Kayaks, so nobody else will likely be on it! This offers you a a lot better likelihood of seeing the wildlife, within the peaceable silence of the luxurious rainforest.
An image says greater than a thousand phrases
Your information can even doc your kayaking journey – they’re specialists at capturing these sought-after candid photographs and taking advantage of the mirror-like lake. The most effective half is that you simply get to take all of your photographs residence without cost! So you’ll be able to share your new enjoyable information in your Instagram captions, alongside epic photographs.
What an image! Your guides will get nice photographs for you
It is a thumbs up for Glacier Nation Kayaks
About Glacier Nation Kayaks
Glacier Nation Kayaks is run by an important crew of numerous backgrounds who’ve a wealth of data and expertise. They provide three kayaking experiences. Check out their kayaking experiences and add one to your New Zealand tour.
