Kayaking Glacier Lakes: Lake Mapourika, Ōkārito and Tasman Lake by Campervan

Quick summary: For campervan travellers, kayaking is a peaceful way to experience New Zealand’s glacier country, and it’s often possible when flights are grounded. On the West Coast, guided trips paddle Lake Mapourika, a calm, dark lake that mirrors the rainforest and mountains near Franz Josef, and Ōkārito Lagoon, the country’s largest unmodified wetland. At Mount Cook, guided kayaks weave among the icebergs of Tasman Lake. Each is easy to reach from a campervan or motorhome base, and none needs experience.

At a glance
West Coast	Lake Mapourika near Franz Josef, Ōkārito Lagoon
Mount Cook	Tasman Lake, among icebergs
Time	Around 2–4 hours
Fitness	Low to moderate; beginners welcome on guided trips
Weather	Often possible when cloud grounds flights
Tours	Kayak tours

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Where can you kayak near the glaciers?

Lake	Near	What makes it special
Lake Mapourika	Franz Josef, around 10 km north	Still, tannin-dark water reflecting rainforest and peaks
Ōkārito Lagoon	Ōkārito, around 30 km north of Franz Josef	A vast wetland rich in birdlife, including the kōtuku, or white heron
Tasman Lake	Aoraki/Mount Cook	Icebergs and the ice face of the Tasman Glacier

Lake Mapourika

The largest lake in South Westland, Lake Mapourika is fringed by rainforest, and on still mornings its dark water reflects the Southern Alps. Guided trips often explore a quiet channel into the forest, and some include a stop for a swim in summer.

Ōkārito Lagoon

Ōkārito is a tiny coastal settlement beside a huge tidal lagoon. Kayaking here lets you explore channels lined with rainforest and spot wading birds, and on clear days, the mountains rise behind the lagoon. See nature and wildlife.

Tasman Lake

At Mount Cook, guided kayak trips paddle Tasman Lake, the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, among icebergs that have broken from the ice face. It’s a rare chance to get close to floating ice. See Aoraki/Mount Cook Village by campervan.

Is kayaking a good back-up when RV plans are rained off?

Often, yes. Kayaking on sheltered lakes can go ahead in cloudy or drizzly weather that grounds helicopters, so it’s a useful alternative on a day when flights are cancelled. Strong winds or heavy rain can still cancel trips, so check with the operator. See our guide to weather and spare days.

Do you need kayaking experience?

No. Guided trips are designed for beginners, with stable kayaks, a safety briefing and a guide throughout. Some operators offer double kayaks, which suit couples and less confident paddlers.

What should you bring?

Clothes that can get wet, a warm layer, a hat and sunscreen. On the West Coast, insect repellent is essential for sandflies. Operators usually provide life jackets and waterproof jackets.

Where can you book?

Browse kayak tours, and see Franz Josef by campervan for more on staying nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions