Kayak with White Herons amongst magnificent rain forest on Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest untouched wetland. This is an incredible ecological experience with a chance to see many rare native birds in their natural habitats. Kayak hire is available from two hours and guided trips are also available. We recommend and book Okarito Nature Tours.

Experience Franz Josef Glacier up close and personal with a glacier guided walk. Explore deep crevasse caverns and experience the groan of slow moving ice with experienced professional guides. All gear is included. Even better, for the ultimate adventure combine a glacier guided walk with a sensational scenic helicopter flight – rated as one of the top three must-do activities for visitors to New Zealand. Franz Josef Glacier is very busy in the Summer and Autumn season (1 November – 1 May) and only a limited number of walking spaces are available on the glacier, so don’t miss out! We recommend and book Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line.

Visit New Zealand’s only Kōtuku, White Heron breeding colony in the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, near Whataroa. See the magnificent Kotuku, Royal Spoonbill, Little Shag and other bird life, all in their natural nesting environment.

Skydive Franz offers the ultimate tandem skydiving experience. The highest skydive in the country (at 20 000 feet!), over the highest mountains in New Zealand. Amazing views of Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, the rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and the majestic rivers that wind all the way to the Tasman sea. If 20,000 feet is a bit high they also offer 13,000 and 16,000 foot jumps.

Fun & informative half day kayak tours and rentals on a pristine rainforest lake with a magnificent alpine & glacier backdrop. Journey across Lake Mapourika and through a hidden estuary to the Okarito State Forest, a primeval remnant of the world during the Jurassic Period and home of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Quiet and tranquil, with incredible views of the weather and moods of New Zealand’s highest mountain peaks mirrored in the black tannin-filled waters, it’s a fantastic way to take in the area. We recommend and book Glacier Country Kayaks.

Get more out of your visit to Franz Josef with a personal guiding service to suit all ages and abilities. Interesting conversation, informative local knowledge and a personal touch, with routes that include to and from the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier terminals, Lake Matheson, and all the local tracks. Great for individuals, couples and families, with hot drinks and snacks provided. We recommend and book Glacier Valley Eco Tours.

The only quad bike ride in New Zealand with incredible glacier views! Experience the thrill of riding through West Coast rainforest, glacial fed rivers and glorious mud! Explore the riverbed, native bush, grassland – there is even a heli-quad option! Fully guided, with no experience necessary on easy to drive 2 seat automatic quad bikes, with wet weather equipment provided. We recommend and book Across Country Quad Bikes.

*Must be 16 years old or over to drive and 8 years old or over to be a passenger

Incredible white water rafting and helicopter white water rafting experiences. Back-country rafting, heli flights, canyons, mountains, monster eels, wilderness camping, fishing, cliff jumping, waterfalls, superb scenic gorges – there’s something for everyone. Trips can be tailored to all types of adventurists, groups of friends, or the whole family, with 16 different rivers across the coast, from flat water scenic floats to full on grade 5 whitewater. Suitable for all ages and budgets, from half days to overnight expeditions where you can camp, stay in back-country huts, or stretch out in luxury lodges with all the trimmings. Tours are kept small with emphasis on more time spent out in the wilderness, with informative and knowledgeable guides who will give you a huge insight into New Zealand culture, history and the surrounding environment. We recommend and book Eco Rafting.

Off road driving fun with 2 seat off road go karts located on a beautiful farm in rainforest country. Try out your driving skills on a 12 lap circuit track or take a 1.5 hour farm to rainforest trip with spectacular mountain scenery. Wet weather gear is provided so you can get as muddy as you like and group and family bookings are available – just take yourself, your camera, and warm clothing if it’s cold. We recommend and book Beaumont Buggys.

Take a scenic boat or fishing tour on Lake Mapourika. This glacier formed lake boasts incredible mirror-like waters and vistas so crisp you can almost reach out and touch them! Experienced and informative guides provides an engaging commentary, pointing out scenic highlights and wildlife of this glacially formed lake, and the experience is suitable for all ages and most weather conditions. 1.5 hour scenic cruises and flexible fishing and private charters are all available. We recommend and book Glacier Country Lake Tours.