Lake MapourikaAbout Lake Mapourika
Lake Mapourika is a glacial lake on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island near the small settlements that serve Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. It is set against native temperate rainforest and is noted for its dark, reflective water.
The shoreline is fringed by native forest and the lake is frequently used for quiet kayaking and nature photography rather than large-scale recreation. The still surface often produces clear reflections of surrounding trees and sky, especially in calm conditions.
The lake was carved and shaped by glacial action associated with nearby icefields. It sits within the wider Westland/Te Wahipounamu landscape shaped by recent glaciation.
Geographically it lies on the West Coast of the South Island, close to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships and accessible from the State Highway corridor that links those communities.
- Best time to visit: Early mornings often yield calm, mirror-like water that is popular with photographers and kayakers.
- Activities: Simple kayak and guided boat options are available locally for short excursions onto the lake.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mapourika
The best time to visit Lake Mapourika is the Southern Hemisphere summer (December-February) for the most reliable access and mildest conditions.
Weather & Climate near Lake Mapourika
Lake Mapourika's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (3174 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 252 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 12° - 20° | 16° | 234 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 234 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 255 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 14° | 8° | 159 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 3° - 12° | 5° | 178 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 3° - 12° | 5° | 151 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 117 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 422 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 14° | 11° | 419 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 16° | 13° | 359 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 394 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lake Mapourika
Lake Mapourika is on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a short drive north of Franz Josef township. From Franz Josef follow State Highway 6 north for about 5-10 minutes (roughly 5-8 km); there are roadside pullouts and small car parks with short walking tracks (usually under 500 m) down to the lake edge. The lake is also easily reached by bicycle from the village along SH6.
Tips for Visiting Lake Mapourika
- Plan to be at Lake Mapourika at first light for the classic glassy-reflection photos of the rainforest and distant peaks-early mornings are usually calmest and offer the best reflections.
- Park and access the lake from the Franz Josef side (State Highway 6 turnoff) and follow the shoreline tracks; the lake is very close to the town so you can combine a short visit with glacier-area activities.
- Consider a guided kayak or boat trip from Franz Josef if you want a different perspective on the lake and its mirror reflections-operators typically run morning departures that avoid later wind that disturbs the surface.