Lake Mapourika

Mapourika is the third largest of the West Coast lakes, formed as the Franz Josef Glacier retreated at the end of the last ice age. Its water is stained brown by tannins leached from the surrounding rainforest, and dark water plus shelter is what makes it one of the better reflection lakes in the country: on a windless morning the Southern Alps, including Aoraki and Tasman on a clear day, sit inverted on the surface. Around the shore is the Okarito kiwi sanctuary, home to the rowi, the rarest kiwi species with a population in the hundreds, and guided night trips run from Franz Josef. Kayaking on the lake is the standard commercial activity, usually early for the reflections. There is a DOC campsite at MacDonalds Creek and a boat ramp; the water is cold and swimming is uncommon.

What's there

• The reflections - the Alps inverted on still mornings.
• The tannin-dark water - stained by the surrounding rainforest.
• The rowi sanctuary - the rarest kiwi, in the forest around the lake.
• The glacial basin - a lake left by the retreating Franz Josef Glacier.

When to go

October to April, at dawn for the reflections - wind through the day usually ends them. Kiwi night trips need booking from Franz Josef.

What to expect

The reflection needs a windless morning, which is not most mornings on the West Coast. Sandflies here are severe. The water is very cold. Rowi are heard far more often than seen.

Nearby

Franz Josef village and glacier are south; Okarito lagoon is north on the coast.

Key facts