Images (and a short serial clip) captured from the ground and above of the beautiful Lake Mapourika in New Zealand.

About Lake Mapourika

Lake Mapourika is located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It lies north of Franz Josef Glacier, and the out-flowing Ōkārito River drains it into the Ōkārito Lagoon.

It is the largest of the West Coast lakes, a glacier formation from the last ice age. Since the water from glacial melts no longer drains into the lake, it is filled with fresh rain water which runs though the surrounding forest floor, collecting tannins, giving it its dark colour. As the winds of the region sweep high above the mountains of the Southern Alps, the water is left unruffled and quite reflective of the forest on the lake fringes.

Photos of Lake Mapourika

We stayed at a really comfortable lodge called the Franz Joseph Oasis, along the Franz Joseph Highway. The lodge was strategically located between the lake and the glacier.

We spent our days at the glacier, walking on it, and our evenings by the lake, where the sunsets were extremely beautiful. There are a few activities on the lake too, such as kayaking, fishing, and camping.