lake mapourika tours

• Kayak Classic
• Sunset Classic
• SUP Adventure
• Private Kayak

Scenic Cruise

• Cruise & Walk
• Private Cruise

Fishing Charters

• Off-Road Adventure Tour
• Single Quad Bike
• Double Quad Bike
• 3 Seater Buggy

NEED HELP CHOOSING?

Try our Tours Filter TRY FILTER

COMBINE SAVE!

Promo codes for multiple tours CODES

Scenic Cruises

Experience the beauty of Lake Mapourika on our personalised scenic cruises with some of the West Coast’s finest scenery and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.

• WHAT TO BRING
• WHAT’S INCLUDED
• FREE CANCELLATIONS

Lake Mapourika

Discover Lake Mapourika the scenic gem of the West Coast! Our boat tours depart at the iconic Jetty Bay, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy Scenic Cruises and guided nature walks with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and many glaciers including the Franz Josef Glacier Neve.  Lake Mapourika is home to native birds including the rare White Heron, drawn by the abundance of fish and eels in the lake. Join us for a boat tour in our “office,” where the beauty of the West Coast unfolds around you.

COMBO TOURS

NEED HELP CHOOSING

​ Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruises are a landscape photographer’s dream!

Discover the true beauty of the West Coast on a personalised scenic cruise of Lake Mapourika.  Marvel at the Jurassic rainforest-fringed bays reflecting the majestic Alps and Glaciers.

Dale, the owner & operator, has been passionately guiding in the region for the last 15 years, from glacier guiding on the Franz Josef Glacier to boat tours on the West Coast’s Lake Mapourika!  He and his team of dedicated skippers will take you on a journey, a through scenic bays to discover the rich birdlife of Lake Mapourika.  Savour a warm cup of tea or coffee while observing curious native birds in the lush rainforest shoreline.  Keep an eye out for the legendary White Heron that feed on the lake.

CLICK TO EXPAND MORE INFORMATION +

Evening scenic cruises, with a glass of wine (BYO) in the summer time are a wonderful way to end the day.

CURRENT PRICES:

NZ $120 Adult NZ $75 Child (17 and under) — Under 3 go FREE!

Allow 2 hours

ADULTS: $120

Cruise & Nature Walk

​Embark on a Scenic Cruise with an added walk on our exclusive rainforest track!

Journey across Lake Mapourika, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Stepping off the boat, you’ll find yourself transported into a Jurassic rainforest, like entering another world!

The nature walk follows a track thoughtfully carved by your skipper Dale and his team, ensuring minimal impact on the area. Experience the pristine beauty of old-growth rainforest, untouched and preserved in its natural state. This haven is home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds.

Indulge in the premium West Coast experience of our Scenic Cruise & Nature Walk.  Read more below for details on the guided walk & it’s suitability for yourself or your group.

How difficult is the walk?

• Please note the guided walk is designed to keep the rainforest in it’s pristine state, as the region is part of the Westland National Park.  This means there’s some roots throughout the track, and a couple of big steps early on.
• Your skipper & tour guides walk the track with the group, and can lend a hand to assist during the walk.  There’s many stops throughout to discuss the rainforest and the conservation.
• There’s a couple of set handlines and walking poles available if you require them.
• The track itself is 400 meters, and if often only enjoyed 1 way (you’re skipper will pick you up at the end).

For any other questions about the guided walk, feel free to contact our friendly team!

CURRENT PRICES

ADULT: $149 CHILD: $85 (17 years and under)

Allow 2.5 hours

ADULTS: $149

Book a Private Cruise

Customise a private boat tour on Lake Mapourika for your group of friends, family or small gathering.  A private Scenic Cruise can include a guided walk or catering options.  Get in touch with someone from our friendly team if you have any questions or would like a custom tour.

If you’re ready to book – groups of up to 12 people can book in now.

Forward bookings are essential.  Experience Lake Mapourika during your visit to Franz Josef Glacier and book online today…

UP TO 12 PEOPLE: $1200

WHAT TO BRING:

Camera – a must-have on our Scenic Cruises!

Sunglasses or a cap

Any food or drink (optional BYO wine or beer for evening scenic cruises)

Scenic Cruise & Walk : Walking boots / closed toe footwear

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Toilet on board

Hot drinks on board

Sunscreen / insect repellent

Binoculars / commentary

Courtesy transport if required

Cruise & Walk : Walking poles

WATCH OUR BOAT TOURS

Boat tour reviews.

Absolutely brillliant! Great fun, well looked after, everyone from the office to the guide was lovely and helpful. We had a hoot!

Perth, Australia

We loved every minute of this well organised kayak on the lake. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Excellent views and reflections of the mountains and the flora in the lakes. We even had a closeup visit to a white heron. Highly recommended!

Simi, New York, USA

I cannot recommend this enough! I’ve now done it twice in 3 years and both times it was spectacular, both in terms of scenery and overall experience. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable and was taking candid snaps all throughout the trip that we had access to later on. I highly recommend the morning trip, as that’s when the water is like glass and it feels so serene gliding over it. It truly is one of the best experiences in Franz Josef.

Hourikhat, Sydney, Australia

Flexible & free 24 hr cancellations.

We want you to be confident when you book directly with us! We provide hassle-free full refunds without any penalties.  We do ask that any cancellations and changes are made a full 24 hours prior to the trip time . Cancellations made within the 24 hour time frame cannot be refunded (for any reason including medical or other) so please let us know in time if you need to change, or cancel your booking!  Good travel insurance will cover last minute scenarios you might encounter that affect your bookings.  Private/Group bookings or charters incur a 48 hour cancellation policy.

We reserve the right to cancel tours if minimum numbers are not met or in the event of unsafe conditions, in which case full refunds are issued.

We're here to help, so feel free to drop us an email if you have any questions.

• South Island Self Drive
• North Island Self Drive
• Both Islands Self Drive
• Lord of the Rings Self Drive
• Motorhome Rental Packages
• Self Drive Walking Holidays
• Terms and Conditions
• Ski and Snow Tours
• Adventure Tours
• Hiking Tours
• Kayaking and Canoeing
• Rafting Tours
• Cave Adventures
• Fishing Charters
• Horse Trekking Tours
• Surfing Holidays
• Great Walks
• North Island Guided Walks
• South Island Guided Walks
• Kiwi Style Hiking
• Independent Walks
• Grades and Fitness
• Bay of Islands
• Coromandel Peninsula
• Christchurch
• Fox Glacier
• Franz Josef
• Hanmer Springs
• Holiday Parks/Powered Motorhome Sites
• Auckland International Airport
• Hamilton Airport
• Napier Airport
• New Plymouth Airport
• Palmerston North Airport
• Tauranga Airport
• Wellington Airport
• Blenheim Airport
• Christchurch Airport
• Invercargill Airport
• Nelson Airport
• Picton Ferry Terminal
• Escorted Coach and Rail Tours
• Independent Coach Tours
• Private Tours
• Train and Rail Journeys
• Cruise Ship Excursions
• Discovery Cruises
• Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises
• Milford Sound Overnight Cruises
• Hauraki Gulf Overnight Cruise
• North Island
• South Island
• Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Day Tours
• Adventure Day Tours
• Food and Wine
• Maori Culture Day Tours
• Photography Tours
• Cycling Holidays
• Hiking Holidays
• Horse Riding Holidays
• Self Drive Holidays
• Snow and Ski Holidays
• Motorhome Rental
• Airport Shuttles
• New Zealand Train Journeys
• Auckland New Zealand
• Bay of Plenty
• The Coromandel
• Tongariro National Park
• Waitomo Caves
• Fiordland National Park
• Franz Josef Glacier
• Marlborough
• Mt Cook - Aoraki
• Stewart Island
• Or maybe you'd like to:
• View Sitemap
• Contact Go NZ

• Home - New Zealand holidays
• Start your Holiday
• Fox Glacier and Franz Josef
• Kayaking & Cruises

Franz Josef Kayak Trips - Lake Mapourika

Formed by the retreating Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast of New Zealand , Lake Mapourika is a tranquil oasis bounded by the Southern Alps with superb views of the glaciers and mountaintops. Bordering on Okarito state forest with its 900 year old kahikatea trees, the sanctuary is a protected habitat for the Rowi – New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. At sunset, these shy birds come out to forage. Gliding through the calm waters in a sea kayak on a Lake Mapourika kayaking tour from Franz Josef is the ideal way to explore Lake Mapourika, a photographers dream. Listen to the melodic native birds in full song, whilst exploring the forest edges. Take in the reflections of Jurassic forest, jagged mountains and glaciers. Take a walk through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. On clear days, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views and reflections of the Southern Alps -- including the west coast glaciers and Mt. Cook. 

• © 2024 Go New Zealand

Website by Bam Creative

Start Your Holiday

Self-Drive Holidays

Adventure Holidays

Book Accommodation

Book Car Rental

Book Campervan Hire

Coach, Train & Rail Touring

Cruise Holidays

Family Holidays

About Blog Explore NZ

Search Tours

Luxury Holidays, Accommodation and Experiences

• To access SAVED itineraries Login

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours Franz Josef Glaciers, West Coast Kayak, Cruise & Walk and Fishing Charters

• Add to My Holiday ' My Holiday '
• Download & Print
• Check Availability
• Directions & Terms

Franz Josef Wilderness is a family-owned kayak and boat tour business in Franz Josef Glacier. 

Offering a variety of kayak tours, boat cruises, and fishing charters on Lake Mapourika – only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier.

There’s a tour for everyone!

Engaging adventures you won’t forget.  Calm mirror-like water reflects the surrounding Southern Alps and Glaciers.  Explore the rainforest-clad creek of the Kiwi Sanctuary. 

Kayak Classic

The Original Franz Josef Kayak Adventure awaits you…

Glide effortlessly across the water taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Glaciers – the scenery is world-class!  Follow your guide into a hidden creek through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary and experience some of the region’s untouched Jurassic rainforest and pristine wilderness.

Free high-quality photos taken by your guide. 

Departs 9 am | 1 pm | 5 pm (Summer) | Duration 3 hours*    *winter: 9 am | 2 pm

Cruise & Walk

Journey across Lake Mapourika and enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest that feels like another world!

The track follows a nature walk carved by your skipper Dale & his team.  Built with care to keep the area as untouched as possible.  On this eco-tour you will experience the old-growth rainforest in its pristine state; some of Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest full of abundant birdlife, including white herons and native bush birds. 

The Cruise & Nature Walk is a premium West Coast experience, suitable for all ages.

Departs 09 am, 1 pm, 5 pm (Summer) | Duration 2.5 hours*     *winter departures: 9 am & 1 pm

Fishing Charters, Bike and Paddleboard Rentals

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours also offer fishing charters, fishing for brown trout or wild salmon.

Bike and Paddleboard rentals are also available.

Price: $89 to $179

Family Friendly

Meet at our booking office located in the Franz Josef township at 63 Cron St. Here’s where you’ll meet your guide and we can provide transport to and from Lake Mapourika.  Local accommodation pick-ups are also available.

CHILD POLICY    Kayak tours: Children ages 2-17 welcome

                           Boat tours: Under 3 years are FREE, Child fare from 3-17 years

CANCELLATION 24 hours 100%

SEASON              Open all year aside from Christmas Day

• Dale, Bronwyn & the team
• T +64 3 752 0230 / M: 027 324 4011 / FP: 0800 423 262
• W franzjoseftours.co.nz

30 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier

Lake Mapourika is a beautiful kettle lake that sits sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman sea.  It was created by the Franz Josef Glacier as it retreated some 14000 years ago and now sits in the warmer, drier section of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley.  The lake boasts mirror-lake reflections (like Lake Matheson!) and borders a kiwi conservation area.  This is a must-see location while visiting the Franz Josef area.

Accommodation in this area

• Holly Homestead
• Ribbonwood Retreat

Your browser is a-n-c-i-e-n-t! Upgrade to a different browser or install Google Chrome Frame to experience this site.

There are currently no items in your cart.

• Gift Vouchers
• Off-Road Adventures
• West Coast 2 for 1

Kayak Classic (3hr)

Embark on our original kayak adventure! Set upon the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika.

• Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)

Kayak & Walk (4hr)

Dip your paddle in Lake Mapourika's pristine glassy water and step into the untouched rainforest and wilderness of the protected Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary!

• Duration: 4 Hours (approx.)

Guided SUP Adventure

Explore the beautiful Lake Mapourika with one of our SUP experts to lead the way.

• Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)

Private Kayak Tour

Enjoy a privately guided experience on Lake Mapourika (up to 4 hours).

Booking Software by Rezdy.com | Agent login

• Far North, Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
• Hokianga & the Kauri Coast.
• Bay of Islands
• Waiheke Island
• Hamilton – Waikato
• Tauranga & Whakatane
• Napier, Hawkes Bay
• Picton, Marlborough Sounds
• Havelock & Pelorus Sound
• Nelson Tasman
• Hanmer Springs
• Christchurch
• Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
• Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo & Omarama
• Lake Wanaka
• Te Anau & Manapouri
• Milford Sound
• Southland & The Catlins
• Stewart Island
• NZ Accommodation
• Hotel & Tourism Photography & Video Services

Wilderness Tours Franz Josef Kayaking & Cruises

Wilderness tours - franz josef.

Paddle Paradise:

Explore lake mapourika with franz josef wilderness tours.

Kayak, Cruise, or Fish  on the stunning Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours! Just minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, experience the tranquillity of this glacial lake surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps.

Explore on Your Terms:

• Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP):  Glide across the crystal-clear waters with our expert guides. Capture the moment with  complimentary photos  taken during your adventure.
• Scenic Boat Cruise:  Relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the comfort of our  purpose-built tour boat . This option is perfect for photography and wildlife spotting, featuring a warm cabin, covered deck, and viewing platforms. Tea and coffee are included, along with informative commentary from your skipper.
• Guided Fishing Charters:  Target trophy Brown Trout or Wild Salmon with our experienced local guide. Practice catch and release, or keep your legal catch and have it prepared for you to take home.

Unforgettable Experiences Await:

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours  offers unique ways to experience the beauty of Lake Mapourika. Whether you’re seeking an active adventure or a relaxing cruise, we have the perfect option.  Combine your trip with a Franz Josef Glacier visit  for an unforgettable day in Glacier Country!

Book your Lake Mapourika tour today and create lasting memories !

Kayak Classic

Glide effortlessly across the water, taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers and untouched Jurassic rainforest of Lake Mapourika. Paddle into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, exploring the protected area with your knowledgeable guide.

Kayak & Walk

Explore the Jurassic rainforest and kiwi sanctuary on our private rainforest trail! Exclusively accessed by kayak and boat, you’ll experience the pure remote wilderness of Lake Mapourika. Hot drinks are provided, with an unbeatable panorama of the glaciers across the lake.

Sunset Classic

Embark on our original Kayak Classic Adventure in the soft evening light. Experience 3 hours of solitude and gentle paddling with an unbeatable view of the Southern Alps, returning to the beach in time to watch the sun set below the mountains. A premium tour is only available during the summer months.

Franz Josef Glacier Boat Tours on Lake Mapourika

Scenic cruise on lake mapourika.

Duration: 2 Hours Price: $120 per person   Child:  $75 pp

Join us on a spectacular landscape and wildlife eco-cruise with the Southern Alps, Glaciers and lush rainforest as your scenic backdrop. Relax in comfort as you take in the views on our small per- personalized tours. Journey into a kiwi conservation area, enjoy old-growth rainforest and spot New Zealand’s native birdlife.

Cruise & Rainforest Walk

Duration: 2.5 Hours Price: $149 per person   Child: $85 pp

Journey across the lake and enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into another world! Experience Westland’s oldest Jurassic rainforest and meet curious native birdlife. This trip is our premium cruise, suitable for all ages.

West Coast Trout & Salmon Fishing Lake Mapourika

Lake Mapourika’s calm, reflective waters are home to many fish, such as Trout and Salmon. Experience the beauty of Lake Mapourika while trolling silently past 900-year-old Kahikatea trees and Native Birdsong while you wait for a nibble on the line!

The Hanna-K can seat a large group in the enclosed cabin area and has space for four people to fish off the back of the boat at once. The Skipper provides commentary along the way to keep the non-fishers engaged and having fun! The mirrored lake water and scenic views leave you in awe while awaiting your first bit.

The Trout season runs year-round, and the salmon season runs from October 1st to March 31st annually.

Trout:   Brown Trout can be caught year-round.

 Salmon:   Lake Mapourika is a productive trout and quinnat salmon fishery containing both resident and sea-run salmon.

Fishing Charter Lake Mapourika

Duration:3 Hours Price: $195 per person   Child: $95 pp

Lake Mapourika is one of the South Island’s most scenic fishing destinations! The lake holds stocks of Brown Trout and wild Salmon. Your local NZ fishing guide will provide all necessary fishing instructions and equipment. No previous experience is required.

Phone: +64 (03) 752 0230               Freephone:   0800 423 262                        

Email: [email protected]       Visit our Website: www.franzjoseftours.co.nz/

               Return to West Coast page    

Booking for Wilderness Tours Franz Josef Kayaking & Cruises

A cooling towel, odorless mosquito repellent and more summer essentials — starting at $5

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

Baby dies from heat exposure on family trip to Lake Havasu in Arizona

A 4-month-old infant died after she was exposed to extreme heat while visiting Lake Havasu in Arizona with her parents.

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office confirms to TODAY that Tanna Rae Wroblewski succumbed to a heat-related injuries on July 5, after temperatures in the area reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“Detectives responded and investigation is ongoing,” agency spokesperson Anita Mortensen said in a written statement. 

Tanna was taken by boat to Havasu Regional Medical Center and then airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

"They did everything in their power to revive her, but God had other plans, and took Tanna to heaven that night," Devynn Wolf, the baby's aunt, wrote on GoFundMe.

On Facebook, Tanna’s mom, Alyssa Wroblewski, shared pictures of her late daughter grinning from ear to ear at a beach.

“These are the last photos I took of you before you left us,” Wroblewski wrote in a post dated July 8 that was later taken down. “Your smile radiated joy ... I never thought there would be a day in my life without you.”

Wroblewski said in her post that the entire family is struggling to make sense of what happened.

“Explaining your loss to your sister has been tough. We don’t understand why you had to leave, (so) how could she?” Wroblewski wrote. “She’s left out toys for you and made sure your favorites were all in the bassinet before bed the last couple of nights. We are so heartbroken without you baby girl.”

On June 23, Wroblewski posted photos of her husband, Matthew, and their two young children on Lake Havasu, a popular vacation spot known as the “Jet Ski Capital of the World.” Tanna sits in a floating lounger with a canopy. There’s also a light blanket draped over her lap. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies, toddlers and small children shouldn’t be outdoors for long periods of time when the heat index is 90 degrees or higher.

Dr. Laurel O’Connor, an emergency physician at UMass Memorial Medical Center, notes that water doesn’t protect people from heat-related dangers.  O'Conner did not treat the patient, but explained the dangers of heat-related illness in young children.

“It's a very common misconception. People think, ‘Oh, I’ll go swimming — that will cool me down,’” O’Connor tells TODAY.com. “You can actually get dehydrated faster in water.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) , babies, toddlers and small children shouldn’t be outdoors for long periods of time when the heat index is 90 degrees or higher. 

O’Connor recommends avoiding the outdoors entirely during a heat wave — especially when there is a high level of humidity. 

“An infant can’t talk to us and let us know that they’re too hot or that they’re feeling dizzy,” O’Connor tells TODAY.com. Babies' bodies can't regulate temperature as well as adults, she says, “which puts them more at risk for overheating.” 

O’Connor notes that prolonged heat exposure can cause neurological problems, dehydration, kidney failure and death. Signs of heat stress include irritability and pale, clammy skin.  

“If you notice those symptoms, things are critical and you need to cool the child down,” she explains. “That doesn't mean stick your child in an ice bath. You want to use cool, wet compresses and fans. And if they are still exhibiting signs of being unwell, you want to call 911.” 

Lastly: Don't overbundle your baby and make sure they are staying hydrated with formula or breast milk.

"Breastfeeding moms need to make sure they are drinking enough water," O'Connor says. "If mom is dehydrated and not producing, then baby is going to be dehydrated, too."

Rachel Paula Abrahamson is a lifestyle reporter who writes for the parenting, health and shop verticals. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and elsewhere. Rachel lives in the Boston area with her husband and their two daughters. Follow her on Instagram .

Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany are expecting their third child: All about their kids 

The ‘nag paradox’ creates household fights. This mom wants to break the cycle

A widow and a widower found love. Then their late spouses orchestrated a 'miracle'

Mom shares warning about cold water after son collapses on New Hampshire beach

Mom shares warning after sun reflecting off a mirror burns her son’s car seat

As a teacher of 42 years, I would never start the school year without doing this

‘Bluey Minisodes’ are here! Plus, what to know about Season 4

Body cam footage shows the extraordinary way one officer helped a desperate new mom

Pink (lovingly) ‘fires’ her daughter Willow from her world tour

Grandparents Day 2024: When, why and how to celebrate this holiday

Rare toad raised in San Francisco relocates to Yosemite National Park

• Copy Link URL Copied!

A toad that has not been seen in Yosemite National Park in 11 years was reintroduced to the park this week by San Francisco Zoo officials.

Zoo officials said in a Facebook post that 118 Yosemite toads — known by their scientific name as Anaxyrus canorus — were recently airlifted and released at a meadow in the park that the species once occupied.

It is the first time that zoo-raised Yosemite toads have been released at the park and will be part of a five-year project seeking to reestablish a self-sustaining population. National Park Service teams will monitor and track the toads using radio transmitters. The toads have also been microchipped, officials said.

Yosemite toads, which are stocky and have bumpy light skin and dark blotches, are primarily found at higher elevations — up to 12,000 feet. They are only located in the Sierra Nevada and can be found from Alpine County to Fresno County.

The toads, which move by walking instead of hopping, rely on spring snowmelt to reproduce and spend most of their time in underground burrows, which they also use in the winter when they hibernate for up to eight months.

But climate change, wildfires and amphibian diseases have reduced the toad’s population by half, prompting wildlife officials to place it on the Federal Threatened Species list in 2014.

Yosemite National Park officials say a lack of winter snowpacks in previous years and hotter temperatures have dried up breeding pools, preventing tadpoles from developing into toads. Pollution and diseases such as the chytrid fungus have also played a role. In 2013, the Rim fire in Yosemite National Park destroyed much of the toad’s habitat.

Amid such losses, the San Francisco Zoo’s conservation team began raising hundreds of the small toads for the purpose of reintroducing them to Yosemite National Park, where officials say it was first discovered.

Yosemite toads play an important role in the high-elevation food cycle. They act as predators for terrestrial invertebrates such as flies, worms and spiders while also serving as food for mountain yellow-legged frogs and garter snakes.

Officials hope the reintroduction of the toad will bring balance to some of these high-elevation ecosystems.

The zoo’s project is in partnership with the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

More to Read

Ultra-runner near the end of a 50-mile excursion attacked by a bear in Yosemite Valley

July 10, 2024

Beavers, back on tribal land after 100 years, could aid California’s fragile ecosystem

June 28, 2024

Killer bear: Woman’s death inside her home marks California’s first fatal black bear attack

June 6, 2024

Start your day right

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Ruben Vives is a general assignment reporter for the Los Angeles Times. A native of Guatemala, he got his start in journalism by writing for The Times’ Homicide Report in 2007. He helped uncover the financial corruption in the city of Bell that led to criminal charges against eight city officials. The 2010 investigative series won the Pulitzer Prize for public service and other prestigious awards.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Former Inglewood teacher linked by DNA to cold-case killing is convicted of murder, kidnapping

July 12, 2024

Rebel Wilson sued for defamation by producers from ‘The Deb’ after actor called them out

First wildfire death of 2024 season reported as California heat wave continues

A stalled mixed-use development turns into West Hollywood’s newest lake

Arizona border mayor appeared with Kari Lake but endorsed Ruben Gallego. What to know about candidates

Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado formally endorsed Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego on Tuesday, citing Gallego's commitment to making life better along the Mexican border.

It was the kind of backing that can get lost in campaigns that tout endorsements or hold regular public events across the state.

But Maldonado was different in at least one important way: In November, he appeared alongside Gallego’s Republican rival Kari Lake for her “Mama Bear Border Tour.”

“Ruben Gallego has a deep understanding of our community here in Nogales and a genuine commitment to making Arizona a better place for all of us,” the mayor said in a statement.

“His passion for public service and his willingness to fight for Arizona’s border communities are qualities we desperately need in the U.S. Senate. I know Ruben will never use our city as a political talking point. Instead, he will be a tireless advocate for Nogales and our entire state.”

Maldonado is one of three border mayors, along with mayors Nieves Riedel of San Luis and Gerardo Anaya of Somerton, who are backing Gallego.

Their endorsements reflect the different ways the Senate campaigns are pitching themselves to voters on one of the race’s more important issues.

For Lake, border security is tied almost exclusively to her support from former President Donald Trump. For Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who is challenging Lake for the GOP nomination, the issue is a pillar of his campaign, and his law enforcement experience is his selling point.

There are other issues in the Senate race, from inflation and the economy to abortion rights and America’s role in international war zones. But few come with the frequency or fervor around Arizona’s border with Mexico.

Lake: Aligned with Trump on border security, better walls

Lake reminds her audiences that she has Trump’s coveted endorsement and aligns herself with his hard-line policies on border security, especially with the additional construction of a wall along the Mexican border.

She has rolled out endorsements from most of the Senate Republicans she hopes to join and from the National Republican Senatorial Committee as well.

When asked last week for her prescription for lowering inflation, Lake invoked border security as part of the answer.

“The two are linked. They truly are. When we have 12 million people pouring in, that means Americans have to compete for housing and compete for all of the products and services that are out there,” Lake said with U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, at her side.

Lamb: An emphasis on enforcement, experience as sheriff

During an online chat last month, Lamb talked about his experience with border security.

“What have we done in Pinal County? We work with Border Patrol every day, we take our helicopter out. I have an anti-smuggling unit and my canines are completely dedicated to trafficking, whether it’s humans, drugs.”

He cited his agency’s recent confiscation of 80 pounds of fentanyl and nine pounds of cocaine in a single stop.

Lamb also emphasizes his support for Trump’s previous policies and rips Biden’s decision to largely undo those.

Lamb’s personalized message is intended to show an experience that Lake can’t match while demonstrating the same loyalty to Trump that is her hallmark.

Gallego: Border security bill would have helped

In Gallego’s case, the message may be simplified to this: I see a problem, too.

The five-term member of Congress supported the relatively conservative, security-focused bill drafted in part by U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., the person all the candidates hope to succeed.

He also distanced himself from President Joe Biden on matters such as ending pandemic-era immigration restrictions that were tied to health concerns but became a management tool that kept down border crossings.

These aren’t positions that are wildly popular with his former colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus but reflect the reality that border security and immigration are consistently a top issue with voters, mainly because Republicans are fixated on it.

In February, Sinema was part of a bipartisan group trying to hammer out legislation that would have tightened border security.

The resulting bill quickly sank in the Senate when Trump urged Republicans not to give Biden a win on the issue.

Where does immigration rank as an issue for Americans?

As that bill rounded into its final shape, a Gallup poll found immigration was the top issue for 28% of Americans, the highest reading on the issue in the survey’s history and the biggest spike since July 2019, when Trump was in the White House.

Gallup found a striking partisan divide over the issue. Most Republicans, 57%, rated immigration the top issue, but only 10% of Democrats did. Among independents, 22% identified it as their biggest concern.

While Sinema’s bill has languished, the public’s interest in the issue hasn’t much changed. Immigration was the top issue of concern in Gallup polls in March and April.

In June, with the border security bill going nowhere, Biden took executive action on the issue to temporarily halt asylum requests until that number recedes.

• LPGA Newsletters
• LPGA Travel
• Women's Network
• LPGA Professionals
• Members Only
• Lesson Zone
• Membership Information
• Find A Teacher
• Professionals Job Board
• Events Calendar
• LPGA Amateurs
• Become A Member
• Member Login
• LPGA Foundation
• LEADERBOARD
• Changing The Face of Golf
• C-Me Action Plan
• Diversity Policy
• Diverse Supplier Opportunity
• Celebrating the Green
• All Access Series
• Instruction
• Live Stream
• Award Winners
• Hall of Fame
• ROLEX FIRST TIME WINNERS
• ROLEX ANNIKA MAJOR AWARD
• 2024 Player Priority List (PDF)
• TOURNAMENTS
• Download Schedule
• Completed Tournaments
• Drive On Championship
• Solheim Cup
• 2024 Olympics
• CME Group Tour Championship
• QUALIFYING SERIES (Q-SCHOOL)
• LPGA Local Qualifying Rounds
• Hilton Grand Vacations TOC
• LPGA Senior Championship
• Print Schedule
• RACE TO CME GLOBE
• Season Standings
• Past Winners
• Explanation and Points Breakdown
• Projected Points Standing
• CME Group Cares Challenge - Score 1 for St. Jude
• Aon Risk Reward Challenge
• KPMG Performance Insights

Five Things to Know About the Amundi Evian Championship

Iacobelli and abe share the lead after 18 holes at the hartford healthcare women's championship.

• amundi-evian-championship
• Tournament News

The fourth major championship of the season gets underway on Thursday at The Amundi Evian Championship. The 30th edition of the championship will be held once more in Evian-les-Bains, France at Evian Resort Golf Club, which is nestled on the hillsides of the Alps and features sweeping views of Lake Geneva. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about this week’s major championship.

Boutier Defends

In 2023, France’s own Celine Boutier won her first major title in commanding fashion at Evian Resort, converting her three-stroke lead through 54 holes at The Amundi Evian Championship into a six-stroke victory. “Honestly, it has been my biggest dream since I started watching golf,” Boutier said about winning the major title in her home country. Boutier became the first Frenchwoman ever to win The Amundi Evian Championship, and her victory was one of four wins she earned during the 2023 LPGA Tour season. Boutier has struggled to carry that momentum into this year and returns to Evian Resort with just one top-10 finish so far this season.

The Amundi Evian Championship is a co-sanctioned event with the Ladies European Tour, which means players from both the LPGA and LET make up the field for the season’s fourth major. Ally Ewing will be someone to watch as she heads to Evian as one of the hottest players on the LPGA Tour in recent weeks. The American hasn't finished outside the top five in her last four starts and will look to ride that momentum into this week’s major championship, where she has missed the cut in two of her last three appearances.

Ewing’s fellow American Lilia Vu will also be a player to watch as she’s enjoyed a stellar return to competition since stepping away to rehab a back injury in April. After returning in June, Vu won the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and finished runner-up at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Vu is making just her third start at the Evian Resort, and her best finish in this championship came last season as she tied for 42nd.

Charley Hull, who withdrew from last week’s LET event after saying she had taken a fall, will make her return to competition at The Amundi Evian Championship. Six players were extended sponsor invitations, including former Louisiana State University standout Ingrid Lindblad, who will compete in her first major championship since turning professional earlier this summer. Lottie Woad, the winner of the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, was also given an invite, in addition to 2024 NCAA Individual Champion Adela Cernousek and AJGA winner Yana Wilson.

Korda Returns to Competition

Nelly Korda’s recent challenges on the golf course extended to her life off the course with her announcement on social media that she had been bitten by a dog following her missed cut at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Korda withdrew from the LET’s event in London ahead of the season’s fourth major. Korda will be looking to get her game back on track in France after missing the cut in her last three starts in the U.S. Women’s Open, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

30th Anniversary

The Amundi Evian Championship is celebrating a milestone this season as this week marks the 30th playing of the championship. The tournament, which began in 1994, was played for five years as an event on the LET’s schedule, and beginning in 2000, the tournament became a co-sanctioned event on both the LET and LPGA circuits. In 2013, the tournament was elevated to major championship status, and this year celebrates its largest purse to date as it increased to $8 million this season. The winner on Sunday will take home $1.2 million in addition to The Amundi Evian Championship trophy.

How to Watch

Enjoy your morning cup of coffee with some early golf coverage of The Amundi Evian Championship. On Thursday and Friday, you can watch live coverage of the major from 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ET on Golf Channel and from 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET streaming live on Peacock. On Saturday and Sunday, you can catch live coverage from 4:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ET on both Golf Channel and Peacock.

Related Articles

Second-Round Play Suspended at The Amundi Evian Championship

Furue Leads Before Second-Round Play is Suspended at Amundi Evian Championship

Georgia Hall Hanging Tough at Amundi Evian Championship Despite Shoulder Injury

Inbee Park Announces Second Pregnancy on Her 36th Birthday

• Charitable Solicitation Disclosures
• Corporate Sponsors
• LPGA History
• LPGA International
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Legends of the LPGA

Fan Feature

• LPGA Women's Network
• ADA Act Request
• Anti-Doping Information
• Feedback Form
• Gender Policy
• Integrity Program Information
• Media - Press Site
• Player Login
• Privacy Policy
• Professionals Member Login
• Terms and Conditions
• Ticket Terms and Conditions

Global Tour

• International TV Distribution

Mobile Apps

• Android App
• Top Stories