Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Take a guided canyon kayak tour in the daytime, on the Waikato River. Learn the history of the submerged village and enjoy the serenity of being on the water.
Paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All splash proof gear, wet shoes, dry bags and PFDs are provided.
English Guide
What To Expect
A relaxing family-friendly adventure where you paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream, through the spectacular canyon that has been carved out by water over hundreds of years, and over the submerged Horahora village. This guided kayak tour begins at our base on Horahora Road as we paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karāpiro and over the submerged village and power station that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields. Enjoy the serenity as your guide explains Horahora’s unique history, before entering the canyon where ferns and trees drape over you and birdsong surrounds.
Options
Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
My first kayaking experience in NZ
OnAir26536433304,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good experience, although it needs some physical fitness. The instructor and stuff are very friendly, attentive and were looking after all of us. A small break with little snacks and a hot drink was awesome. I would recommend the trip to anyone who like to enjoy the view of the beautiful places, some NZ history, and do some physical exercise.
A great daytime experience!
FarAway25528765539,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on the daytime tour! The crew were amazing and super helpful, they had great knowledge of the area and its history. Would definitely recommend.
Highly recommend!
Trek43702703268,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole day was very well organised and Steve made everything super easy. We did the walk, bike and kayak and enjoyed all three!
Amazing Kayak!
J1526VJsarahs,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing kayak and trip 10/10 would recommend! I took a group of youth with disabilities on this tour and the team at Riverside were extremely accommodating and great with our group.
This is not a big fancy...
Bruce D,
Feb 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is not a big fancy tour company. This has the feel of a family run operation with all the personnel touch you’d expect. We were a little disappointed when we first arrived because it looked like we were kayaking on a big lake. We did launched from there. Then paddled for a bit, with the guide sharing some history about the place. Then we turned up a tributary. It wasn’t long g before we were paddling through an amazing, lush canyon. Our fears were put to rest. There was a wide range in the kayaking experience in the group. The guides did a masterful and professional job making it enjoyable for all. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for magical adventure.
Excellent!
Wizzywizz,
Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun kayak tour, friendly informative guides, excellent equipment and suitable for a whole range of experience and skill levels, not too challenging for young kids or beginners. We’ll be back for another.
Outstanding tour
Travel00784361625,
Jan 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Riverside Adventures Waikato is the real deal! A professional and friendly company who go the extra mile to give you a great experience. We did the daytime canyon kayak tour with our 6 and 7 year olds. A perfect 3 hours on the water. Everything from the booking process, communication, guide knowledge of the area, equipment quality, group size was perfect. The canyon itself is beautiful. Well worth the money you pay. We will definitely be back when the kids are old enough to do the night time glow worm tour.
Highly recommended
GrillaNZ,
Dec 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and learned lots about the history of the place, flora and fauna. The canyon is magical and a special activity to share with family. Well organised and fun.
From NZ$119.00
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Operated by Riverside Adventures Waikato