Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Come and explore the Rotorua Lakes on a truly unique and magical kayaking experience. This amazing evening adventure takes you along the lake shorelines in a guided scenic kayak tour as you discover small caverns home to a galaxy of glow worms. One of New Zealand's premium glow worm experiences this tour is designed to create a magical and special trip for every customer. Groups are limited in numbers to each of our personal and expert guides ensuring your adventure is the very best it can be. Our authentic, eco-friendly outdoor tours are led by grassroots leadership. We are an activity provider who strives daily to lead by example creating strong connections, positive contribution, and thoughtfulness to the environments we explore.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult - A minimum supervision ratio of one (1) adult to one (1) child under the age of 16 is required at all times.
What to bring:
For kayaking in summer (November - February) we recommend wearing light-weight clothing. Shorts/pants/leggings for your bottom half and at least two layers for your top half. Water friendly shoes are recommended, but are provided free of charge if needed.
For Kayaking outside of summer (March - October) please wear warm clothing (thermal if possible). Pants/leggings for your bottom half and a minimum of three layers for your top half (which are preferably thermal, fleece, or wool). Please also bring a warm hat and gloves. During our coolest months you will be provided a wetsuit to wear over your clothes. Water friendly shoes are recommended, but are provided free of charge if needed.
You are welcome to bring a towel and change of clothes for after your experience (it is not often someone gets wet enough to require these items)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Your friendly guide will pick you up and shuttle you from Rotorua, past the iconic Redwood forest as you make your way to our base on the lake shorelines. Upon arrival you will gear-up and prepare for an epic night out with all activity equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. You will then begin exploring the shoreline and embracing the last light of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge. Once it’s dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside small hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this shared experience.
What‘s Included
All equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs)
Incredible Glow Worms experienced by kayak
A Sunset/Dusk/Night Adventure with Star Gazing (if clear skies)
Pick-up & drop-off transfers from Rotorua Information Centre included: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Experience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment
Small group tours with exclusive lake access (1 guide per 8 kayakers)
Food and drinks
Options
Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
337 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do!
620cicim,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magical evening!!! The whole evening was smooth and sweet! The staff very helpful, the glowworms are magnificent and super special to see them from a kayak! Being in this calm gorgeous lake with a sky full of stars, a memory for life and becoming the highlight of the whole trip! Even over Hobbiton :-)
Spare clothes and dry...
Rosie M,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Spare clothes and dry socks finish the evening lovely The staff are brilliant and very knowledgeable
You will get wet. If its...
anton v,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You will get wet. If its not cold wear bathing suite, even with the pants they give you your butt gets wet, water from the paddels. If you have water shoes or crocs bring those. Its 2hrs of paddling, if its windy that makes it harder.
Don’t look any further - book this!!
Anscot1,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guides Zoe & Aisha were fantastic - competent, kind, fantastic kayakers and excellent leaders. All staff helpful and maximize time on the water, in the caves. Just great. And the wet gear a big bonus! I want to buy a pair of the pants. Thank you!
Good option close to Rotorua
Nickie H,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The paddling is not big distances so suitable for everyone. If you are hoping for a kayaking trip, this is not for you. The caves are small but for sure there are glow worms. You will spend a bit of time waiting for your “turn” to go into the cave. Overall, a good option if you are limited on time and staying in Rotorua.
Worth taking
LAURA M,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience, excellent staff, great weather Kids loved it. Even if none of us was kaiaking before we managed easily with the support of our guide
Fun Kayaking at night
Judy Y,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The girl guide was v informative and caring. We’ve got to see a lot of glowworms closely inside caves. The lake is calm and the sky is really starry and beautiful
Amazing!
Lynette L,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best experiences I have had. Absolutely amazing! A must do! Everyone was so professional and informative.
Glow Worm Tour - Our Highlight in Rotorua
Joseph C,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This night kayak tour was one of the highlights of our time in Rotorua. We launched after sunset and paddled under a clear night sky with excellent star visibility. With very little light pollution, the stargazing alone made the evening worth it. As we moved along the shoreline and under low vegetation, we saw dense clusters of glow worms lighting the banks. Our guide, Kaisha, explained their ecology in simple, interesting terms — that glow worms are the larval stage of a native gnat species and use bioluminescence to attract prey. Understanding how and why they glow added real depth to the experience. The group size was small (only eight people), which made the tour feel relaxed and personal. Kaisha was an outstanding guide — knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in making the experience enjoyable for everyone. Well organized, informative, and unique. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rotorua.
Spectacular, WOW!!!
Monica S,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It really is a different and very well organized activity, experience totally recommended and unique.
From NZ$195.00
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