Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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

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‘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

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.

Options

Glow Worm Kayaking Tour

Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
Pickup included

Reviews

4.83

310 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

284

Possibly the high point of our New Zealand visit!
Brad R,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was truly like entering another world... paddling along the shoreline of a lake at midnight and entering little caves and being completely surrounded by glowing organic LED lights! Time truly seemed suspended in that atmosphere. Our two guides Matt and Ellen were very chill and facilitated the peacefulness of the whole experience. This might have been the high point of our visit to New Zealand!
Great way to view glow worms close to Rotorua
Charlotte P,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic way to see glow worms 15 minutes from Rotorua (rather than 2 hours to Waitamo!) There is a no photography policy (which is understandable as it alters their behaviour), so if photos are your core focus then maybe not for you.
Amazing adventure
cnbcc,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guides were super friendly and helpful. They gave us gloves, booties and wetsuits . Kayaking and night and going into glow worm caves was the most amazing experience . Much better than the touristy waitomo caves.
Sweden
Majbritt L,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Absolutely amazing what an adventure and what guides 👏 And the hot xhikladeb at the end was magical THANKS
Highly Recommend, Very Enjoyable
Jonathan K,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Super enjoyable tour. Sam did a great job. Easy kayaking and well worth it all to see those glowworms. Definitely recommend this!!!
The best way to see glow worms!
Twinguy1,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing evening! Lots of ways to see glow worms in NZ, but I think this is the most authentic. A slow cruise paddling out some hidden caves. All the staff were super helpful and the evening went smooth.
Great Firefly Hole experience!
920lij,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Super beautiful fireflies and stars, meticulous care for everyone, with candy and hot, unbeatable experiences! It's great to be in a cave drinking hot coincidences and watching fireflies. Row for about an hour and a half, via 4 caves, novice friendly, not very fast paced, meeting point will be equipped, no need to bring your own extra. Leader Jacob people are really super nice and warm. Thank you very much.
Awesome adventure
Trail29154446174,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome adventure! My family loved it. Well organised. Guide full of information. Kyak was comfortable and easy to navigate.
Must do
jacobhA185KL,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Top notch experience! Our guide Jacob was super knowledgeable and made the whole trip easy and tons of fun! Definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area
Fantastic tour
Angela B,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I was initially really nervous as I was travelling alone. Forrest was amazing, he was very patient, understanding and knowledgeable. This was a fantastic tour that I would highly recommend.