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
370 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Night kayaking
willow d,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a really fun and interesting activity! It is a very easy paddle across round the lake. They bring you in a bus to their base where you have the option to put on water resistant gear (recommend) then get back on the bus to the lake. We gather around and they give us some kayaking and head lamp instructions. All of this is done in a kind and patient manner. Then you get in the kayaks and paddle to the first cave. There are 3 caves and a short tunnel. In one of the caves our guide Sam, told us all about the glow worms. It was very informative and interesting. It was really a lovely peaceful experience! I loved kayaking at night, I had never done that before!
Amazing tour with Ellie!
Sidharth J,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience! There was this beautiful gal basically from Scotland; Ellie, handling our group and she was amazing! It was my first time kayaking but she made everything look so simple and explained everything about the Glowworms in great detail. So yes, she was quite smart too. Even gave us a chocolate and hot chocolate in the end. Absolutely amazing experience!
Was a little nervous about my kayaking skill, but picked it up with ease!
Patricia J,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a core memory during our New Zealand trip! Not only were the glow worms magical, but the view of the stars and milky way over the lake is a sight that I will never forget! Our guide Jacob made our group feel safe, and was very knowledgeable about the glow worms and surrounding areas. I would recommend to anyone staying in Rotorua! Kayaking at night is definitely something you'll be telling all your friends / family about when you get back home.
A glow to remember!
Crystal H,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A spectacular evening with professional guides to ensure the best tour of the caves, to view the glow worms!
Glowworms and Stars
Morgan L,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was good - travelling solo so I was partnered with someone I didn't know - luckily he was a very experienced kayaker and it was still a good time. The guides made me feel safe, nothing was rushed, and a lot of good info was shared. Would recommend this tour. We were lucky enough to have a very clear night and got to see loads of stars :)
Adventures on the Water in the Dark
Donna C,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun night kayaking in the dark seeing spectacular Glow Worms! Very easy kayaking so don’t let that prevent you from enjoying this fun adventure.
Extraordinary views
Timothy P,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience. It was so cool to get a ride into caves. It was a truly breathtaking opportunity that everyone should do
Best Experience Ever!
Trisha H,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear the water pants they offer you- they keep you dry. This was the coolest experience! Well worth it.
A highlight of our stay in Rotorua.
Tjaart B,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good. Guides are experienced and enthusiastic to share this wonderful experience with tourists. Very informative and a worthwhile activity.
Amazing experience
Tn S,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an experience! Late night on the lake under a million stars, then the experience of seeing the glow worms in 3 different locations,
From NZ$195.00
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Operated by Taiao Adventures