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
339 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fair warning - you are...
Michael M,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fair warning - you are kayaking on a lake in the dark late at night. If you are brand new to kayaking (as I was), you will definitely be out of your comfort zone, but it is doable! (though probably better to get your first experience during the light of day, then come to this one). That said, the glowworms were amazing. You get to see a few different spots, one of which was in a tree trunk and it's truly amazing to see nature and learn about what makes glowworms what they are. Ellie was a great guide for our group. Did well to explain everything and even make sure I was okay getting around.
Unforgettable!
Matthew G,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolutely phenomenal experience from start to finish. The guides took us onto the most tranquil lake and there we kayaked into so many stunning glow worm caves. An unforgettable experience! Definitely recommend!
So glad we did this
Nathan B,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience, highly recommended. We did the 5:30pm tour and had a great time kayaking on the lake as the sun set and the stars came out. Most importantly the glow worms put on a spectacular show. Our guide was very knowledgeable and even had a great surprise for us. Would highly recommend if you’re in this part of NZ.
Truly Magical and Unforgettable — Glow Worm Kayak Tour
sue singh,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Glow Worm Kayak Tour with Taiao Adventures, and it was absolutely incredible — easily one of the most special experiences we’ve ever done. The kids had the best time, and it’s something we’ll talk about for years. What really sets this tour apart is how thoughtfully it’s run. The guide takes you individually into each cave, one kayak at a time, while the rest of the group waits quietly on the water. During that time, you’re left sitting in complete stillness — either under the stars or, if there are no stars, surrounded by pure darkness. It’s so peaceful and calming, and makes the experience feel incredibly personal rather than rushed or commercial. Kayaking at night felt safe, calm, and very well managed. The guides were fantastic — friendly, reassuring, and clearly very experienced. Seeing the glow worms from the water while floating silently through the caves is genuinely magical. Right at the end — when you’re cold and fully immersed in the experience — the guide surprises everyone with hot chocolate inside a cave. It was completely unexpected and honestly one of the most amazing moments of the night. We didn’t need to bring anything at all — they provide everything. Cost & duration: Price: Approximately NZD 180–200 per person (premium experience, but absolutely worth it) Duration: Around 3 hours total, including transport, safety briefing, kayaking, and the glow worm caves Clothing note: My younger daughter (14) was quite cold-sensitive, so she wore the fleece-lined dry suit with the waterproof outer layer on top, which was a very good idea. I wore fitted thermals and the provided waterproof clothing over. Temperatures had dropped during our time in New Zealand, and it even drizzled while we were out, but we were actually warm and comfortable the entire time. Verdict: A must-do Rotorua experience, especially for families. Peaceful, beautifully run, and truly unforgettable.
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
From NZ$195.00
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