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
381 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
7years old kid first...
Yoyo Y,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.007years old kid first kayak, very kids friendly. We loved the adventure. Easy to handle, even with little kids.
A real highlight in Rotorua
Leona M,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredible experience. Lake Ōkāreka was so peaceful which made the kayak to the caves to see the glow worms very relaxed and enjoyable. Ellen was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable.
A great experience!
Christina C,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a process to get to the water but once we did it was lovely. Full moon an added bonus. Lake was peaceful & scenic! Glow worms were incredible. A long night but worth it!
30 March 2026 - two inexperience kayakers go on a glow worm tour
Relax38643122145,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guides were all amazing and passionate. We had such an amazing time learning and seeing the glow worms. My favourite was learning the Maori story about glow worms. Alain was an amazing guide, she was a very good story teller and reassuring kayak instructor. She checked in with us inexperienced kayakers a lot and made sure all of us are safe and confident. Thanks Alain!
Very good but overpriced
Stacy H,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Was really good, but it bit overpriced
Worth the visit
Erika W,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great knowledge, well organised, loved how we got the wet weather equipment, beautiful caves, cute glowworms,
Had a great time paddling and glow-worm peeping!
cuppajoe wa,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience paddling in the dark and seeing the glow worms up close! The staff and equipment were all great
Book it now!
Eryn Y,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing experience. Definitely a must. We loved that it was a small group at a slow pace so you could just enjoy the paddle. We got beautiful conditions with a glass lake and bright stars. The milky way even made an appearance. The guide was amazing and very knowledgeable. The caves were stunning and the worms put on a show we will never forget. We are so happy with this tour and will talk about for years to come.
Lol
l0rnitap,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good experience,kayaking is also good but not prepared tobe wet. On this tour prepared to be with in a group tour specially night time for a first timer todo kayak,..
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!
From NZ$195.00
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Operated by Taiao Adventures