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
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
306 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommend, Very Enjoyable
Jonathan K,
Oct 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Super enjoyable tour. Sam did a great job. Easy kayaking and well worth it all to see those glowworms. Definitely recommend this!!!
Fantastic tour
Angela B,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00I 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.
It was a very special...
JUNYAN Z,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a very special experience. The guide Tom was a very warm and knowledgeable person who told us a lot about worms and stargazing. It was a lucky day. It rained all the time during the day, but when we were in the middle of the lake, it was sunny. The sky was full of stars, which was very romantic. I had a wonderful night.
Magical
Sarah S,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Wonderful! Worth the late night for the kids. Kayaking over the lake at night was just as magical as the glow worms as it was so serene.
Fantastic tour with great personal and local experience
MichaelJames F,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic night kayak trip to see the glow worms. The guides were knowledgeable, brought a strong professionalism with the right amount of personality and local knowledge. This is a fantastic experience and achievable for anyone. Couldn’t recommend them more
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Operated by Taiao Adventures