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
350 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent, highly recommended.
Escape41227120444,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally immersive experience. Loved every single minute of it with my family and the guides and driver were brilliant - passionate, experienced, kind and funny.
A unique and wonderful experience!
Sandi U,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fabulous experience! The company is well organized and very safety conscious, leading to a first rate experience. Kayaking at night on a dark lake where the Milky Way and Southern Cross shine bright is a magical experience all on its own, but add in the glow worm caves and it takes it to a whole other level. The caves shone with the tiny worms and the light was reflected in the water. Don’t miss this experience!
This was amazing....
Kim F,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was amazing. Kayaking the lake at night under the stars was wonderful. Going into the caves and seeing so many glow worms raised the experience even higher. The guides were excellent and very supportive of novice kayakers.
Great Glow worm tour
Heather E,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time! Ellie was a great guide and just being out on the lake and stargazing was wonderful, but the glow worms were really interesting and beautiful.
Cool NZ adventure
carolynpV1307XU,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great leader who did a nice job explaining the phenomenon of the glowworms. Easy kayak, mid-trip treats, and gear to keep us warm. Highly recommend!
Fabulous and fun!
maryrE4208RO,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really didn’t know what to expect but it was beyond all expectations! I learned so much and the night was so clear the stars were lit up just like the caves full of glow worms! A must do!
Very interesting trip....
Anita Z,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting trip. Great experience. Perfect option in Rotorua. Highly recommended. Enjoyable, fun and very relaxing.
We were able to enter 4...
AnneMarie L,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were able to enter 4 glow worm caves, each one of different character. All of the staff, from the bus drivers to the guides, were very friendly and informative. It was a great adventure and we highly recommend.
Awesome trip! Must do!
Scott Y,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent trip. They provide all the gear, wetsuit booties, pants and tops. Felt safe. Guide was excellent. Glow worms and stars were amazing! I would do this again!
Epic evening! Highly recommend!
scotty157,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a cool but beautiful night. The rain held off and the sky’s opened up. We felt safe the entire time. Loved all the different caves. Our guide was educated and helpful. Seeming the stars was an added bonus. Highly recommend this!
From NZ$195.00
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