Glowworm Kayak Adventure on the Waikato River
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Gather your family and friends for a unique kayaking adventure along the stunning Waikato River, starting from Epworth camp. Paddle toward the enchanting Pokaiwhenua stream, where the canyon, adorned with native ferns, transforms into a mesmerizing glowworm display as twilight sets in. After savoring some of New Zealand’s finest wines and delicious cheeses by a cozy campfire, glide back downstream, illuminated solely by the soft light of the glowworms. This experience offers a magical alternative to traditional cave visits for viewing glowworms, all under the guidance of our certified and experienced Boatshed guides.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
You’ll be met by a friendly guide who will help set up your kayak to ensure it fits you comfortably. Safety gear will be provided before you begin your journey. In the daylight, you’ll kayak across the lake and paddle up the serene Pokaiwhenua Stream, eventually gliding through a canyon that leads to your campsite. Once you arrive, you’ll step out of your kayak and unwind with drinks, food, and a cozy campfire. As dusk settles in, you’ll hop back into our kayak and float gently down the canyon in small groups, marveling at the magical glowworms illuminating the night. The adventure concludes with a peaceful paddle back across the lake under the stars.
What‘s Included
Cheese & Crackers, Smores, Marshmallows. Hot chocolate drink
Glass of NZ white wine
Options
Glowworm Kayak Adventure on the Waikato River
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
D5430IRtanyan,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to see the glow worms 🐛 . Well organised, operator was very responsive & tour guide very experienced. Paddle would suit all skill levels & the camp fire, wine, hot chocolate & smores added a lovely touch to the experience.
Very enjoyable and interesting; well worth doing.
B8416WKdavidp,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enjoyable and interesting, with Mabel our guide informative and helpful. The glowworms were magical; reflected in the water, and with stars overhead it made a wonderful experience. Mabel made us feel very welcome and safe.
Both Adults and Children Loved This Kayaking Trip
749berthal,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The kayaking was much more fun and easier than what we thought. The staff of The Boatshed Kayaks were great and very experienced. They were very helpful, responsible and patient, and genuinely cared for everyone in the trip. The scenery was magnificent and we saw more glow worms than anticipated. The guides even helped us to spot a few possums! The company used sit-inside kayaks which were more stable and easy to handle even without previous experience. The kids loved the drinks and snacks especially the marshmallows roasting during the trip. Would absolutely do this again and highly recommend this activity to both the beginners and the experienced.
Awesome experience
stasiablossom,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was awesome. The service was great, Fletcher is knowledgeable and has some good stories. We picked a good day as the glow worms were easily visible. The scenery was breathtaking. 100% recommended.
Magical experience and great value
Departure18349556643,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A totally magical experience - the highlight of our week long holiday! Our tween/teens found it such a fun experience - the s'mores and hot chocolate were a hit for them. Our two young guides were great, they had everything under control for our mixed group of 13. We returned back to shore around 10.30pm. Very chilled, relaxed experience and the glow worms back in the dark were beautiful. Highly recommended!
Great evening out
shannonr422,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great evening out. Super friendly and laid back paddle across the lake and through the glow worm canyons with a stop for refreshments half way.
Magical glow worms, do it!
Road00451789888,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learning what glow worms actually are was fascinating! Richard was a fabulous and knowledgeable guide. It was lovely to stop and watch the sun go down while enjoying wine, cheese, and hot chocolate, then toast marshmallows by the fire. The peaceful, quiet kayak trip back through the gorge to see the glow worms was magical. Thank you, highly recommended!
From NZ$100.00
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Operated by The Boatshed Kayaks