Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars.
An unique experience for all your senses.
Highlights
• Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing.
• New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness.
• Small group, relaxed atmosphere.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Minimum age is 6 years old
Supportive footwear such as trainers or hiking boots is recommended
This tour includes a 2 kilometer walk, a good level of fitness is require for all participants
Risk Disclosure: We operate a strict safety management system that is audited to New Zealand standards. It is important for you to be aware of the risk and hazards of this tour which are: Uneven grounds, tree roots, rocks and slippery surfaces that could result in slips, trips and falls causing injury / strains /sprains / or broken bones. Low light conditions, use torches / flashlights accordingly
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Rotorua
Our Nocturnal Glow-worm tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours and includes a 2 kilometer walk. We will depart from Rotorua in a minivan, small group (8 people). Depart times vary depending on season. Once there after a walk through the darkness of native bush you will be guided by the sound of running water. Soon towering banks will rise up around you. Then in this moment turn off your flashlight and you will not be disappointed. Literally thousands of glow worms lite up like night sky, forming their own constellations all around you. At any time of the year it is unlikely that the glow worms will be the only wildlife that you encounter. Wallabies and Possums patrol the area and their rustling, along with the eerie call of the morepork, will provide the sound effects for you night walk. Out of the forest the 'star' gazing is at is best on a clear dark night sky. Come along, soak up the atmosphere and learn about New Zealand's incredible night life.
What‘s Included
Light refreshments
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Options
Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
Reviews
726 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
lenechristinew,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen was an amazing guide. A lot of knowledge and good at communicating it. We were so happy that we went on this tour. Highly recommended.
Unfriendly and unsympathetic tour operators who only do the bare minimum
Annika Y,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Thank you to Real Rotorua for teaching me a lesson about being on time, I suppose. I was late by 2-3 minutes to the pick up location and they were already gone. They claim to have called me but I had not received any calls, and if the call hadn't gone through they could've tried another way of contacting me like through email or alerting me by honking their horn as I was at a private address. Again, my fault for not reading the ToS that I should be standing in the cold for 10 minutes prior to their arrival. Did they not think it could be that I was standing elsewhere and didn't see them, or something unexpected had delayed my arrival slightly? Their effort and kindness towards their so-called guests is bare minimum at best. I get leaving after 5 or 10 minutes, but I was outside 2 minutes past the pickup time and did not see any vehicles there. Somehow, I doubt their sincerity in offering tours to well-meaning travellers around Rotorua if they could not even wait 5 minutes to truly ascertain I was not coming, or make more of an attempt to contact or find a paying customer at a pickup location. I also called them on the phone and asked if I could uber or drive to wherever the location was, but was very rudely shut down by both of the owners who told me that nothing can be done and cut off the call. Perhaps being late was my fault, but I also would not recommend simply because of the owners' attitude. I get that being late is against your ToS and no refund will be given because of this, but I believe there could be some sympathetic grey area for 2-3 mins? Their policy and attitude strongly dissuades me from ever booking again with them for me and my family if I return to Rotorua. I would have felt better if they had offered a partial refund or a switch to another date for the tour, but it was simply "nothing can be done". Moreover, I was standing outside stupidly waiting for them to come not knowing that they had left and thinking that they were late, and it was only 10 minutes later that I realised something was wrong and called them, and by then it was too late. Could've at least emailed me to let me know they were leaving me behind, since they could not reach me by phone. Anyway, Rotorua had been lovely but this experience left a sour taste in my mouth. I recommend anyone to book with another operator for tours, or be extremely early to their tour otherwise they will gladly leave you behind.
THE BEST way to see glow-worms, ferns, and other joys of the region's forests!
Stephanie G,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We LOVED Stephen's nocturnal adventure!! We had such a lovely time learning from him about all of the wonderful plants and creatures of the forest near Rotorua. Stephen also took really fun pictures of us and helped us photograph the things we saw. Stephen has put together a really fun, informative, and memorable experience, and the effort he has put forth in doing so really shines through.
Amazing tour
Keryn O,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow what an experience. Not only did we see some amazing gloworms but our guide Stephen was absolutely fabulous pointing out and explaining things to us as we walked through the forest. His passion and excitement at discovering new things as we walked along the track was contagious. Who would have thought moss and fungi could be so interesting. We saw some great silver ferns and learnt the history to this. Stephen, a true nature buff, was very well prepared provided commentary all the way and even supplied us with gum boots so our feet stayed dry and a lovely warm cup of hot chocolate and biscuit on our return. I highly recommend this trip. Thanks Stephen
Amazing bush walk!
270elliottm,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing bush walk with Stephen, it was raining but this made the glow worms glow brighter. Stephen was well equipped with all the gear which was definitely needed and the tour was amazing. Highly recommended if you are in town!
Hands down the best experience I had over two weeks in New Zealand
Pathfinder195313,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The title seems maybe kind of too good to be true, but it's all subjective. I have seen mountains, waterfalls, night sky and rugged terrain before so in comparison what New Zealand offers is always on par and often better, but for me it also is somewhat familiar. I have never done a nocturnal walk in woods before as guided tour though and this experience was awesome. Short, but about right at the same time. It's great to meet a knowledgeable guide who is a real fan himself and the experience was great. If you want to have something a bit different it is surely something I'd recommend. Our group was nice and small with 5 people plus the guide and it worked wonders.
Excellent Nature, Service, & Glow Worms
Julie V,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Small group tour that included learning about the area, plants, animals, and seeing glow worms from the beauty of the forest Respectful, knowledgable guide. Lights included. Very well done!
Great nocturnal adventure
toniok43,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting, entertaining and educational. Steve did a great job in supporting making excellent nocturnal fotos. Glow-worm site was amazing, the best I have seen outside of caves. The tour was worth every second.
Wonderful experience of NZ natural forest
coffeenjam,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We experienced a night walk in the natural forest learning about native trees, ferns, some insects, spiders and importantly glow worms. What a treat it was to be shown by an experienced and informed tour guide, Stephen. From the outset of being picked up, the stories and local history was imparted. When we got to the forest, we were versed in how to use our own torches then we set off under a half moon into the darkness. Magnificent views awaited us of various parts of forests with information about our immediate surroundings. We saw the largest Silver Ferns on the walk. What struck us most was just how tiny Glow Worms are and how delicate their structures are. We especially loved the way Stephen set up for some spectacular photos of us in the forest with our torches as ambient lighting. A very special memory and one we easily recommend. Chris and Satomi Sydney, Australia
Magical Glow Worm Experience
U7947LCclaires,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour due to the small size! Stephen was amazing in his knowledge of the Rotorua area and of course the little glow worms. We saw a whole galaxy of them! Stephen also had gumboots/rain coats for those who were looking for a little extra protection, highly appreciated. Thanks so much Stephen, truly one of our highlights of NZ!
From NZ$125.00
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Operated by Real Rotorua