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
716 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Glowworms and more!!
Judy B,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fabulous night! The glowworms were indeed great but we enjoyed the adventure of walking in a temperate rain forest at night with such delights as....well- not saying? You'll just have to go...cheers!
Best glow worms tour!
Passport54421824846,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen has hundreds of 5 star reviews because he is truly the best! He is incredibly knowledgeable and really curates a great experience. There are so many glow worms to see and lots of the forest to explore. We booked after our kayak glow worm tour with another group was cancelled due to wind, and the Real Rotorua tour surpassed our expectations and made us glad things worked out the way they did! There were seven people, including our pair, in our tour, and the experience lasted about 3 hours from pick up to drop off.
Justifies their business name… REAL rotorua
Go27289173366,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An wholesome experience, very knowledgeable person, never had thought, this one activity would turn out to be so good Unlike other commercial activity providers, he took us to the natural environment and not just glow worms, but we experienced much more things, which cannot be expressed verbally Next time if you’re booking for glow worm experience, this is highly recommended
Unique experience!
657junef,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful glow worm experiencecwith Stephen. He was a knowledgeable, kind, interesting guide. The walk in the forest at night was so quiet. Stephen pointed out many native plants and a weta to us. There was also a nice waterfall on our route. The glow worms were like a "galaxy" around us and we got within inches of them. We did a bit of stargazing at the end. It was so enjoyable and unique!
Very enjoyable
Susan B,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our night and were fortunate to have great weather. Steve was enthusiastic and an encyclopaedia of knowledge re NZ plants and fauna, and also put in a lot of effort to provide us with some memorable photos. The glow worms were performing at their best.
Stephens night tour was an absolute highlight!
tommyj927,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen's late night tour was one of our absolute highlights during our 3.5 weeks in New Zealand. He picked us up and 4 others in his minibus and we drove for about an hour to a forest area. There, Stephen led our small group as darkness fell into the forest. During the two-hour walk, he showed an incredibly good knowledge of the New Zealand nature with lots of details about both plants and animals. He also took photos of us at a waterfall in the middle of the forest and led us to a wall of glowworms that was absolutely amazing. After the tour, we were completely captivated by what we had experienced. If you get the chance to go with Stephen, do it!!
Exceptional tour of the North New Zealand forest.
Dream20485536419,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was fantastic! We got to see silver ferns, giant tree ferns, a morepork owl, a waterfall and an entire cliff face of glowworms! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and went to extra trouble to insure we all enjoyed the tour, including taking great photos he shared with everyone after the tour. Don't miss this tour! You'll be glad you didn't!
This tour was truly an exceptional highlight — highly recommended
Beate T,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very special tour in which our guide Stephen led our small group of eight people through the nighttime rainforest. Throughout the two-hour walk, Stephen kept surprising us with fascinating new details about plants and animals and skillfully helped us capture some truly extraordinary photos. This tour was truly an exceptional highlight — highly recommended.
A great experience!
PierreVachon61,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We walked in the forest to see the glowworms with our passionate guide Stephen. We were a small group which allowed us to live the full experience. Our guide made us discover the beautiful trees in the night, insects and really glowworms. Wow! We really liked the experience. I recommend it!
The best
ThorpedoLondon,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Stephen is the man, if it moves or grows, he knows about it. What struck me most is that he seems completely unaware of just how good he is. I had the most enjoyable time. I was a bit worried about keeping up and, if I’m honest, I’m a little squeamish around bugs but there was absolutely nothing to worry about. There’s nothing in New Zealand that’s going to harm you, and the whole experience was just brilliant.
From NZ$125.00
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Operated by Real Rotorua