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
721 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
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.
From NZ$125.00
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Operated by Real Rotorua