Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour Glowworms
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on a mesmerizing evening adventure kayaking across Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand's gem. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the symphony of birdlife as you paddle towards the mythical Glowworm cave, a spectacle of bioluminescence. After a sumptuous BBQ dinner at the secluded Manupirua Hot Pools, accessible only by water, surrender to pure relaxation as you soak in the therapeutic warmth of the natural geothermal springs. As the moon and stars twinkle above, witness the lake's magical transformation. This enchanting experience is a perfect harmony of nature's wonders, leaving you with cherished memories of tranquility and awe.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Embark on an unforgettable evening adventure kayaking on the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of New Zealand. As you set off on your journey, be captivated by the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you. While paddling gracefully, you'll be enchanted by the symphony of birdlife that fills the air, adding a harmonious touch to the already picturesque setting. Your experienced guide will share with you the fascinating myths and legends that are intricately woven into the fabric of this area's rich history. Next, venture towards the Manupirua Hot Pools, a hidden gem accessible only by water. Here, you will indulge in a sumptuous BBQ dinner, savoring the flavors of freshly cooked delights while surrounded by the serenity of the lake and the lush surroundings. You will also get a lengthy soak in the healing waters of the hot pools. Prepare to be spellbound by the enchanting display of bioluminescent creatures lighting up the darkness like a galaxy of stars. The ethereal glow emitted by these tiny creatures creates an otherworldly experience, leaving you in awe of nature's wonders.
Sample Menu
main
Gourmet Kiwi BBQ Meal
Options
Tour with Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
Hotel Pick up/ Drop off
Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour Glowworms
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Dinner
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Magnificent experience
W772PDmichaelm,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable experience Professional guide Uchie Equipment first class Hot pools Unbelievable Gourmet BBQ dinner, magnificent! Glow worms 🪱 exquisite Cannot recommend this trip more highly Will do again
Absolutely Worth It
Pioneer62462796844,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To be perfectly honest, my husband and I are older and in hindsight were not really up to the physical demands of the kayaking, but our guide was very understanding and accommodating and we made it through. That said, we thouroughly enjoyed this excursion and our 11 year old absolutely had the time of his life. The hot pools, the lake slide, the BBQ (and attending dog), and of course the glowworms made for a wonderful evening. Altogether, this was a highlight of our month in Australia and New Zealand.
Alex and M were great...
Carol B,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex and M were great guides! Very informative. Hot tubs and food were great. Glow worm experience was cool and informative. We would definitely recommend this trip.
Stars and all!
775cw,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a mesmerizing experience on the lake with Cian. Kayaking across Lake Rototiti and then a delicious meal cooked by Cian lakeside was a memorable experience talking with other visitors from England. The highlight of the trip of course were the glow worms, which was amazing but honestly seeing the stars of the southern hemisphere and being on the lake at dusk was incredible! Thanks guys for a wonderful evening!
A great afternoon/evening...
Michael M,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great afternoon/evening kayaking, enjoying hot pools, eating a nice BBQ lunch on the waterfront picnic-style, and then seeing some glowworms. Royce and Cian were great guides, managing the logistics very well and providing lots of great information on what you're seeing as well as what you're doing (i.e., if you're new to kayaking, they explain it well). If I had another day in Rotorua, I would have done this tour a second time because I enjoyed it so much.
Kayaking baths meals and shiny worms..super
832gillesc,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful..an excellent team, competent available and smiling...a plus for me who is French: the dialogue with Idriss and his clear explanations in my language. Also highlight his professionalism..
A wonderful experience
Renee R,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the starlight gourmet kayak tour Lake Rotoiti. Henry our guide was a top bloke. He made everything easy even when it didn’t feel like it! He makes a pretty good salad too. The experience is one of a kind and well worth it. We had everything we need to stay safe and warm including extra clothing, jackets and gloves that hooked onto the oars. Our light went out on our kayak on the way back and Henry still kept us on track and calm. A great experience. Thanks for keeping us safe, fed, watered and entertained!
Worth doing!
Meriel G,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Kayaks were great and extra gear (jumper & jacket) was very handy. Tour guides were both super. We kayaked over to the hot springs 10/10!! Super quiet when we went, gorgeous spot, lake was fab for cooling down too. Dinner was delish. Headed to see the glow worms after that, v cool experience, learnt more about them too, both the Māori and the scientific versions. The Māori story was definitely nicer! Weather wasn’t ideal on the way back, but with all the extra gear we were all dry-ish and cozy, so it just added to the adventure! Only thing which brought the review down a bit was that on the way back, we (myself and the other girl in the kayak) felt like we were being slightly left behind. Apart from that, 10/10!
Fantastic experience.
ourgreatadventures,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Craig, our guide, was fantastic. From the beginning of our tour, we knew this was going to be a memorable experience. We paddled across Lake Rotoiti to the hot pools where Craig cooked up a BBQ for us, and we relaxed in beautiful hot pools. After relaxing and some food in our stomachs, we paddled across to the glow worm caves. It was nothing short of spectacular. After leaving the glow worm caves, we came out to a beautiful clear night of stars. We couldn't have asked for anything more. Craig was very informative and a great guide. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves kayaking and beautiful scenery. Thank you so much.
Best part of our entire visit to NZ
patricktM5077GX,Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cam gave us an absolutely outstanding experience, highlight of our entire tour to NZ. Can't recommend highly enough! Breathtaking views, hard graft and a sense of achievement, and truly otherworldly cave kayaking.
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Operated by Waimarino Kayak Tours