Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are the central areas for this kayak tour - it uses double kayaks on the calm sheltered waters of Lake McLaren. The tour operates in the evening due to the visibility of the glow worms..
As the evening unfolds, begin your journey with a short scenic drive through rolling countryside, you’ll arrive at the breath taking Lake McLaren. Here, you’ll be welcomed with “Te Reka O Te Whenua- the Taste of the Land” a curated tasting session featuring flavours unique to Aotearoa. Savour the flavours of New Zealand Cheeses, sweet RewaRewa honey, and other artisanal delights, perfectly paired with locally brewed kombucha. In the cooler months, sip on warm, spiced 0% mulled wine to keep you warm.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required to commence a tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Waimarino Adventure Park
this meeting point is also Waimarino Adventure Park Tauranga's longest established tourism attraction where families enjoy the days activities
McLaren Falls Park
Enjoy light refreshments on the Edge of Lake McLaren prior to departing in double kayaks into the sunset. Here you will discover the birdlife settling for the evening and the gentle splashes of fish (trout) breaking the surface for the final evenings meal. You then paddle to the head of the lake and transition from daylight to darkness through dusk. this is when the stars start coming into view and the glow worms begin to pop from the native bush on the cliffs.
What‘s Included
Light refreshments
Kayak and equipment
Professional guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Options
2023/24
Reviews
329 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Afternoon Spa and Glow Worms
Elizabeth S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic tour. Longer paddling than expected but worth it. Paddled to the hot spas and spent time soaking while dinner was grilled. After we paddled to the caves and the glow worms were very cool to see. We then paddled back to shore in the dark. Our guide was friendly and a wealth of information. Highly recommend tour.
Really fun experience!...
Angela M,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really fun experience! Going by kayak to see glowworms was fabulous. We did Waitomo caves the day prior and this tour did not disappoint or feel duplicative, I’m glad we went. I’m not an experienced kayaker and the guide was very patient and helped me with my form to make it easier for me, now I’m an expert kayaker ☺️.
A magical experience.
Michelle C,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ben did a great job as tour guide for this activity and narrating the trip. It was a lovely adventure. We enjoyed delicious gourmet snacks before setting out in our kayaks with all the gear we could possibly need. We paddled out at sunset, then Ben pulled us into a narrower area where the glowworms were located. We learned about the science of the glowworms and a beautiful Maori legend. It was magical seeing the "stars" in the trees/cliffs around us while listening to gentle waterfalls. I have been to glowworm cave experiences and this is better. It was really special. My 11 year old loved it too.
Fun, informative and beautiful
C4410JQcynthiab,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So fun! Great guides Jack & Ewen. Learned lots.
Relaxed kayaking advent.
Escape38892736748,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organised, friendly, carefree and professional.
Special, glorious and entertaining!
D9072BUemmas,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the most amazing and memorable experience last night with the glowworm kayak tour, it’s seriously one I will never forget! We were blessed with Eoghan as our guide for the evening and he was the perfect mix of wisdom, dad jokes and incredible story telling. He has a one of a kind personality and golden-retriever like energy, and was a great personal chef, so perfect for the job! (I so wish I could’ve fit him in my suitcase back to Aus with me.😍) Anywhoo, we kayaked to the hot pools on lake Rotoiti and soaked in the glorious springs while dinner was cooking on the barbecue. Amazing service and very tasty! There was absolutely no sense of rushing or lack of time, it was peaceful and entertaining and really customer focused. The highlight for me was definitely seeing the sunset over the lake which was perfectly timed thanks to Eoghan, the glowworm cave stories and the kayak back with the view of stars in the nights sky! It was 10/10 in my humble opinion, definitely recommend for everyone to experience!!
Super fun experience
Karen W,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was super fun and adventurous. The guides take good care of you with all the equipment you’ll need even if it rains. Glow worms were cool. So worth it.
Sparkly Fun night
Pat p,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Guides were great, very good at keeping group on task, safe and entertained. It got very dark quickly as we were loading into kayaks but went without incident. Lake calm and beautiful. Enjoyed explanations and legends. We loss some time with getting access into park initially so our departure was very rushed, but all worked out.
Memorable experience.
427balvirk,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely wonderful. Both tour guides were the best.
Once and Forgettable
JOSEF W,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour starts with a snack and at nightfall it goes out of the lake and into the canyon. Thousands of fireflies on the rocks. We were probably in the canyon for an hour. Unique and unforgettable!
From NZ$265.00
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Operated by Waimarino Kayak Tours