Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is a once in a life-time experience and different from any other Glowworm Tour you'll go on!
Our adventure begins late afternoon / early evening at Riverside Adventures' base in South Waikato. Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over the old submerged Horahora Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields.
Learn the history of the Horahora village and enjoy the twilight & silence of being on the water as the day draws to an end.
As night arrives over the lake , paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years. Native ferns & trees drape over you, bird life is all around.
When darkness falls we float silently back downstream, being guided by the glow worms on either side sparkling like Christmas lights.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
You need to have a moderate level of fitness and be able paddle yourself for 1 hour at a time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Kayak, PFD, Splash Pants/Jackets, Wetshoes
Food and Drink
What To Expect
Come along on a daytime canyon kayak tour, a glowworm tour, bike tour or more.
Options
Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro
Reviews
475 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This trip is a must!
Caroline B,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a magical trip! The kayak up river was fun and beautiful but the trip back down in the dark to see the glow worms was truly magical! So peaceful and amazing! Also, our guide was so helpful with my son, who is vision impaired, making sure he was safe and comfortable as well as close up viewing of the glow worms. I really appreciated it!
magnificent spectacle
Moeava T,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00To see the glowworms, I tried the Waitomo tour, with the caves. I much preferred seeing them through this kayak tour. We go up the river before nightfall, on the way, we meet wild geese and the guide tells us a little about the history of the Waikato River. We cross a breathtaking canyon then we stop for a snack accompanied by a hot drink, before leaving again when night falls. There, we let ourselves glide with the current, crossing the canyon again, in complete darkness, little by little the glowworms appear, a magnificent spectacle.
Alsome!
Zoe Z,
Jun 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00Never done a kayak before and the first time was both tiring and fun. The lake view was so beautiful and I saw many glowworns glowing like stars. In the night there was also silver river in the sky and kayaking under the silver river was unforgettable. Our guide was very interesting and knowledgeable, I learned a lot from this tour. I highly recommend this!
This was an experience of...
Dusti B,
May 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an experience of a lifetime and we’ll treasure it always. Jess was an incredible guide and knew every bird by sight and sound, every tree and so much information about the glow worms and the area. She even pointed out constellations on the beautiful, starry night and we could see the Milky Way. Riverside Adventures could have canceled on us because we ended up just having us two on this particular random late fall day tour, but they didn’t and we are so grateful!
Glow worms did not disappoint!
Michelle W,
Mar 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00The evening kayaking trip was unique and just as promised in the photos! The company provided everything needed for a comfortable experience.
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Operated by Riverside Adventures Waikato