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Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

4.9
159
Deals from $89.40 Save $59.60 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Kayak into the night to experience the natural wonder of glowworms as they light up in the dark!

Kayak into the night to experience the natural wonder of glowworms as they light up in the dark!

Highlights

  • Be mesmerised as thousands of glow worms light up in the dark!
  • Expertly guided kayak tour through an ancient canyon
  • Enjoy paddling along the tranquil waters of Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream
  • No experience necessary

Join Riverside Adventures Waikato for a magical evening kayaking the calm waters of Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream.

Starting our paddle from the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, your guide will fill you in on the interesting history of the Horahora village as the sun begins to set.

We will make our way slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through a canyon hundreds of years old whilst enjoying stunning views of native trees and ferns.

Once darkness falls - the magic begins - as thousands of glowworms come to life, sparkling on either side of you like constellations in the night sky.

Also, check out our Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour

Per person $149.00

What's included

  • Guided kayak tour
  • Quality kayaks and life jackets
  • We provide overpants, splash jackets & wetshoes

Duration

  • Allow approximately 4 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • 362 Horahora Road
  • Piarere.

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 8
  • There is a minimum of 4 customers to confirm a trip departure.

    Every single child under 15 is to be accompanied by a capable adult. I.e. If you have 2 children under the age of 15, they will also have to be accompanied by 2 capable adults.

    A moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourselves for approx 1 hour at a time.

    The tour is ran in English and for health and safety all participants must be able to understand English or have a translator with them.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Getting here:

    From Rotorua - Approximately a 1-hour drive.

    From Hamilton - Approximately a 40-min drive.

  • Please Note: Minimum 4 passengers are required for booking this experience and to confirm tour departure.

    Every single child under 15 is to be accompanied by a capable adult.

    I.e. If you have 2 children under the age of 15, they will also have to be accompanied by 2 capable adults.

    Fitness Level and Health & Safety: A moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourselves for approx 1 hour at a time.

    The tour is ran in English and for health and safety all participants must be able to understand English or have a translator with them.

    Cancellations: No refunds will be given to cancellations within 48 hours of the tour.

Available Bookings from 5 Feb to 18 Feb 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Thu 5 Feb
Fri 6 Feb
Sat 7 Feb
Sun 8 Feb
Mon 9 Feb
Tue 10 Feb
Wed 11 Feb
Thu 12 Feb
Fri 13 Feb
Sat 14 Feb
Sun 15 Feb
Mon 16 Feb
Tue 17 Feb
Wed 18 Feb

Bookings close in 5 hours...

  • Per person$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$149.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.9

159 reviews

Showing all 159 authenticated Bookme reviews

laetitiak from France wrote on 24 March 2025

Incroyable expérience

Une virée magique avec un excellent guide, départ avec la lumière du coucher du soleil et retour dans la nuit sous des étoiles de vers luisants, merci pour cet incroyable moment !

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Florian Onde from France wrote on 26 February 2024

Expérience unique et géniale !

Une expérience inoubliable lors de notre voyage en nouvelle Zélande. Nous ne sommes pas prêt d’oublier ces moments avec les vers luisants ! Merci

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

You're so welcome! Thanks for coming along

callumv2 from New Zealand wrote on 02 February 2026

Lovely tour

Lovely tour. Well worth the money. Very serene way to experience glow worms, gently drifting down the river through the caves as they surround you. Tour guides were knowledgeable and made the experience interesting and enjoyable. The snacks and drinks were a nice touch. Good fun kayaking around.

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Alex F from New Zealand wrote on 25 January 2026

Magical experience

Brilliant, informative tour hearing about and seeing native plants and wildlife as well as the history of the lake and area. Our guides were highly skilled and engaged, keeping us all entertained and feeling safe during our kayaking experience. The glow worms were incredible and we will be back again and again with more family and friends! Thanks so much to the staff for taking such good care of us all!

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Sharon Surawski from Australia wrote on 14 November 2025

Great experience

Great experience

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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