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Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

4.9
156
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

  • 396 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 21 Nov to 4 Dec 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Fri 21 Nov
Sat 22 Nov
Sun 23 Nov
Mon 24 Nov
Tue 25 Nov
Wed 26 Nov
Thu 27 Nov
Fri 28 Nov
Sat 29 Nov
Sun 30 Nov
Mon 1 Dec
Tue 2 Dec
Wed 3 Dec
Thu 4 Dec

  • 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$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$125.00 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!

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

156 reviews

Showing all 156 authenticated Bookme reviews

Sharon Surawski from Australia wrote on 14 November 2025

Great experience

Great experience

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royce yu from Australia wrote on 06 November 2025

Amazing activity

Had to battle my partner on the kayak but we had an amazing time. The talk about what’s happened in around the area and obviously info on the glowworms was very engaging and informative. The kayak back from the little break area (waiting for sunset) was mesmerising, like natures Christmas lights. Would recommend to everyone to do.

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Ziggy from United Kingdom wrote on 30 October 2025

Fab evening tour

Can highly recommend this tour. Was a bit apprehensive as I did this tour on my own but joined two other couples and our guide for an evening tour and really loved it. Had to paddle my own kayak rather than being in a double (which I preferred). Great to learn the history of the lake and then, if I’m honest this is the coolest way of seeing glow worms that I’ve ever seen. So magical and a good work out on the arms too! Totally worth doing especially at this fab discounted price! Thanks to the team for a great evening.

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cathyn2 from New Zealand wrote on 27 October 2025

A night to remember

A fantastic experience that was enjoyed by adults and an eight year old. Steve's knowledge and excellent kayak tutoring was appreciated, and the scenery and glow worms are incredible. How lucky are we to have this beautiful setting right here in the Waikato!

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hazel zhang from China wrote on 08 August 2025

good

good unique

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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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