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Glowworm Kayak Trip - Waikato River

Deals from $95.00 Save $65.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Experience the wonder of the Waikato River on this remarkable Glowworm Kayak Trip, perfect for anyone keen to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty in a relaxed and enchanting way!

Experience the wonder of the Waikato River on this remarkable Glowworm Kayak Trip, perfect for anyone keen to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty in a relaxed and enchanting way!

Highlights

  • Paddle the Waikato River at twilight surrounded by stunning scenery
  • Enter a magical glowworm canyon glowing with natural light
  • Enjoy wine, cheese, and toasted marshmallows by the campfire
  • Drift downstream guided by the soft glow of the worms
  • Paddle safely with premium kayaks and certified guides

Discover the beauty of the Waikato River on a serene twilight adventure that begins at Epworth Camp, where paddlers hop into their kayaks and set off along a calm stretch of water towards the Pokaiwhenua Stream.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the river glows with soft golden light, and the silhouettes of native bush create a peaceful backdrop. Gliding beneath the Pokaiwhenua Bridge, kayakers enter a hidden glowworm canyon draped in lush ferns – a tranquil, almost otherworldly spot that feels like a secret escape.

When night falls, the canyon transforms as thousands of glowworms light up the rock walls, their gentle glow shimmering on the water’s surface. After soaking in the view, guests gather by a crackling campfire to enjoy a glass of local wine, hot drinks for the kids, and a platter of tasty cheeses before drifting downstream once more, guided only by the glowworms’ natural light.

Suitable for ages 5 and up, this kayak adventure promises an unforgettable evening. This magical tour offers a personalised experience with a low guide-to-guest ratio with a maximum capacity of 16 pax per tour. With Adventure Mark safety certificationand easy to paddle premium kayaks (Barracuda AR duos), guests can simply relax and enjoy the moment, knowing they’re in safe hands.

This twilight kayak trip perfectly blends the peaceful rhythm of paddling with the magic of New Zealand’s natural wonders – an evening that’s sure to leave lasting memories!

Group Tour - Adult $160.00 (13+ years old)
Group Tour - Child $112.50 (5-12 years old)
Group Tour - Family $510.00 (2 x Adult, 2 x Child)
Private Trip - Adult $230.00 (13+ years old)
Private Trip - Child $135.00 (5-12 years old)

What's included

  • Fully guided glowworm kayak tour
  • Premium kayak equipment (kayak, paddle and life jacket)
  • Warm, waterproof jackets and pants will be provided
  • 1 glass NZ wine (adults) , cheese & crackers, hot chocolate drink, marshmallows &d choc biscuits to make smores
  • Private Tour Only: Upgraded wine and snacks

Duration

  • Allow approximately 4 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • 116 Finlay Road
  • Maungatautari 3494
  • New Zealand

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 5
  • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Important Information

    Standard Tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers to confirm tour departure. Private Tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to confirm tour departure.

    Minimum age is 5 years (but must be booked with a paying adult).

    A moderate level of fitness and will be required.


    Weather

    This tour is weather dependant. The Boatshed will use the number provided when booking to contact you regarding the weather and to remind you of what to bring.

    If the weather looks poor, you will be given the option to rebook. A final decision on the trip departure will be made at 10am the day of the tour. I


    Cancellations

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


Available Bookings from 17 Nov to 30 Nov 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Mon 17 Nov
Tue 18 Nov
Wed 19 Nov
Thu 20 Nov
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

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $160.00
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$230.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $160.00
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$230.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00

  • Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Group Tour - Child $112.50
  • Group Tour - Family$510.00
  • Private Trip - Adult$177.00
  • Private Trip - Child$135.00
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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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