Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour Glowworms

Kayak Lake Rotoiti at dusk, explore glowworm caves, enjoy a BBQ dinner, and relax in geothermal hot pools. Experience New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 41C Otaramarae Road - Embark on an unforgettable evening adventure kayaking on the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of New Zealand. As you set off on your journey, be captivated by the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you.

While paddling gracefully, you’ll be enchanted by the symphony of birdlife that fills the air, adding a harmonious touch to the already picturesque setting. Your experienced guide will share with you the fascinating myths and legends that are intricately woven into the fabric of this area’s rich history.
Next, venture towards the Manupirua Hot Pools, a hidden gem accessible only by water. Here, you will indulge in a sumptuous BBQ dinner, savoring the flavors of freshly cooked delights while surrounded by the serenity of the lake and the lush surroundings. You will also get a lengthy soak in the healing waters of the hot pools.

Prepare to be spellbound by the enchanting display of bioluminescent creatures lighting up the darkness like a galaxy of stars. The ethereal glow emitted by these tiny creatures creates an otherworldly experience, leaving you in awe of nature’s wonders.

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Dinner
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Transport from Rotorua Central ( Transportation fee cost NZ$45.00 includes pick up and drop off )
Meal Options
  • Gourmet Kiwi BBQ Meal
Additional Information

Begin an enthralling twilight journey kayaking over Lake Rotoiti, a jewel in New Zealand’s crown. Submit to the captivating landscape and beautiful bird calls as you navigate towards the legendary Glowworm cave, a phenomenon of natural light. Enjoy a delightful BBQ feast at the hidden Manupirua Hot Pools, accessible solely through water, and surrender to the soothing allure of the indigenous geothermal springs. As celestial bodies shimmer above, behold the mystical transformation of the lake. This magical encounter perfectly embodies nature’s marvels, ensuring lasting memories filled with peace and wonder.

Location
41C Otaramarae Road
Otaramarae Road
Please look out for our guide, vehicle, trailer and boats. Please wait and meet your guide at the Waimarino Kayak Tours, down the far end of the carpark.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Rachelpr2714qx
Mar 2, 2024
Milky Way - This experience was incredible. A nicely paced tour with so many highlights! Dara is the man for the job- knowledgeable, humorous, and capable. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_b
Feb 20, 2024
Amazing Adventure - Jess and David were terrific guides! An amazing adventure we are so glad we took part in. Thank you!!!
Review provided by Viator
Mpb3742
Feb 19, 2024
A magical evenings - A magical trip - better than we had expected. Our guides Jess and David were fabulous, catering for paddlers of all abilities. The views were stunning, the hot pools a real treat, the BBQ dinner was delicious and the glow worms were truly magical. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Petern23
Feb 6, 2024
Just do it…at night! - Was fabulous kayaking! We only had 4 plus the guide so wonderful communication with our young Irish guide. We have kayaked often but never at night. We felt totally safe with each kayak having a rear light. The thermal pools were great with about 8 pools at varying temperatures. The BBQ whilst simple fare was very tasty as was the cold beer and ice cream. The glow cave was a great reason to do the night tour. We had a hire car so just a 30 minute drive from Rotorua. Tandem kayaking is a great test for the marriage LOL! Just do it !!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Storyteller521138
Feb 5, 2024
Best Experience Ever! - This was the greatest experience!!! Tom, our guide was so friendly and informative. The pace of the trip was perfect with a great dinner at the hot pools, intimate time in the caves , and gorgeous moonlit Kayak back. Worth every penny!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merin_d
Jan 5, 2024
If you’re lucky enough to book this tour, do it! - Wow! We didn’t realize what an incredible experience this would be! Jamie Lee met us at the kayak dock, and got our family of four situated and we were off on the water. It was a lot of paddling in the kayak, but it wasn’t difficult. We headed towards a remote mineral Springs area where we got to enjoy bathing in the mineral pools and jumping off a dock into the lake. (You could also take a slide) We had an amazing dinner that she prepared that was salad, salmon, and sausage. Next we hopped back into our kayaks and started to paddle out in the dark towards the caves. We had taken this trip as a second option because Waitomo glow worm caves was fully booked. Well, good things happen because this was an experience that was not to be believed!!! We kayaked into a cave in the dark and all of a sudden there were glowworms all around us. We were given ample time to enjoy and take it all in. This was an experience and a vision we will never ever ever ever forget and we are so glad that we took this tour! We were also glad that we had brought waterproof floating pouches on strings to wear around our neck to take pics throughout our journey. We also appreciated the fresh bottle of water in a reuseble container and chocolate given to us by the tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
Discover37552221965
Jan 3, 2024
If you love nature and want to enjoy an unforgettable experience immersed in it, this tour is for you. - Incredible experience, David welcomes you with water and all explanations. The hot pools are delicious and then a barbecue prepared by Davis, very careful and delicious at sunset. The cave is breathtaking, I was thrilled and the return with the starry sky was very special. It was a unique and wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless31954393834
Dec 8, 2023
First timer feedback - Jamie is wonderful guide. The kayaking experience is great, very friendly for a first timer, Not to mention the hot spring and the bbq. The sausage is epic. Overall very recommend especially traveling in a small group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q7834vbcarolinac
Oct 25, 2023
Lovely evening kayak experience for a couple - The whole tour felt really special - it was just my wife and I so we had the guide David's undivided attention! The hot pools were a welcome break from kayaking and weren't too crowded in the evening, and the barbecue dinner was tasty though a bit more ordinary than we had hoped (gourmet sausage, salmon, potato wedges and two mayonnaise-based salads, followed by a free ice lolly from the shop). Seeing the glowworm cave was a real once in a lifetime experience. I think the 3/5 fitness rating on the website is fair and worth taking note of; as a novice kayaker I definitely found it a bit of a workout towards the very end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor