Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour: Hot Springs and Glowworms

51 Ratings

Rotorua

Save

View Gallery (7)

Experience Lake Rotoiti’s magic: kayak to hot springs, explore glowworm caves, and savor a BBQ dinner. Unwind, swim, and witness a stunning sunset.

Duration: 7 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

learn more

Highlights

Lake Rotoiti - Transfers are available from central Rotorua commercial accommodation.
On arrival at our base you will need to sign in and then we will go through an initial briefing about gear etc. and get geared up, then we will transfer you 10 minutes to the lake.
At the lake we will go through a safety briefing before paddling for around 1 hour…

What's Included

Full training
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Kiwi BBQ dinner
Department of Conservation Fees
Professional guide
All specialist equipment
Hot Pools Entry

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Towels can be hired for NZ$2.00 per person

Additional Information

Spend a memorable evening on a kayak tour of Lake Rotoiti with an expert guide. Visit natural hot springs and glowworm caves, and enjoy plenty of time for a relaxing soak, swim, and barbecue dinner. After your meal, paddle into lakeside caves to see glowworms and sometimes Koura - (freshwater crayfish), and take in the sunset as you wrap up your kayak…

Location

River Rats Raft & Kayak

Te Ngae Road

Hangar 14s, Take the driveway on the left as you come into the airport. Go past the first few hangars and you will see a big raft & kayak on the side of the building and free parking out the front.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.8

(51 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Cathy_s

Mar 19, 2024

Fabulous evening kayak - Beautiful lake to kayak across, great hot springs to soak in, delicious bbq and an awesomegloworm experience. Excellent attentive abd knowledgeable guide with the best equipment.

Review provided by Viator

H5307pdcs

Mar 18, 2024

Beyond our wildest expectations and more - This was a truly amazing kayak trip. The paddle across Lake Rotoiti in both directions was fun and beautiful and the soak in the hotsprings upon our arrival on the other side was just fabulous. We pretty much had the place to ourselves which is hard to come by these days. We were also lucky in the sunset was so beautiful and we were able to enjoy it while eating a delicious BBQ dinner made by our guide, Justin. On our way back across the lake, we enjoyed clear skies prett much no wind, making for such an easy paddle. The best part, however, was the ending - easing into a little cave full of gloworms hanging from the ceiling then floating back out into a night full of sparkling stars. So very beautiful. River Rats gave us a tour that was beyond our expectations, from great and thoughtful gear, to an informative guide, and an amazing time experiencing some of New Zealands unique and fabulous natural features.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Hootie120

Jan 23, 2024

Great evening out - Great afternoon/evening out, guide was very good with safely briefing and getting the kayak ready for us to fit in comfortably. Had a nice paddle across the lake to the hot pools where we had a swim and and a nice BBQ dinner with a good steak and dessert, paddled back in the dark to stop in the gloworm cave for ten minutes and then back to the boat ramp. Many thanks to Justin for organizing this as we had had a few date changes. Not to tough for my 75 year old husband, he loved it even if he had to get helped out of the kayak at the end

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Grants174

Jan 13, 2024

Best Day of Our Lives - 9 people came on this trip. Every single one came out saying that this tour made the best day of our lives. From funny, thoughtful guides to once in a lifetime experiences, every part of this trip was great. Justin and Amy were helpful keeping us on course and made us a great meal at such a unique hot springs island. Seeing the sunset from the lake followed by a hidden glow words cave was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand, and of our lives. Thank you River Rats!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

323ellac

Jan 10, 2024

Glowworm cave is a must! - Jamie was a great guide, the glowworm cave was breathtaking. Hot pools was also a very nice stop over point. Just be careful not to wear silver jewellery in the or it will tarnish.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jmeo13

Jan 9, 2024

Ask for Jamie - night kayak glow worm cave - Jamie took on the starlight kayak. Perfect trip weather she was an excellent host. Taking us on the 9km gentle kayak around the lake sections. Recommend

Review provided by Tripadvisor

19andrew71

Jan 1, 2024

Amazing experience - Terrific evening paddle across to the hot pools and a magical glow worm cave. Our guide was knowledgeable, expert and super friendly. We felt well supported throughout the trip even without much kayaking experience. 5 stars!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Linda_w

Apr 28, 2023

Wonderful time on our... - Wonderful time on our kayaking trip! The equipment was all in excellent condition and the meal was delicious too!

Review provided by Viator

Susan

Apr 19, 2023

Incredible evening - Justin was very friendly and accommodating to our group of 21-82 year olds. He BBQ’d grass fed steak while we enjoyed a lovely soak in thermal pools. Then we had an amazing paddle back across the lake in black sky with the Milky Way full and bright. This was the highlight of my NZ trip.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Andra_b

Apr 13, 2023

Amazing Experience - Highly Recommend - We had an amazing time on this Kayak tour! Our family of four enjoyed every moment from beginning to end (even the rainy moments). Swimming at the lake by the hot pools was a highlight for our 14 year-old, and our 15 year-old still talks about the stories we got to hear as we paddled from place to place. Thank you River Rats for such a great day!

Review provided by Viator

Check Availability

From $117

up to 9 guests

1 Adult