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Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Experience a family-friendly adventure in Rotorua with a unique glow worm kayaking tour. Explore nature, learn kayak skills, and create lasting memories with our friendly guides.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Rotorua isite Visitor Information Centre - Your friendly guide will pick you up and shuttle you from Rotorua, past the iconic Redwood forest as you make your way to our base on the lake shorelines. Upon arrival you will gear-up and prepare for an epic night out with all activity equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. You will then begin exploring the shoreline and embracing the last light of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge. Once it’s dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside small hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this shared experience.
What's Included
- All equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs)
- Only 15 minutes from Rotorua with pick-up & drop-off transfers included
- Incredible Glow Worms experienced by kayak
- A Sunset/Dusk/Night Adventure with Star Gazing (if clear skies)
- Experience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment
- Small group tours with exclusive lake access (1 guide per 8 kayakers)
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
Come and explore the Rotorua Lakes on a truly unique and magical kayaking experience. This amazing evening adventure takes you along the lake shorelines in a guided scenic kayak tour as you discover small caverns home to a galaxy of glow worms. One of New Zealand’s premium glow worm experiences this tour is designed to create a magical and special trip for every customer. Groups are limited in numbers to each of our personal and expert guides ensuring your adventure is the very best it can be. Our authentic, eco-friendly outdoor tours are led by grassroots leadership. We are an activity provider who strives daily to lead by example creating strong connections, positive contribution, and thoughtfulness to the environments we explore.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- What to bring:
- For kayaking in summer (November - February) we recommend wearing light-weight clothing. Shorts/pants/leggings for your bottom half and at least two layers for your top half. Water friendly shoes are recommended, but are provided free of charge if needed.
- For Kayaking outside of summer (March - October) please wear warm clothing (thermal if possible). Pants/leggings for your bottom half and a minimum of three layers for your top half (which are preferably thermal, fleece, or wool). Please also bring a warm hat and gloves. During our coolest months you will be provided a wetsuit to wear over your clothes. Water friendly shoes are recommended, but are provided free of charge if needed.
- You are welcome to bring a towel and change of clothes for after your experience (it is not often someone gets wet enough to require these items)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(169 Ratings)
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298chantellef
Sep 11, 2024
Two crazy kiwi’s having some fun in their own backyard. - Amazing experience, lots of glow worms. Double kayak, easy, great sunset in the lake, before exploring the small caves.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Inspire38607071420
Aug 29, 2024
Such an amazing experience! - Such a unique experience. I was a bit nervous to go out in the lake on a kayak at night but it was surprisingly relaxing and felt safe. The glow worms were so magical and it felt surreal. Loved it so much. Jacob was an amazing guide, full of information and personality. Dress for weather but they do have lots of wet weather options. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea_d
Aug 21, 2024
Amazing lake trip to see glow worms - This was an amazing experience; so so many glow worms and the stars came out. Jacob was really friendly, helpful and informative. I was the only one on this trip (unusual) but he put me at ease right away and I felt comfortable the whole time. An unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Viator
L7411hjdanielk
Aug 16, 2024
Just WOW - STUNNING! The guides were fervent, enthused and knowledgeable with what they were doing; and the fervour and enthusiasm absolutely rubbed off the guests!
It was fuss-free with all the necessary equipment (optional if you're not afraid of the cold like I am) provided with no additional charges.
It was scenic. It was breath-taking. It was wonderful. Gaze at the stars in the sky, feel the winds in your face and hair. Then experience a whole different kind of stars (glow worms!) in another sky (ceilings of the caves)!
Would have been cherry on top if there were an option where we get to be taken out for dinner after the event.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marc_s
Aug 6, 2024
Worth it - Stars and everything amazingly testament to the beauty of creation
Amazing
Recommend highly
14000miles to get here
Review provided by Viator
Scott_l
Jul 5, 2024
Worms, Stars--Wow! - First-and we know there is no way to control this-we had perfect weather. Second, Forrest and Hans(our guides) grew up coming to this lake so the sharing of its wonders was clearly one of love and respect. The single word descriptor would have to be "magical," as both the worms and stars were amazing. So much to see and do in Rotorua. Try to make sure this gets on the final list.
Review provided by Viator
Frank_h
Jul 2, 2024
A unique experience. ... - A unique experience. While there is paddling involved, not extreme in the least. Suitable for all levels. You will get wet! The guides were very knowledgeable and fun.
Review provided by Viator
Rowena_a
Jun 28, 2024
Breath-takin experience - Had a truly breath-taking experience out on the kayaks at night to see the glow worms. Our guide Forest was wonderful and even shared some hot chocolate he'd brought along out on the lake as we gazed up at the stars. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Tanya_h
Jun 28, 2024
Fantastic memorable experience. Highly recommended - Not to be missed magical glow worm and stars! Hosts were friendly and helpful. Felt well looked after
Review provided by Viator
Farai_a
Jun 21, 2024
A memorable and unique experience - If you like stargazing, nature and water, check out this kayak tour of glow worms in their natural habitat. ⚠️ Be still on the kayak and just let the back person paddle. Trust us 💦🛶 The glowworms are small but give out bioluminescence appearing like stars in the nightsky inside the dark caves where they dwell. We were fortunate to go out on a full moon which glowed on the lake waters.
Lastly, kudos to our wonderful and patient guides, Forrest and Ellen! Thanks for a memorable and unique experience.
Review provided by Viator
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