Glow Worm Kayak Tour: Evening Paddle on Lake McLaren
4.9
258 Ratings
Tauranga

Experience the enchanting glow-worm canyon on an evening kayak tour in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Paddle on calm waters, relax by Lake McLaren, and witness the mesmerizing glow of the glow worms.

Duration: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Waimarino Adventure Park - this meeting point is also Waimarino Adventure Park Tauranga’s longest established tourism attraction where families enjoy the days activities
What's Included
  • Light refreshments
  • Kayak and equipment
  • Professional guide
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
What's Not Included
  • An additional cost of NZ$40.00 per person does apply to Hotel pickup/drop off.
Additional Information

Mount Maunganui and Tauranga are the central areas for this kayak tour - it uses double kayaks on the calm sheltered waters of Lake McLaren. The tour operates in the evening due to the visibility of the glow worms..
Relax on the edge of Lake McLaren with refreshments, while watching the swans and ducks go about their evening’s preparations. Let your…

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Location
36 Taniwha Place
Taniwha Place
Meet at Waimarino Adventure Park, and check in for your tour at reception. There is plenty of free parking on site.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(258 Ratings)
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453tabithat
Aug 12, 2024
Fun and safe! - Great experience even in pretty rough weather! The guides were fun and experienced, felt really safe kayaking in the dark.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Niamh
Jul 29, 2024
Top experience - I'm so glad I booked this as I had the best time. Lucy the guide was a legend and made the whole experience great. As its winter it was just myself and a couple booked on but going in the kayak with Lucy made sure I didn't feel like I was crashing their date night! Views were lovely and the glowworm were so cool and I loved learning about them. Would defo recommend. Thanks Lucy 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
439campbelll
Jul 1, 2024
A must do! - Had a blast looking at the glowworms in the night. Our tour guide George was super knowledgeable, friendly, and lovely to chat with. He set us up some snacks before the kayak, and taught us all about the lifecycles of glowworms and the importance of them in Māori culture. Would definitely recommend, and would definitely do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
84lizap
Jun 1, 2024
Glow - Our tour was fantastic and so much fun. Our guide did great job keeping us comfortable and explaining all the knowledge of the glow worms!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johanna_f
Apr 14, 2024
Fun Adventure! - The tour guide did a great job ensuring we were all taken care of. We were fortunate to have a smaller group on the evening I went in April. It was fun to hear about the history of the glow worms. It was an exciting adventure even when it rained a little towards the end. I would go again if I could.
Review provided by Viator
705maggiew
Apr 10, 2024
Magical night kayak to see gloworms - This evening gloworm tour was magical. We were driven about 20 mins from HQ to the beautiful Lake McLaren. There we had nibbles and soft drinks before a quick introduction to the kayaking gear. We were on the lake just before dusk and were led by very competent guides. We reached to gloworm canyon as it became really dark and our guides gave us plenty of time to see the thousands of twinkling gloworms while they gave us informative and funny accounts of the scientific and mythical explanations of these amazing creatures. Kayaking back in the dark was just so special and we had the added extra of seeing the full moon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dannibees
Mar 31, 2024
Magical - Incredible tour. Really well organised and excellent guides. Started off with snacks whilst they were setting up (selection of nice cheeses and crackers, fresh fruit, crisps, drinks etc) and then we set off in our kayaks with the most beautiful scenic views. The glow worms were out of this world and got brighter as the tour went on. Got plenty of time to look at them as them as our guides told us stories about them. Guides were brilliant (shout out to Darragh) and made us first time kayakers feel safe and at ease! Definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianna_s
Mar 12, 2024
A great experience! - We had a great group of people and our tour guides Darragh and another girl whos name i dont recall were welcoming and entertaining. A highlight of my trip so far even if i was looking at 💩.
Review provided by Viator
Wynetta_d
Apr 9, 2024
Glow Worm Experience - A great tour, however a bit expensive. The 2 guides were very knowledgeable. We had an amazing display of the glow worms. The kayak was peaceful on the lake. We had to find our own way to the meeting point. Which was approximately 15mins from the Tauranga Port. Grateful for the transfer back to the cruiseship. With what we paid transfers should be included in the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Katja_g
Mar 31, 2024
Very nice but pricey - The tour has been very nice! Great nature, great story's while with the glowworms. Dinner is more a snack (crackers, cheese, pineapple, carrots abd one ginger beer). A star leas because it's too pricey for what it is.
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $130
From $130
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).
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