Glow Worm Kayak Tour: Evening Paddle on Lake McLaren

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…

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
(284 Ratings)
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Cheryly682
Feb 18, 2025
Happy glow worming - Enquiry about the tour going ahead due to adverse weather met with quick positive response. Felt safe, commentary amusing and informative. Didn’t feel rushed . A perfect evening ✔️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steffi
Feb 15, 2025
A magical experience - We were a small group with a total of ten people. By bus we went to the starting point of the kayak tour. There a small snack was served. Warm fleece jackets, waterproof paddle jackets, splash guards and, of course, life jackets were kept ready for paddling. At sunset we boarded the kayaks. On the water we were looked after by two super friendly guides. After dark, the first fireflies could be seen. In the canyon, they were scattered like shining stars. Simply indescribably beautiful! I can absolutely recommend the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaf022022
Feb 13, 2025
A magical experience - Amazing guides Ellie and Lucas took us down mill pond still waterway in 2 man kayaks. When we got to the gorge they towed us through so we did even paddle that bit. It was absolutely magical!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elainecw7984tq
Feb 7, 2025
Evening glow worm paddle in the Kanu at McLarens Falls Park. - It was absolutely magical, paddling in the dark through gorgeous lush bush and seeing the sparkling of the glow worms all around. The 2 guys from Waimarino, one English, the other Scottish, were great, so helpful with our wheelchair woman, very informative and lots of fun. It is easy for people of any ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amanda_p
Feb 7, 2025
Better Than Any Other Glow Worm Tour - An incredible experience not to be missed. I’ve done glow worm tours both in a cave and via this tour in a kayak through the canyon and this one is far and above any cave experience I’ve had. Moonlight kayaking also just cannot be beat! You also get cheese, crackers, fruit, and a beverage at the beginning which makes this tour way more worth the money than any other glow worm tour I’ve done.
Review provided by Viator
659mar
Jan 19, 2025
Mesmerizing Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - We had a mesmerizing evening with our guide Leo at the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour! Before we headed out to the water, Leo provided a little „snack bar“ with fruits, crackers and cheese, which was very lovely and tasty. We were provided with all the necessary gear and off we went into the shallow and calm water. The surrounding was beautiful and whale kayaking relaxed through this wunderful scenerie, Leo kept us pretty excited with a lot of knowledge, facts and also Māori legends. When it was dark enough we entered the canyon and the glowworms (which aren‘t really „worms“ as we learned ;-) ) „started shining“ our way like a heaven full of stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passport36618889582
Jan 9, 2025
The most beautiful and peaceful experience in tauranga with amazing guides - Absolutely Incredible Experience. Ellie was an amazing tour guide who's witty banter and incredible knowledge made the tour super fun and educational. I was a complete kayaking beginner but Ellies instructions made me feel like a pro by the time I got back, paddling technique was on point. The glow worms were beautiful and the whole trip down the river was so peaceful and serene. This was one of the best things I've ever done 12/10 highly highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rolando421
Jan 5, 2025
Beautiful - Beautiful tour! Really nice evening paddle experience on a quiet river with sunset and starlight and glowworms. All equipment was provided, we only got a bit wet.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M393rejeremyr
Jan 5, 2025
Peaceful Evening Glowworms - A great kayak tour through the canyon seeing beautiful glowworms. Leo and Matt were great tour guides, knowledgeable about paddling, glow worms and stories of the river and trees. Paddling back in the starlight was a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elaine_s
Feb 18, 2025
We enjoyed this! No... - We enjoyed this! No alcoholic drink or sunset to start with but the kayak trip to see the glow worms was cool.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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February 2025
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