Glow Worm Kayak Tour: Evening Paddle on Lake McLaren

264 Ratings

Tauranga

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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

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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

(264 Ratings)

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1 star

Sarahowley

Dec 12, 2024

Fabulous Experience - An amazing experience to see the Glow Worms. Very ‘magical’. We did have a fair bit of rain but this made it more magical. The company provide waterproofs and life jackets . We started off at dusk and ended up coming back along the lake in the dark. Matt and Ollie making the tour feel safe and fun and was also very informative. Would definitely recommend them. Thank you to you both .

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Timothyp29

Nov 30, 2024

Leo the guide was great - Really a fantastic experience and a must do activity on anyone’s trip to New Zealand. Our guide Leo was knowledgeable and made the experience even better!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Janicef_w

Nov 26, 2024

Like Stars in the Night Sky - Highly recommend this unique adventure!! Our incredible guide, Leo, met us with a genuine smile and chatted with us right off. We were introduced to the only other couple going with us, which made for a very intimate small group experience. After a short can ride, Leo set up a delicious assortment of fruit, cheese and crackers for us to enjoy. He was well versed in teaching us the proper way to "dress" and handle the paddle and boats for our kayaking experience. Leo stopped numerous times on the water to share his knowledge of the river and it's flora and fauna. As the skies darkened we paddled and enjoyed the serene peacefullness. We met with another long boat and Leo shared a traditional Maori legend about the glow worms then the other guide shared the scientific aspect of it. We were surrounded by lovely glowing orbs in different patterns. Paddled back in the darkness with Leo's expert guiding. Loved it!!

Review provided by Viator

Joannacd3474dp

Nov 21, 2024

Glowworms. - Really interesting experience. Leo and Royce were great hosts. Brilliant stories and informative chat. Would recommend to all.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Raewynh471

Nov 20, 2024

Fun evening kayaking to glow worm canyon - We were a bit apprehensive about kayaking but had such a fun evening. Our guides Leo and Euan were brilliant. They were informative and did a great job keeping us all safe. Paddling into the canyon and looking up at the glow worms was incredible. We are a couple in our late 60s/early 70s and we easily managed the one and a half hours of kayaking.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Seanie1984

Nov 12, 2024

Main character vibes! - Had a fun trip out with Craig and a hysterical family. Once you make it through the canyon to the glow worms it is quite magical. Craig my second mate was funny really got involved with the group and luckily had the arm strength to pull us through. Tricky to take a picture but you get the idea. Went on the trip on my own but felt really included, a passenger princess with main character vibes. Thanks for popping in Craig you’re a star ⭐

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Sarajoyhairdesign

Nov 2, 2024

An unforgettable night! - What an unforgettable trip!!! Webby was an amazing guide and we had so much fun! Very easy and well Instructed as to not get too tired paddling! So happy!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Martha_m

Oct 25, 2024

Not to be missed - Great kayaking on the river to the canyon by the hydro power plant see the fairytale twinkling glowworms and witness the stars in the Southern Hemisphere sky.

Review provided by Viator

D6510wrcandicec

Oct 24, 2024

Amazing - Such an amazing experience! Our guide was hilarious and the perfect person to lead our group! Epic adventures were had!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Williamfq9598fq

Oct 27, 2024

Fascinating Tour - Overall, a good experience. There were some glitches, easily fixed. Guests should know light snacks (fresh fruit, crackers and cheese) are laid out before tour. We ate dinner early so didnt need snacks. We all got wet. Use the tour’s clothing (kayak skirt, fleece, waterproof jacket and PFD). The paddling itself was easy. The story and views of the glow worms-amazing. In the dark, pouring rain and brisk wind, the return was interesting!!!!! Our tour guides light died, so we paddled in the dark with only a voice to follow. Landing at the dock was sketchy. Pitch black, no lights and pouring rain. At a minimum there should be a flood light on the back of the kayak trailer to light the landing. Our guide was great. Would do it again.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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up to 15 guests