Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

4.9
161
Deals from $89.40 Save $59.60 Check datescalendar_month
Kayak into the night to experience the natural wonder of glowworms as they light up in the dark!

Kayak into the night to experience the natural wonder of glowworms as they light up in the dark!

Highlights

  • Be mesmerised as thousands of glow worms light up in the dark!
  • Expertly guided kayak tour through an ancient canyon
  • Enjoy paddling along the tranquil waters of Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream
  • No experience necessary

Join Riverside Adventures Waikato for a magical evening kayaking the calm waters of Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream.

Starting our paddle from the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, your guide will fill you in on the interesting history of the Horahora village as the sun begins to set.

We will make our way slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through a canyon hundreds of years old whilst enjoying stunning views of native trees and ferns.

Once darkness falls - the magic begins - as thousands of glowworms come to life, sparkling on either side of you like constellations in the night sky.

Also, check out our Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour

Per person $149.00

What's included

  • Guided kayak tour
  • Quality kayaks and life jackets
  • We provide overpants, splash jackets & wetshoes

Duration

  • Allow approximately 4 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • 362 Horahora Road
  • Piarere.

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 8
  • There is a minimum of 4 customers to confirm a trip departure.

    Every single child under 15 is to be accompanied by a capable adult. I.e. If you have 2 children under the age of 15, they will also have to be accompanied by 2 capable adults.

    A moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourselves for approx 1 hour at a time.

    The tour is ran in English and for health and safety all participants must be able to understand English or have a translator with them.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Getting here:

    From Rotorua - Approximately a 1-hour drive.

    From Hamilton - Approximately a 40-min drive.

  • Please Note: Minimum 4 passengers are required for booking this experience and to confirm tour departure.

    Every single child under 15 is to be accompanied by a capable adult.

    I.e. If you have 2 children under the age of 15, they will also have to be accompanied by 2 capable adults.

    Fitness Level and Health & Safety: A moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourselves for approx 1 hour at a time.

    The tour is ran in English and for health and safety all participants must be able to understand English or have a translator with them.

    Cancellations: No refunds will be given to cancellations within 48 hours of the tour.

Available Bookings from 11 Feb to 24 Feb 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Wed 11 Feb
Thu 12 Feb
Fri 13 Feb
Sat 14 Feb
Sun 15 Feb
Mon 16 Feb
Tue 17 Feb
Wed 18 Feb
Thu 19 Feb
Fri 20 Feb
Sat 21 Feb
Sun 22 Feb
Mon 23 Feb
Tue 24 Feb

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$149.00

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Magical experience Awesome tour to see nature at night The magical Glow worms that aren’t worms! Tolles Erlebnis! Exceptional and informative tour
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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.9

161 reviews

Showing all 161 authenticated Bookme reviews

qianyu luo from China wrote on 16 December 2025

小众游乐也能有好的体验

应该是新西兰北岛最小众的游乐项目之一了,在小红书上只找到了一篇帖子,很幸运我刷到了那篇帖子,于是决定前来报名。这是一次非常棒的体验!不仅体验了皮划艇的乐趣,还亲眼近距离观看了萤火虫。在夜幕降临后,依靠在皮划艇上顺流而下欣赏美丽的萤火虫,如同置身于梦中,让人舍不得离开。另外我们的领队也非常博闻强识且有趣(很抱歉我忘记了你的名字教授!),是一位真正的研究员,一边做研究一边做户外运动的领队。能感觉到他真心热爱这个活动,所以我们在他的带领下也获得了非常好的游玩体验。

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cengyuel from China wrote on 24 October 2025

非常棒的体验!

会先逆流而上,划到小河上游,像在热带丛林中划皮划艇,两边都是鸟鸣,体验很特别。到达上游后,队长会提供一次能量补充(热饮+小饼干),并为大家讲解介绍这种“萤火虫”。最后就是非常轻松的顺流而下阶段,能看到两旁丛林中的光点,密密麻麻,就像藏在叶片下的星空,特别神奇……即使是第一次划皮划艇也完全能走完全程,冲!

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tpppppp from China wrote on 27 February 2024

Wonderful trip with countless glowworm!!

不是最大众的waitomo glowworm体验,没有进山洞,但是依然足够惊艳,河道两侧的山体上真的超多萤火虫,可惜没办法拍出来只能自己欣赏了!活动全程不到4小时,大约划船的时间在2-2.5小时,体力要求不高。晚上会挺冷的,教练也会提示需要的话他们会提供额外的防水外套和裤子。防水鞋子也不需要自备。 本kayak爱好者这次真的划爽了! 中间给了小零食有点太甜了哈哈。

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

Thanks for coming along. Glad you enjoyed your tour.

Jung sun Park from New Zealand wrote on 08 February 2026

Fantastic

Amazing, fantastic. Glow worms. Very good ,kind staff. It was good evening. Recommend this adventure.

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Jiali Yang from New Zealand wrote on 07 February 2026

Kayak Tour of Delight and Serenity

Very friendly staff who were extremely detailed during the tutorial before we got into the kayaks. They not only made it easy for kayak newbies to enjoy the experience, but also made the trip more interesting with their knowledge of the local village, plants, and especially the glowworms. Even though it was tiring and cold during the midway break, the hot drinks and snacks were so relaxing and got us prepared for the next part of the adventure. All in all, I highly recommend it—whether you’re from overseas or living in nearby cities, it’s always a fascinating adventure for a vacation.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Per person

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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