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Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

4.9

161

Deals from $89.40 Save $59.60 Check datescalendar_month

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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

6PM

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!

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The magical Glow worms that aren’t worms!

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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

5 Stars

148

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1 Stars

4.9

161 reviews

Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

Showing all 161 authenticated Bookme reviews

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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callumv2 from New Zealand wrote on 02 February 2026

Lovely tour

Lovely tour. Well worth the money. Very serene way to experience glow worms, gently drifting down the river through the caves as they surround you. Tour guides were knowledgeable and made the experience interesting and enjoyable. The snacks and drinks were a nice touch. Good fun kayaking around.

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Alex F from New Zealand wrote on 25 January 2026

Magical experience

Brilliant, informative tour hearing about and seeing native plants and wildlife as well as the history of the lake and area. Our guides were highly skilled and engaged, keeping us all entertained and feeling safe during our kayaking experience. The glow worms were incredible and we will be back again and again with more family and friends! Thanks so much to the staff for taking such good care of us all!

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Sharon Surawski from Australia wrote on 14 November 2025

Great experience

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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Per person

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

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