Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Highlights:
• See thousands of glow worms up close in their natural environment • Night kayaking on calm lake waters • Small group guided tours • Star Gazing on clear nights • Just 15 minutes from Rotorua • Suitable for ages 5+ • Pick-up and return transfer from Rotorua Information Centre • No experience needed • Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award
What to expect
Paddle out onto calm Rotorua lake waters as the day fades into night on this guided glow worm kayak tour. Following the shoreline, you’ll explore quiet lakeside caverns and hidden corners where glow worms shimmer above you, their reflections dancing across the water.
This isn’t a cave system or a crowded attraction. It’s a peaceful, small group experience out on the lake, where the stillness, the stars, and the glow worms come together to create something truly special.
With stable double kayaks and expert local guides, no experience is needed. Just come along and enjoy one of Rotorua’s most memorable evenings on the water.

















Reviews
I just completed the Glow Worm Kayaking Tour, and the experience was absolutely amazing. My guide Alen was incredibly professional and attentive. She explained the glow worm caves and their biology in a very engaging and informative way, which made the tour even more enjoyable. During the trip we entered three different caves, and each one was more impressive than the last. Looking up and seeing thousands of glow worms covering the cave ceiling was truly spectacular. We were also very lucky with the weather. The sky was completely clear, so we could clearly see the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. Sitting quietly in the kayak on the calm lake while stargazing was such a magical experience. The tour also provides a shuttle service, and Alen kindly dropped us off at our hostel afterwards. I’m very grateful for her help and professionalism. Highly recommended!
Zoey and Ellie were fantastic guides! I really appreciate their enthusiasm in bringing our group around and made me feel included, especially as a solo traveller. Learnt a lot about glow worms from Zoey since she led our group.
My family and I enjoyed this activity so much (and I was the only one with kayaking experience) 🤍 Wasn’t able to take any photos tho because they recommended to leave all of our important stuff in the van. Our guide, Ellen, was so nice and patient with us, and the view was breathtaking! I definitely recommend!
This is an experience that has to be done in NZ. Our guide, Chloe and Sarah are exceptional, they are patient and just wonderful human being. The explanation about glow worms and the surrounding were excellent. Top notch tour
This was a super fun night! They feed you dinner and teach you all about Maori Culture. The dancing was very entertaining and fun for the whole family
The weather was great, and we could see a sky full of stars! The staff were all very friendly, so even those without prior experience could smoothly enjoy the entire activity! The insects were also incredibly beautiful!
amazing experience, guides were experienced and well trained. the hot chocolate was a lovely additional touch. all necessary gear was provided. strongly recommend! PS: they recommend not bringing phones so it’s difficult to get photos after, the company may wish to offer photog packages so that they can ensure the safety of the glow worms while allowing the visitors to still have personalised keepsakes.
Kayaking on a lake late at night under a sky full of stars, paddling in and out of caverns to look at glow worms. When it started raining, the guides whipped out some hot chocolate. Definitely a must do!
it was a different experience,very seren and the tour guide joe was very cooperative
Great crew, great experience and great spot. It was fun, engaging and full of knowledge.
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