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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
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- 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$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$115.00
- Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$149.00
- Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencyCustomers loved the magical experience of kayaking among glowworms, describing it as surreal and breathtaking (35 people said this).
- emergencyMany praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides who provided engaging stories and insights about the area and glowworms (30 people said this).
- emergencyThe serene atmosphere while paddling at dusk and the stunning scenery were frequently highlighted as a major highlight (28 people said this).
- emergencyParticipants appreciated the well-organized nature of the tour, including the provision of snacks and hot drinks (22 people said this).
- emergencyThe experience was suitable for all skill levels, with many noting that even beginners felt comfortable and safe (18 people said this).
- emergencyThe small group sizes made the experience feel more intimate and special, enhancing the overall enjoyment (15 people said this).
- star_shineBring a camera for stunning photos.
Dress warmly, as it can get chilly at night.
Showing all 167 authenticated Bookme reviews
jugal017 from India wrote on 10 April 2026
A Mesmerising Expertrons
There are many tours which take you to see the glow worms but, Kayaking under the Milky Way along with the Glow Worms, it feels like the Galaxy and Planet earth becomes one. If you want to visit space without paying Millions of dollars then I will recommend you to take this tour. The experience was out of the world. And big Thanks to the guides who gave us this amazing experience with lots of laughs and lots of knowledge we never knew about. If I cone to New Zealand again, I am definitely booking this tour again!
From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato
Thank you for such an amazing review! What a way to describe the experience. We’re so glad it left such a lasting impression. It’s also great to hear you enjoyed the company of our guides, we’ll make sure your kind words are passed on to them. We’d love to welcome you back again.
qiyuw1 from China wrote on 03 April 2026
Goooood
我从未见过如此耿直的商家，项目结束，售后邮件写:Please see a few images of the Glowworms HERE. Feel free to share and pretend it's you in there! :) 请假装自己在照片里边:) 拍摄日期8年前 Fine 这个项目是下午5点半在怀卡托河畔集合，大家先花两个小时划艇逆流而上，等天黑到伸手不见五指，再穿过萤火虫峡谷顺流而下，悠然回到起点。 他们提供全套装备，包括防水衣服，裤子，鞋子，还有保暖的羊毛袜，放水包，手机袋。我害怕天黑后冷准备了羽绒服，没用上，因为救生衣把我绑得紧紧的，很暖和 出发前会有简单的皮划艇教学，新手第一次下水完全ok（但老外还是太能划了，跟装了引擎一样，抡起浆来甩我们两条街) 向导在路上会介绍沿途的动植物和怀卡托周边的历史故事，我俩掉队听漏不少，但也因为掉队独享了整个峡谷 返程后队变前队，峡谷沉入无边的暗夜里，唯有漫天萤火如星河坠落，点点幽蓝在岩壁间轻轻浮动。黑暗成了最温柔的幕布，将这抹清冷又梦幻的蓝衬得愈发纯粹，仿佛误入了大地深处藏着的银河秘境，静谧又震撼。 以上描述加入了一些本人的想象，因为散光太严重，我看到的每一个光点都有拳头那么大 为了保护萤火虫，返程途中不允许拍摄，所以他们真的是没有照片可以用来宣传，哈哈 所以他们又写道: We would really appreciate if you could please take a moment to share your experience with your friends and others through social media or your favourite travel review website. As a small business this helps us a lot!如果你能花点时间通过社交媒体或你最喜欢的旅游评论网站与你的朋友和其他人分享你的经历，我们将非常感激。作为一家小企业，这对我们帮助很大！ 你看，我的分享对他们来说很重要，Okk，今天又是助人为乐的一天
Natalie from Switzerland wrote on 13 March 2026
Amazing experience 😍
Absolutely beautiful kayak tour with an amazing view of the glow worms in the canyon. One of my favorite activities so far in New Zealand!
From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad to hear it’s been one of your favourite activities in New Zealand—that’s awesome to hear. The glow worms in the canyon really do make for a pretty special experience. We hope to see you again on another adventure sometime
jaeyoungl3 from South Korea wrote on 12 March 2026
Refund Recommendation for Kayaking Activity
Subject: Refund Recommendation for Kayaking Activity We were advised by the activity coordinator that, due to safety concerns, it would be best to proceed with a refund for the kayaking activity. The coordinator will also be contacting you directly regarding the refund. However, we are sending this email as well to reconfirm and ensure the refund process is arranged smoothly. Please let us know if you need any further information from our side. Thank you for your understanding. Kind regards, [JAEYOUNG LEE] Email: [email protected]
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troys4 from New Zealand wrote on 17 April 2026
A fantastic way to spend an evening
Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It took us through a beautiful river and canyon in the daylight, and we were then dazzled by the sparkling delights at night on the way back. We had a great host as well, with lots of interesting points and care for us. I'd highly recommend it to anyone :-)