-
travel_explore
Matamata Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
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$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$89.40 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!
- 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$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$115.00 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 163 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato
Thank you so much for your lovely message! We’re really glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I’ll be sure to pass your kind feedback on to Neil, he’ll be thrilled to hear it. We’re also pleased the halfway treats were a nice surprise! Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you back out on the water again sometime.
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.
From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear you had a fantastic evening and enjoyed seeing the glow worms. Our team will be delighted to know their kindness helped make the experience special. Thanks for the recommendation
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.
From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re really glad to hear our team helped make the experience enjoyable and comfortable, especially for first-time kayakers. It’s great that you enjoyed learning about the local area, the plants, and of course the glow worms. We’re also pleased the hot drinks and snacks gave everyone a nice boost during the break! Thanks again for the recommendation , it means a lot to our small team, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
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]
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.
From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the serene experience of drifting down the river and seeing the glow worms up close. It’s great to hear our guides helped make the tour interesting and enjoyable, and that the snacks and drinks were a welcome addition. Thanks again for joining us , we’re delighted you had such a good time kayaking with us!
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
Qualmark Gold
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
Qualmark Silver
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
Qualmark Bronze
The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.
Continue with Facebook
mariop1 from Canada wrote on 05 March 2026
Just Amazing!
What a wonderful experience. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Neil was a fantastic guide and the treats half-way through our journey were most unexpected and appreciated!