-
travel_explore
Putaruru 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$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$99.00 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$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$115.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Per person$149.00
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 172 authenticated Bookme reviews
Mengying Zhang from New Zealand wrote on 16 May 2026
A must have kayak trip in New Zealand
I rate this trip as five star because the highest rate is five star! If you are keen on kayaking, glowworm viewing and stargazing, this is the best option for you. Great thanks to Steve who still ran the trip even when we didn’t meet the minimums. It turns out to be a remarkable and extravagant trip. Our enthusiastic tour guide is knowledgeable and professional. She trained us on our kayaking skills and told us a story about Karapiro and glowworms. It’s not only a trip about glowworm viewing. The galaxy is so close that I feel I’m in a spaceship which is so close to the sky. Cameras can’t capture 10% of the beauty of the sky. Choose a date with clear sky, you will be surprised by the stars above your head. They looked so unreal. We kayak with swans and the beautiful scenery alongside the river. 90 m beneath the lake lies a power station. It feels that we were kayaking beyond a lost kingdom. The night can be a bit cold but Riverside provided great gear to keep us warm. If you have wet suit, I recommend wearing it inside so when you get wet, you won’t feel cold. No need to worry about getting wet too much since we only get a bit wet for shoes.But the good thing about the cold night is the mist rising from the surface of lake, and you will be kayaking in the mysterious nature. I recommend this trip to everyone who is still hesitating to take it. Don’t miss it! The character max for review is 700. Otherwise I can write 10,000 words to recommend it!
Johanna Willi from Switzerland wrote on 30 April 2026
An awesome experience
We had a great time with Neill and Alex (sorry if I got it wrong!). It was pouring down when we went, but I didn't mind it, and it made it super unique! It was all super well organized, and they took their time explaining everything. I highly recommend this tour! The glowworms were insane - pure magic!!!!
cristinaj from Spain wrote on 29 April 2026
Amazing experience
Even though the weather didn’t help, we had an amazing tour. The guides were truly great and the tour itself absolutely marvellous. We can only recommend it
reshmas5 from New Zealand wrote on 27 April 2026
Kayak tour
Best experience. Best guide ❤️❤️❤️
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
Prathamesh Nair from New Zealand wrote on 17 May 2026
100% recommend
Had an amazing time — it was worth every dollar. Our guide was fantastic, and the information and stories she shared were really interesting. We also felt very safe while kayaking. Would 100% recommend!