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

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 from2 May to 15 May 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
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  • Per person$89.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$89.40

  • 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!

  • 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!
An awesome experience Goooood Magical experience Awesome tour to see nature at night The magical Glow worms that aren’t worms!
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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.

4.9

170 reviews

Showing all 170 authenticated Bookme reviews

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!!!!

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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

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reshmas5 from New Zealand wrote on 27 April 2026

Kayak tour

Best experience. Best guide ❤️❤️❤️

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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 :-)

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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!

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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.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Per person

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