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

  • emergencyLes clients ont adoré l'expérience magique de faire du kayak parmi les vers luisants, la décrivant comme surréaliste et à couper le souffle (35 personnes ont dit cela).
  • emergencyBeaucoup ont loué les guides compétents et amicaux qui ont fourni des histoires captivantes et des informations sur la région et les vers luisants (30 personnes ont dit cela).
  • emergencyL'atmosphère sereine lors du pagayage au crépuscule et le paysage époustouflant ont souvent été soulignés comme un point fort (28 personnes ont dit cela).
  • emergencyLes participants ont apprécié la nature bien organisée de la visite, y compris la fourniture de collations et de boissons chaudes (22 personnes ont dit cela).
  • emergencyL'expérience était adaptée à tous les niveaux de compétence, beaucoup notant que même les débutants se sentaient à l'aise et en sécurité (18 personnes ont dit cela).
  • emergencyLa taille réduite des groupes a rendu l'expérience plus intime et spéciale, augmentant le plaisir global (15 personnes ont dit cela).
  • star_shineApportez un appareil photo pour des photos époustouflantes.
    Habillez-vous chaudement, car il peut faire frais la nuit.

4.9

170 reviews

Showing all 170 authenticated Bookme reviews

laetitiak from France wrote on 24 March 2025

Incroyable expérience

Une virée magique avec un excellent guide, départ avec la lumière du coucher du soleil et retour dans la nuit sous des étoiles de vers luisants, merci pour cet incroyable moment !

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Florian Onde from France wrote on 26 February 2024

Expérience unique et géniale !

Une expérience inoubliable lors de notre voyage en nouvelle Zélande. Nous ne sommes pas prêt d’oublier ces moments avec les vers luisants ! Merci

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

You're so welcome! Thanks for coming along

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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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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