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Glowworm Kayak Trip - Waikato River
Experience the wonder of the Waikato River on this remarkable Glowworm Kayak Trip, perfect for anyone keen to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty in a relaxed and enchanting way!
Experience the wonder of the Waikato River on this remarkable Glowworm Kayak Trip, perfect for anyone keen to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty in a relaxed and enchanting way!
Highlights
- Paddle the Waikato River at twilight surrounded by stunning scenery
- Enter a magical glowworm canyon glowing with natural light
- Enjoy wine, cheese, and toasted marshmallows by the campfire
- Drift downstream guided by the soft glow of the worms
- Paddle safely with premium kayaks and certified guides
Discover the beauty of the Waikato River on a serene twilight adventure that begins at Epworth Camp, where paddlers hop into their kayaks and set off along a calm stretch of water towards the Pokaiwhenua Stream.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the river glows with soft golden light, and the silhouettes of native bush create a peaceful backdrop. Gliding beneath the Pokaiwhenua Bridge, kayakers enter a hidden glowworm canyon draped in lush ferns – a tranquil, almost otherworldly spot that feels like a secret escape.
When night falls, the canyon transforms as thousands of glowworms light up the rock walls, their gentle glow shimmering on the water’s surface. After soaking in the view, guests gather by a crackling campfire to enjoy a glass of local wine, hot drinks for the kids, and a platter of tasty cheeses before drifting downstream once more, guided only by the glowworms’ natural light.
Suitable for ages 5 and up, this kayak adventure promises an unforgettable evening. This magical tour offers a personalised experience with a low guide-to-guest ratio with a maximum capacity of 16 pax per tour. With Adventure Mark safety certificationand easy to paddle premium kayaks (Barracuda AR duos), guests can simply relax and enjoy the moment, knowing they’re in safe hands.
This twilight kayak trip perfectly blends the peaceful rhythm of paddling with the magic of New Zealand’s natural wonders – an evening that’s sure to leave lasting memories!
Looking for a daytime kayak adventure instead? Why not try the Guided Pokaiwhenua Adventure Tour!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Group Tour - Adult $95.00
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$230.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $160.00
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$230.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $130.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
- Group Tour - Adult $123.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Group Tour - Child $112.50
- Group Tour - Family$510.00
- Private Trip - Adult$177.00
- Private Trip - Child$135.00
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.
Showing all 2 authenticated Bookme reviews
Pam from United Kingdom wrote on 13 January 2026
Glowworm trip
We had a great trip on the river, stopped at a small campsite and had cheese & crackers, toasted marshmallows and wine. Then back up the river to see the glowworms in the dark. It was fantastic and brilliantly organised by Fletcher
From Glowworm Kayak Trip - Waikato River
Thanks Pam ,It is great you guys had a enjoyable trip ,and I will pass that on to Fletcher .Cheers Richard The Boatshed Kayaks - Richard Clark Lake Karapiro, New Zealand Mobile: 027 275 8724 Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9am - 5pm. Bookings essential. Website: www.theboatshed.net.nz<http://www.theboatshed.net.nz/> [cid:[email protected]]<https://www.facebook.com/boatshedkayaks/>[cid:[email protected]]<https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g635989-d2477233-Reviews-The_Boatshed_Kayaks-Cambridge_Waikato_Region_North_Island.html>
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
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Bertha Leung from New Zealand wrote on 21 January 2026
Both Adults and Children Loved This Kayaking Trip
The kayaking was much more fun and easier than what we thought. The staff of The Boatshed Kayaks were great and very experienced. They were very helpful, responsible and patient, and genuinely cared for everyone in the trip. The scenery was magnificent and we saw more glow worms than anticipated. The guides even helped us to spot a few possums! The company used sit-inside kayaks which were more stable and easy to handle even without previous experience. The kids loved the drinks and snacks especially the marshmallows roasting during the trip. Would absolutely do this again and highly recommend this activity to both the beginners and the experienced.