expedia
List your propertySupportTrips
Member discount illustration

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Sign in
Learn about Expedia Rewards
Feedback
Surrounded by incredible Glow Worms on Kayak Tour in Rotorua
Kayaking while immersed by nature, a must do experience
The perfect evening activity for couples, families, solo travellers, and adventures alike!
Must do glow worm experience in New Zealand, our intimate settings get up close and personal with the glow worms
Stargaze as you kayak along the lake

Glow Worm Kayak Tour

By Taiao Adventures
9.4 out of 10
Free cancellation available
Price is €89 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
Overview

Come and explore the Rotorua Lakes on a truly unique and magical kayaking experience. This amazing evening adventure takes you along the lake shorelines in a guided scenic kayak tour as you discover small caverns home to a galaxy of glow worms. One of New Zealand's premium glow worm experiences this tour is designed to create a magical and special trip for every customer. Groups are limited in numbers to each of our personal and expert guides ensuring your adventure is the very best it can be. Our authentic, eco-friendly outdoor tours are led by grassroots leadership. We are an activity provider who strives daily to lead by example creating strong connections, positive contribution, and thoughtfulness to the environments we explore.

Activity location

  • Rotorua isite Visitor Information Centre
    • 1167 Fenton Street
    • 3010, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Rotorua isite Visitor Information Centre
    • 1167 Fenton Street
    • 3010, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Check availability

Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English

Glow Worm Kayaking Tour
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 21:00
Price details
€88.94 x 1 Adult€88.94
Total
Price is €88.94
Until Thu, 3 Apr

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedAll equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs)
  • What's includedWhat's includedIncredible Glow Worms experienced by kayak
  • What's includedWhat's includedA Sunset/Dusk/Night Adventure with Star Gazing (if clear skies)
  • What's includedWhat's includedPick-up & drop-off transfers from Rotorua Information Centre included: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
  • What's includedWhat's includedExperience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment
  • What's includedWhat's includedSmall group tours with exclusive lake access (1 guide per 8 kayakers)
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedFood and drinks

Know before you book

  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • What to bring:
  • For kayaking in summer (November - February) we recommend wearing light-weight clothing. Shorts/pants/leggings for your bottom half and at least two layers for your top half. Water friendly shoes are recommended, but are provided free of charge if needed.
  • For Kayaking outside of summer (March - October) please wear warm clothing (thermal if possible). Pants/leggings for your bottom half and a minimum of three layers for your top half (which are preferably thermal, fleece, or wool). Please also bring a warm hat and gloves. During our coolest months you will be provided a wetsuit to wear over your clothes. Water friendly shoes are recommended, but are provided free of charge if needed.
  • You are welcome to bring a towel and change of clothes for after your experience (it is not often someone gets wet enough to require these items)
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Your friendly guide will pick you up and shuttle you from Rotorua, past the iconic Redwood forest as you make your way to our base on the lake shorelines. Upon arrival you will gear-up and prepare for an epic night out with all activity equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. You will then begin exploring the shoreline and embracing the last light of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge. Once it’s dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside small hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this shared experience.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESRotorua isite Visitor Information Centre
    • 1167 Fenton Street
    • 3010, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLERotorua isite Visitor Information Centre
    • 1167 Fenton Street
    • 3010, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Other recommended activities

The Hell's Gate Experience

The Hell's Gate Experience

3h
3h
9.4/10
(68)
Free cancellation available
Price is €61 per adult
Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+

Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+

9/10
(67)
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

1h
1h
9.2/10
(99)
Free cancellation available
Price is €48 per adult
Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk

Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk

2h
2h
9.6/10
(17)
Free cancellation available
Price is €24 per adult

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Sort reviews by

10.0 out of 10

Carol_T

Reviewed on Viator
24 Mar 2025
If you travel solo, you will be paired with someone else as it’s all double kayaks. The crew are all wonderful and answered everyone’s questions about the glow worms, And the incredibly clear night sky, the evening we went. An Experience not to be missed.
10.0 out of 10

Michelle_W

Reviewed on Viator
20 Mar 2025
We had the best time, first time kayaking for me, amazing experience. Definitely worth doing it again. Loved it, guides were awesome too
10.0 out of 10

Brian_B

Reviewed on Viator
16 Mar 2025
Very nice experience. Unique experience to kayak across the lake in the dark and go into caves to see the glow worms. Staff was very friendly and informative
2.0 out of 10

Stephen_F

Reviewed on Viator
5 Mar 2025
Trip cancelled d/t high winds on the lake. If you don’t have any leeway, don’t book the adventure. So we have no idea how the adventure went!?
10.0 out of 10

Shannon_O

Reviewed on Viator
1 Mar 2025
This was the most fabulous experience, tour guide was kind and informative. Such a gift to see so many glow worms, calm water as well
10.0 out of 10

Julio_R

Reviewed on Viator
27 Feb 2025
All the people associated with the experience made it very pleasant. Night kayaking is great and the starry sky beautiful.
10.0 out of 10

Eleanor_B

Reviewed on Viator
23 Feb 2025
It was great! I recommend dressing warmly and using the provided water pants and jacket if you don’t want to get wet. They provide everything you need though, including head lamp and water shoes if you dont have any. The guides are personable and knowledgeable. We had Jess, who was very nice and helped us have a great time! The glow worms are absolutely amazing, and if you go on a clear night the stars are breathtaking as well.
8.0 out of 10

Taneesha_D

Reviewed on Viator
21 Feb 2025
The kayak out and the guide herself was awesome but it was heavily raining the whole time and even rugged up and wearing a waterproof jacket I was still sitting in my kayak shaking. It most probably should’ve been cancelled
10.0 out of 10

David_R

Reviewed on Viator
20 Feb 2025
AMAZING! Simply amazing. At first I was like- glow worms? I don't know. Sounds a little boring. But oh boy was I wrong. The kayak tour of the glow worm caves was out of this world. It is beautiful. Really makes you take a step back and look at life. Ethereal. Ellie our guide was wonderful. The absolute best. Highly, highly recommend.
10.0 out of 10

Kelvin_H

Reviewed on Viator
16 Feb 2025
This was a last minute trip that my friend and I booked a week before our holiday in New Zealand. Did not know what to expect especially because I have never kayaked in the past prior to this experience. We were picked up at the Rotorua visitor center by a welcoming bus driver who took us to Lake Okareka to start our experience. We were met by Sam and Ellie who were very kind and had clear instructions on equipment and the plan for the night! My friend and I were part of Ellie’s group and were amazed by her hospitality elevated by her Scottish humor throughout the experience. She led us through many picturesque caves and also gave us a great lesson on Glow Worms! Would recommend this experience to anyone and definitely ask for Ellie as a guide!

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Rotorua your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Rotorua

With so many things to do in Rotorua, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Rotorua. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Rotorua to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback
Now showing The Hell's Gate Experience, Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+, Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas, Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk