Glow Worm Adventure Kayak

Description: Come and explore a more adventurous side of the Rotorua Lakes on our Glow Worm Adventure Kayak trip. Designed for confident paddlers, you’ll glide across serene open waters to secluded caverns where galaxies of glow worms light up the darkness. One of New Zealand’s most exclusive glow worm experiences, this tour blends adventure with intimacy and wonder, perfect for anyone seeking a unique experience connecting with nature on our stunning Rotorua lakes.

Highlights: 

• One of NZ's most intimate glow worm experiences
• Exciting nighttime kayaking for intermediate paddlers
• Stargazing under clear night skies
• Access to remote beaches and secluded shoreline areas
• Local Kiwi snacks & tea included
• Small groups for an exclusive experience
• Adult-only adventure
• Return transfer from Rotorua Information Centre
• A unique blend of adventure, tranquillity, and natural wonder
• A more adventurous route than our classic glow worm tour

Your journey with us begins at the Rotorua Information Centre in the center of Rotorua, where you'll meet one of our amazing team. They'll welcome you aboard and set the scene for the evening ahead. After 25 minutes of getting to know one another in the shuttle out to the lake, you’ll get geared up and ready to kayak before heading down to the lake edge. We provide all the equipment and you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing tailored to you before we get afloat. 

Once on the water, we'll glide across the lake and embrace the peaceful rhythm of paddling, taking in the beautiful shifting colours as daylight fades away. Our first stop is a secluded lakeside beach accessible only by water. Here, we'll hop out of our kayaks to enjoy some locally sourced kiwi treats and hot tea. It’s the perfect chance to relax, chat with each other and soak in the tranquility of the evening. 

Refreshed and ready for more, we'll continue our paddle along the shoreline toward hidden caverns that come alive after dark. Inside these sheltered spaces, thousands of glow worms illuminate the walls, creating a surreal, star-like spectacle. Our guide will give you time to drift quietly beneath their shimmering light whilst answering all of your questions. We ensure our groups are small on purpose to make this one of the most intimate glow worm encounters in New Zealand.

If the sky is clear, the magic continues outside the caves as the stars brighten overhead and the Milky Way appears to stretch across the lake. A peaceful paddle back across open water brings the journey to a close, where your guide will help you gear down before shuttling you back to Rotorua: inspired, relaxed and glowing from an unforgettable night on the lake together. 

• Moderate level of fitness required
• Attendees must be able to swim
• Booking is essential. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot due to popularity as on the day bookings can miss out as we may be fully booked.
• Allow at least 4 hours for the round trip leaving from and returning to Rotorua.
• We recommend that you arrive at least 10 mins prior to the meeting time at the Rotorua Information Centre. Once you meet your guide, you can forget about time altogether! 
• We will do our best to get in touch well in advance if the weather looks bad, unfortunately sometimes mother nature wins. If our regulations allow us to operate then we will operate.
• Adult only 
• The kayaks are ‘two person sit-on-top kayaks’ a weight limit of 220kg (total per kayak) applies