Glow Worm Kayak Tour
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.
What's Included
- All equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs)
- Incredible Glow Worms experienced by kayak
- A Sunset/Dusk/Night Adventure with Star Gazing (if clear skies)
- Pick-up & drop-off transfers from Rotorua Information Centre included: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
- Experience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment
- Small group tours with exclusive lake access (1 guide per 8 kayakers)
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
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!
What To Expect
Meet your Taiao Adventures guide at the Rotorua Information Centre to start your night. No previous experience is needed and first-time kayakers are very welcome. We’ll take care of the gear, transport and safety briefing before getting you out on the water.
As daylight fades, paddle along the lake edge with your guide and watch the surroundings change as darkness settles in. Small groups and a relaxed pace give you time to slow down, take it all in and enjoy just how peaceful it is out there at night.
Then come the glow worms. Follow your guide to pockets of thousands of glow worms shining in their natural habitat, before settling in at the main viewing area beneath a canopy of tiny lights. There’s no rushing through. You’ll have time to sit quietly, let your eyes adjust and take in the glow while your guide shares stories and knowledge about what you’re seeing.
On clear nights, the experience continues on the paddle back with incredible stars overhead and the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
After approximately 90 minutes on the water, we’ll return to shore and transport you back to the Rotorua Information Centre.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult - A minimum supervision ratio of one (1) adult to one (1) child under the age of 16 is required at all times.
- 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)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-63701P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 389 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- All equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs).
- Incredible Glow Worms experienced by kayak.
- A Sunset/Dusk/Night Adventure with Star Gazing (if clear skies).
- Pick-up & drop-off transfers from Rotorua Information Centre included: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua.
- Experience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment.
- Small group tours with exclusive lake access (1 guide per 8 kayakers).
- Food and drinks.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Glow Worm Kayak Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Glow Worm Kayak Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All equipment provided, no experience required, perfect for all ages (5+ yrs)
- Incredible Glow Worms experienced by kayak
- A Sunset/Dusk/Night Adventure with Star Gazing (if clear skies)
- Pick-up & drop-off transfers from Rotorua Information Centre included: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
- Experience our Taiao Adventures values, connection, contribution, thoughtfulness to the environment
- Small group tours with exclusive lake access (1 guide per 8 kayakers)
- Food and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult - A minimum supervision ratio of one (1) adult to one (1) child under the age of 16 is required at all times.
- 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)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers
