Kia ora! My name’s Tom, and I’m one of the guides here at Taiao Adventures. For years, my “office” has been the still, dark waters of Rotorua’s lakes, and my favourite colleagues are the thousands of little shimmering lights that call this place home.
There’s so much to love about glow worm tours, but one thing I’ll never get enough of is when we’ve paddled our kayaks into a hidden cove, everyone has switched off their headlamps, and the darkness slowly gives way to pinpricks of light overhead and around the cave walls. It’s nature doing what it does best, and every group I take in has the same hushed reaction when they first see it.
People most often come to Rotorua for the bubbling mud pools and the geysers. Not everyone thinks about the glow worms, but for those who do, it’s often the thing they leave talking about most. They’re a bit of a hidden secret here - but since you’re here, I want to let you in on how to find them, and share a few local tips that will make your experience unforgettable.
First up, what are we looking at?
As it turns out, these sparkly critters aren’t actually worms - rather, they’re the larvae of a native gnat, Arachnocampa luminosa, a species unique to New Zealand. It sounds a lot less romantic, I know, but the science is fascinating.
In te reo Māori, glow worms are called titiwai, which translates to “projected over water,” which captures the beauty of seeing their glimmering lights reflected on Rotorua’s lakes.
The glow they produce is called bioluminescence - and it’s a chemical reaction they use to lure in small insects, which are then trapped in the sticky silk threads dangling from their homes. They need damp, dark, sheltered spaces to thrive, which is why they love the dense native bush and secluded lakefront cliffs around Rotorua.
How to see Rotorua's glow worms: two paths to choose
You’ve got two main options for your glow worm quest in Rotorua - either on foot by yourself, or on the water with a guide. Both are great, but they offer very different experiences.
(Psst: We’ll soon be offering a walking glow worm tour in Rotorua, so keep an eye out if you’d like to explore on foot with us!)
1. The self-guided walk
If you have a car and a bit of adventurous spirit, you can find some fantastic glow worm spots on your own. The key is to go when it’s properly dark - at least an hour after sunset - and preferably on a night with little to no moonlight.
Okere Falls Track: Just a 20-minute drive from Rotorua towards Tauranga, this is a popular spot. By day, it’s a beautiful walk alongside the Kaituna River. By night, the damp, mossy banks along the track come alive with glow worms. Park in the main car park, and bring a torch for the walk in, but be sure to switch it off once you’re on the path.
Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods): There are several tracks in the Redwoods where you can spot glow worms, especially on the cooler, more sheltered parts of the forest floor. Look for the damp, overhanging banks near streams.
A guide’s local tip: The biggest mistake I see people make is not giving their eyes enough time to adjust. Your eyes need a good 5-10 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness. Find a spot, turn off all your lights - phones included - and just wait. The longer you wait, the more lights will seem to appear out of nowhere. And please wear some decent shoes!
2. The guided kayak tour
I’m biased, of course, but there’s no comparison to seeing the glow worms from the water. Out on the lake, the still surface mirrors the titiwai above, so you can see and appreciate their reflection shimmering across the water - a perspective you won’t get on a walking track. From the kayaks, we drift quietly and keep a respectful distance, so the experience feels calm and undisturbed.
When we take you out in the kayaks, we glide along the edges of the lake to secret coves that are completely inaccessible by foot.
The glow worms hang from native New Zealand bush roots and ferns, and in the deep quiet of the night you can feel the wairua (spirit) of the place as their lights shimmer all around you.
A guide’s local tip: The weather on the lakes can change quickly, so I always tell our guests to bring an extra warm layer. We provide the splash gear to keep you dry, but you’ll be much happier with something cosy underneath.
A few final tips for your adventure
Leave your camera behind: Without a high-end camera and knowledge of long-exposure settings, glow worms are incredibly difficult to photograph, and almost impossible on a phone. I recommend resisting the temptation - chasing a photo can take you out of the moment. Just be present and enjoy the experience with your own eyes.
Respect the glow worms: Of everything, this is the most important thing to note. Please don’t shine your torch directly at the glowworms or try to touch them - bright light makes them stop glowing (they think it’s daytime and hide), and touching them can damage their delicate feeding lines.
The best time of the year: You can see glow worms all year round! They are most active on warm, humid nights in summer when there are more insects around for them to eat. However, a crisp, clear winter’s night can be just as spectacular, with the added bonus of incredible stargazing and fewer crowds.
No matter how you choose to see them, the glow worms of Rotorua offer a chance to connect with an ancient, delicate, enchanting world. I hope this has helped you plan your adventure, and even more so, I hope I’ll see you out on the water with us sometime soon.
Noho ora mai (Stay well),
Tom
Q: Where can I see glow worms in Rotorua for free?
A: You can see glow worms for free on several walking tracks around Rotorua. The most popular and accessible spots are the Okere Falls Track and certain trails within the Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods). Remember to go well after sunset and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Q: What is the best way to experience glow worms in Rotorua?
A: While free walking tracks are great, a guided kayak tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience. Kayaking allows you to access secluded coves, see thousands of glow worms reflected on the water, and enjoy the silence and pristine nature of the lakes away from any crowds.
Q: Are glow worms in Rotorua visible all year round?
A: Yes, glow worms are visible throughout the year. They can be more numerous and brighter during the warmer, more humid months (summer), but clear, crisp winter nights also offer spectacular viewing opportunities with the added benefit of better stargazing.
Q: What should I wear for a glow worm tour?
A: Dress in warm, comfortable layers. Even in summer, it can get chilly at night, especially on the water. A fleece or warm jacket is recommended. Your footwear will generally get wet (when climbing in and out of the kayaks on our kayak tours), so we recommend wearing water shoes or crocs. We can supply either of these if needed!
Q: Can I take photos of the glow worms with my phone?
A: Unfortunately, no. The light emitted by glow worms is too faint for a phone camera to capture. To photograph them, you would need a DSLR camera with manual settings, a tripod, and the ability to take a long-exposure shot. We highly recommend putting your phone away and simply enjoying the magical sight with your own eyes.
Q: Are glow worms actually worms?
A: No, they are the larvae (or maggot stage) of a native New Zealand insect called a fungus gnat. They create the light through a biological process to attract prey into their sticky silk lines.
Q: Why shouldn't I shine my torch on glow worms or touch them?
A: Shining a bright light on glow worms causes them to stop glowing as they mistake it for daylight. Touching them or their silky lines can destroy their feeding apparatus and harm them. It's vital to observe them respectfully from a distance to ensure they thrive.
Q: Is a guided glow worm kayak tour worth the money?
A: A guided tour is worth it for the unique experience and access it provides. You are taken to private, pristine locations you can't reach on foot, all safety equipment is provided, and you get expert commentary from a local guide who can share stories and knowledge about the area, the wildlife, and the culture.
