Kia ora! It’s Tom, one of the guides from the team here at Taiao Adventures.
One of the best parts of my job is seeing the look on people’s faces when they see the glow worms for the first time. But, lots of prep happens before we head out, and people often ask me what they should wear and bring for their tour.
It sounds a little dull, but being comfortable is an important part of any adventure. If you’re warm, dry, and not worried about your gear, you can relax and immerse yourself in the experience. So, I thought I’d put together a little guide on exactly what to bring for your glow worm tour, no matter the time of year.
Dressing the part: your clothing essentials
The most important rule for dressing for an evening on a Rotorua lake is layers. The temperature on the water is always a few degrees cooler than in town, and it drops quickly after sunset. Layers give you the flexibility to stay comfortable from start to finish.
Summer adventures (December to February)
Our summer days can be beautiful and warm, but they can be deceiving - as soon as the sun goes down, you’ll feel the change.
What to wear: Shorts or light trousers and a t-shirt are a great start.
What to bring: You absolutely must bring a warm fleece or a light jacket. Trust me on this, you will be glad you have it once we are out on the water.
Winter adventures (June to August)
A winter paddle is breathtaking - the air is crisp, the sky is often full of stars, and there’s a level of stillness you only get on a cold night. It’s one of my favourite times to be out, but you have to dress for it.
What to wear: Start with thermal base layers (top and bottom). A good fleece or wool jumper for your mid-layer, and warm trousers. Thick wool socks are a good idea too!
What to bring: A warm beanie is non-negotiable, and an insulated jacket will keep you extra toasty.
Spring and autumn adventures
These seasons can be a mixed bag, offering up stunningly calm evenings or a bit of wind and rain. This is where layers really prove their worth. As a general rule, follow the winter guide - you can always take off layers if you’re too hot, but if you don’t have enough clothing, there’s nothing you can do when the temperature drops. A light waterproof jacket is also a great idea, just in case.
The gear you'll need (and what you won't)
One of the best things about a guided tour is that we take care of all the important gear for you.
What we've got covered: We provide the kayak, paddle, PFD (your life jacket), splash gear to keep you warm and dry, and water shoes. Any bags and personal belongings can be kept at our base while you head out on the water.
What you should bring: Just a small bag with your essentials: a water bottle, any personal medication you might need (like an asthma inhaler).
A note on cameras and photography
I’m going to be honest with you, because I want you to have the best possible experience. Your phone camera will not be able to take a photo of the glow worms. The light they produce is just too faint.
Even with a fancy DSLR, getting a good shot is incredibly tricky. It requires a tripod, a long exposure, and a lot of patience, which is tough to manage from a floating kayak in the dark.
For that reason, I recommend leaving the camera at home, and enjoying being in the moment. It’s one of those times where being present is the best gift you can give yourself.
Our goal is to make sure you’re so comfortable you forget everything else and can just focus on the thousands of tiny, beautiful lights waiting for you in the dark. We’ll take care of the rest.
Noho ora mai (stay well),
Tom
Q: Is it too cold to do a glow worm tour in winter?
A: Not at all, winter tours are magical! You just need to dress warmly. We recommend thermal base layers, a fleece, a warm jacket, a beanie, gloves, and warm socks.
Q: What kind of shoes are best?
A: Water shoes (or crocs) are ideal - and we can provide these for you. They’re perfect for climbing in and out of the kayak, and will keep your feet comfortable when they get wet.
Q: Do I need to bring a waterproof jacket?
A: Yes, we encourage you to bring your own jacket if you have one - especially a rain jacket if the weather’s looking wet. We also provide splash gear to keep you dry from paddle splashes.
Q: Can I take photos of the glow worms?
A: It’s nearly impossible to get a good photo without professional camera gear (a DSLR on a tripod with manual settings). Phone cameras will not be able to capture them. We recommend enjoying the experience without the pressure of taking a photo. Plus, by keeping lights and flashes away, we’re also protecting the glow worms and their delicate environment, and ensuring they stay undisturbed for future visitors to enjoy.
Q: Do I need to bring my own lifejacket?
A: No, we provide high-quality, comfortable PFDs (personal flotation devices) for everyone. Safety is our top priority.
Q: What can I do with my phone and car keys during the tour?
A: You can leave all personal belongings at the Taiao Adventures Base, where they will be secure while you head out on your tour.
