The internet's full of packing guides for every possible trip - what to wear hiking, what to bring camping, capsule wardrobes for a European summer.
But when it comes to what to bring for a glow worm kayak tour on a Rotorua lake, the advice gets a little harder to find.
So I thought I’d put together a simple and honest guide written by someone who heads out onto this lake most nights of the week to run tours, and has heard every version of “I wish I’d dressed warmer” or “I didn’t think I’d need that.”
Whether you’re joining us for a glow worm tour in the heat of summer or the middle of winter, this packing list has everything you need (and nothing you don’t) so you can relax and focus on the experience ahead.
Summer (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 (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 (March to May, September to November)
These seasons are unpredictable. Could be calm and mild, could be windy and wet. As a general rule, follow the winter guide - you can always take layers off, 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 it drizzles.
Medication and essentials
If you need an inhaler, EpiPen, or any other medication, bring it in a small waterproof bag. We're out on the water for about two and a half hours total, so bring anything you might need during that time. Anything else can be kept in our secure storage at our base while we’re out on the water.
What not to bring
Your camera. I'm saying this to save you frustration, not to be a killjoy.
Phone cameras can't capture glow worms. The light is too faint. Even expensive DSLRs struggle - you need a tripod, long exposure, and patience, none of which work well in a floating kayak in the dark.
Every tour, someone tries anyway. They spend ten minutes fiddling with their phone, get a black screen with maybe one tiny blur, then give up annoyed. Meanwhile, they've missed actually looking at the glow worms with their eyes.
What we provide
We supply all the actual gear: kayak, paddle, life jacket (PFD), splash gear (jacket and pants to keep you dry), and water shoes.
A final note
Being comfortable makes the difference between a decent tour and a great one. If you're warm and dry, you can actually relax and pay attention to what's happening around you. If you're cold and distracted, you're just counting down the minutes until you're back on shore.
Dress warmer than you think you need to. Trust me on this.
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.
