Glow Worm Adventure Kayak
The ultimate evening adventure in Rotorua
Glow Worm Adventure Kayak
Come and explore a more adventurous side of the Rotorua Lakes on our Glow Worm Adventure Kayak trip. Designed for intermediate 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.
Perfect for adventurers aged 18+
Tour Details
Our Glow Worm Adventure Kayak is a premium experience that combines beautiful New Zealand landscapes, night paddling, and incredible glow worm habitats in areas only accessible by kayak. With smaller group sizes and local treats shared on a secluded beach, it offers a more personal connection with the night, water, and nature.
Your friendly guide will collect you from the Rotorua Information Centre before heading lakeside. You’ll gear up with all equipment provided and receive a safety briefing tailored to intermediate paddlers.
What to expect:
Paddle across open lake waters as daylight fades
Visit a remote lakeside beach for Kiwi snacks + hot tea
Continue along the shoreline to secluded caverns alive with glow worms
Drift quietly while thousands of glow worms create a star-like spectacle above and around you
If it’s a clear night, the stars and Milky Way will shine over the water
Tour Highlights
One of New Zealand's most intimate glow worm experiences
Enjoy night kayaking for intermediate paddlers
Explore peaceful remote shorelines
Star-gazing under clear night skies
Local NZ treats + hot tea included
Small group adventure
Adult-only (18+) experience
Pick-up & return transfer from Rotorua CBD
A truly unique blend of connection and tranquillity
What to wear and bring
This is a night activity — please dress warm!
Warm clothing (at least one extra layers than during the day)
Water bottle
Spare clothing & towel (just in you go for a surprise swim)
Personal medication if needed
Lots of questions
Good vibes !
What Taiao Adventures Provides
Water shoes
5mm fleece-lined wetsuit
Head lamp
Life jacket
Snacks and drinks
Great conversation
Answers to all your questions!
All kayak and safety gear included
More Information
Moderate fitness & swimming ability required
Adult-only (18+)
Duration: Allow at least 4 hours round-trip from Rotorua
Each kayak seats two (2) people — combined max weight 220kg
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure
Weather dependent — safety first always
Booking essential — small groups fill fast!
Tours Operate Daily
Pick up & return transfers included from the Rotorua Information Center.
Address: 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Departing times:
Summer 7:00pm (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)
Daylight Savings 6:20pm (March, Oct)
Winter 4pm (April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept)
Allow 4 hours for the round trip from Rotorua.
Some fun Glow Worm Facts!
Glow worms have silky, mucus covered threads that hang all around the glow worm, allowing it to catch insects such as mosquitoes and trout flies which are food for the glow worm to eat.
The glow worm's glow comes from its tail, where the bioluminescence is created by a reaction of proteins and enzymes within the digestive system of the worm. They have a special organ for this process that even we don't have!
The Glow Worm is the larva of a fungus gnat. Their species name is Arachnocampa Luminosa which can ONLY be found in NZ!
As an adult, the Glow Worm only lives for a short period of time (1-3 days) however in its larval stage, when it glows, it can live for anywhere between 6 months and 2 years depending on how much food it eats.
The life cycle of the GLOW WORM has four stages, the Egg stage (2 weeks), the Larval stage (6-24 months), the Pupal stage (2 weeks) and the Adult stage (1-3 days).
Want to know more? Book now, we LOVE questions!
Prices
Adult: $295.00
This is an intermediate-level tour designed for paddlers seeking an adventurous trip
Sustainability Commitment
Taiao Adventures provides authentic, eco-friendly outdoor tours led by grassroots leaders. Our tours explore lakes, glow worm caves, and the Waimangu Valley while prioritising environmental conservation.
We take extra care to preserve the glow worm habitats, consulting with a renowned expert to ensure they are not disturbed by our tours in any way.
Is this adventure for you?
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or prefer a more relaxed pace, we've got a tour to suit every taste.
Adventure awaits...
Grassroots leadership, natural and authentic guided tours exploring the outdoors.
We proudly adventure through the lakes, glow worm caves, and Waimangu Valley while being very mindful of preserving the environment.
Hours
9am - 5pm, 7 days
Contact Details
Taiao Adventures
Rotorua, New Zealand
0224279136
info@taiaoadventures.com
