Glow Worm Kayak Tour
More than a tour.
A New Zealand experience you’ll never forget.
Five-Star
Reviews.
Reviews.
★★★★★
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Made for you.
Eight guests. One guide. Right here in Rotorua.
Glow Worms.
Guaranteed.
Guaranteed.
Thousands of nights on the water, not one without glow worms.
First time
kayaker?
kayaker?
Perfect. We take first timers every night, we’ve got you.
Quality
equipment.
equipment.
All kayaking and safety equipment provided.
Small Group
Tours.
Tours.
Eight guests per guide. Small groups keep the experience personal and relaxed.
Here in
Rotorua.
Rotorua.
Just 15 minutes of travel between you and the best night of your life.
Taiao
Guarantee.
Guarantee.
Extraordinary or it’s free!
🌿
Glow Worms.
Guaranteed.
Guaranteed.
Thousands of nights on the water, not one without glow worms.
Five-Star
Reviews.
Reviews.
★★★★★
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Made for you.
Eight guests. One guide. Right here in Rotorua.
Quality
equipment.
equipment.
All kayaking and safety equipment provided.
First time
kayaker?
kayaker?
Perfect. We take first timers every night, we’ve got you.
Here in
Rotorua.
Rotorua.
Just 15 minutes of travel between you and the best night of your life.
Small Group
Tours.
Tours.
Eight guests per guide. Small groups keep the experience personal and relaxed.
Taiao
Guarantee.
Guarantee.
Extraordinary or it’s free!
🌿
This is what you came to
New Zealand for...
Glow worms. Kayaking. At night? Pure magic!
Our Rotorua Glow worm kayak tour is truly something special. This is something you’ll never forget, in a place most don’t get to see. It could even be the highlight of your trip to New Zealand... plenty of others have said so!
Picture sitting quietly in your kayak, surrounded by thousands of glow worms shining in their natural habitat. They’re above you, beside you and reflected in the water below. It’s dark, it’s peaceful, and for a little while, it feels like the rest of the world has disappeared.
Never kayaked before? Perfect. The paddle is relaxed, the groups are small and we take first-timers out every night.
And we’re so confident you’ll love it, we guarantee a five-star experience or your money back.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS?
Your Glow Worm Kayak Tour
START TO FINISH
Meet your guide Meet your Taiao Adventures guide in central Rotorua, get settled with your small group, and let the adventure begin.
Your Glow Worm Kayak Tour starts right in central Rotorua, at the Rotorua Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street. Look out for our Taiao 'meeting point' sign so you know you’re in the right place.
A Taiao guide will arrive in a Taiao Adventures vehicle. They’ll call out customer names, check everyone in, make sure you are settled, and then the adventure begins.
We run up to two small groups per departure time, with eight guests per guide. You will all travel together, but once we hit the water, you’ll be kayaking in your smaller guided group.
Return transport is included, so once you’ve found us in Rotorua, you’re sorted for the rest of the night.
Gear up and look cool! All kayaking and safety equipment is provided. Just dress for the weather and we’ll make sure you have everything you need.
Before we head to the lake, we’ll make sure you’re properly kitted out for the conditions that night.
All kayaking and safety equipment is provided, including your life jacket and any additional clothing needed to help keep you warm and dry. What we provide changes seasonally because a Rotorua evening in summer is obviously a little different to one in winter.
A good rule of thumb is to dress for the weather and bring one more warm layer than you were comfortable wearing during the day. It just means you’ll be nice and warm once the sun goes down.
Don’t stress about getting it perfect though. Your guide will get everyone sorted, answer any questions and make sure you’ve got everything you need before we leave.
Short drive to the lake Glow worms right here in Rotorua. Just 15 minutes from the centre of town and you’ll feel a world away.
Once everyone is ready, we’ll head out of central Rotorua for the short drive to the lake.
It’s only around 15 minutes from Rotorua, so you can go from the middle of town to somewhere that feels completely removed from it in no time at all.
Depending on the group, the drive might be full of conversation, questions and a bit of local knowledge from your guides. Or you can sit back, look out the window and let the excitement build. Every night has its own vibe, and that's part of the fun!
Then we arrive at the water, and suddenly it all feels very real. You’re here, it’s nearly time, and you’re about to see what you came for...
Safety first Never kayaked before? No problem. Your guide will show you everything you need to know and stay right there with you throughout the experience.
Never kayaked before? No worries. We take first-time kayakers out every night, so you absolutely don’t need any previous kayaking experience.
Before anyone gets on the water, your guide will run through a full safety briefing and show you the basics. How to paddle, how to get where you want to go, what to expect on the water and what to do if you need a hand.
We use double kayaks and the pace is relaxed. Nobody is racing anywhere and you won’t be expected to magically know what you’re doing five minutes after arriving.
Your guide is right there with you, and with the tour running in small groups, there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get comfortable before you set off.
If the idea of kayaking at night makes you a little nervous, tell us. We’d much rather know. We’ve taken thousands of people out there, including plenty who started the night feeling exactly the same way.
The main event... Get up close with thousands of glow worms shining in their natural habitat. Peaceful, completely immersive and better than you could ever imagine.
Once everyone is comfortable, we head out onto the lake as daylight disappears and the glow worm experience begins.
As you move along the shoreline, your guide will lead you to different pockets of glow worms along the way. Some are tucked beneath rock overhangs, some feel incredibly close and intimate, and others open up above you with thousands of tiny lights overhead.
There’s no rushing through. When we reach our main glow worm viewing area, we settle the kayaks in and give you time to sit quietly underneath them. Your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness and the longer you’re there, the more you begin to see.
While you take it all in, your guide will share their knowledge of the glow worms, including the science behind how and why they glow, their life cycle and behaviour, along with stories and knowledge connected to the land and the area you’re exploring.
Our guides spend a lot of time learning about this environment and the creatures that live here, so ask away. They love sharing what they know, and there’s always more to discover out here.
We’ve spent thousands of nights on this water and never had a night without glow worms. They’re here year round, which is why we’re confident enough to guarantee them.
And even after doing this night after night, there’s still something pretty special about being out here that keeps bringing us back.
Drift home The excitement and wonder of getting so close to glow worms stays with you as you paddle back to shore. A new memory made, and one you’ll never forget.
Eventually, we have to leave the glow worms behind.
The paddle back is relaxed, and by this point everyone has usually settled right in. You’ve been out there together for a while, nobody’s worried about how to kayak anymore, and conversation tends to come pretty easily.
On clear nights, don’t forget to look up. Away from the lights of Rotorua, the stars can put on a pretty good show of their own, and when conditions line up, you may even get the Milky Way overhead.
There’s time to chat with your guide, swap stories from the night, or just quietly enjoy the paddle back.
Once we’re back on shore, we’ll get everyone out of their gear, load up and take you back into Rotorua.
Allow around three hours for the complete return trip from Rotorua.
PLAN YOUR NIGHT
Tours Operate Daily
MULTIPLE DEPARTURES EACH NIGHT
Meet us in central Rotorua
Rotorua Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street. View meeting point on Google Maps →
Evening Departure Times
Choose your preferred departure date and time slot when you book. Departure times vary with the seasons throughout the year.
SUMMER
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY
DEPARTS
8:00pm ·
8:50pm ·
9:40pm ·
10:30pm
SHOULDER SEASON
MARCH & OCTOBER
DEPARTS
7:20pm ·
8:10pm ·
9:00pm ·
9:50pm
WINTER
APRIL TO SEPTEMBER
DEPARTS
5:00pm ·
6:00pm
TOUR LENGTH
Allow around 3 hours
Approximately 90 minutes is spent out on the water.
PRICE
Adults $225 · Children $145
All kayaking, safety equipment and transport included.
TOUR DETAILS
Around 3 hours
Approximately 90 minutes on the water.
Adults $225 · Children $145
All kayaking, safety equipment and transport included.
Got Questions?
We Have Answers!
We Have Answers!
🌿
Planning Your Night
? How long is the Glow Worm Kayak Tour from start to finish?
Allow 3 hours for the full Glow Worm Kayak Tour.
This includes pick up from the Rotorua Information Centre, completing the full experience, and returning to the Rotorua Information Centre at the end of the night.
Approximately 90 minutes is spent out on the water.
? Where does the Glow Worm Kayak Tour start?
Your tour starts at the Rotorua Information Centre, 1167 Fenton Street, right in central Rotorua.
This is our meeting point, where your Taiao guide will arrive in a Taiao Adventures vehicle to pick you up and get the adventure underway.
Your night starts and finishes at the same spot.
? How early should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your booked departure time.
The time shown on your booking is when we're due to leave the Rotorua Information Centre, so arriving a little earlier gives us time to welcome everyone, check you in and get the ready to roll.
? Where can I park?
There is street parking available around the Rotorua Information Centre. Street parking is free from 5pm.
All parking is within a few minutes’ walk of our meeting point, so you won’t have far to go.
? Where can I park my campervan?
Rotorua has designated daytime parking for campervans and motorhomes within a few minutes’ walk of the city centre.
One option is the designated motorhome parking area on Hinemoa Street near Polynesian Spa. A day parking permit is required for this area.
From there, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to our meeting point at the Rotorua Information Centre.
? Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend booking your Glow Worm Kayak Tour in advance, particularly during busy travel periods.
Popular dates and departure times can sell out quickly, so booking ahead gives you the best chance of getting the date and departure time that best suits your Rotorua itinerary.
? What if I need to cancel my booking?
We completely understand that plans can change, especially when you're travelling.
If you need to cancel, please contact our team. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your tour departs will receive a full refund.
? What happens if the weather is bad?
Our Glow Worm Kayak Tours operate in most weather conditions.
If conditions aren't safe for kayaking, our team will contact you and talk you through the available options.
A little rain won't stop us. We've got all the gear you need to stay comfortable, so you can embrace the weather and enjoy the adventure.
🛶
Kayaking & What to Expect
? How long do we spend kayaking on the water?
You'll spend approximately 90 minutes out on the water.
The kayaking itself is part of the experience, with gentle paddling over short distances and plenty of time to slow down, take in your surroundings and enjoy being out on the water after dark.
? Do I need kayaking experience?
No kayaking experience is needed. We take first-time kayakers out every night.
Your guide will take you through a full safety briefing, show you everything you need to know and stay close throughout the experience.
? How physically difficult is the tour?
Our Glow Worm Kayak Tour is a light activity with gentle paddling over short distances.
We keep the pace relaxed, with plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the experience.
? What type of kayaks do you use?
We use two-person sit-on-top kayaks with a maximum combined weight of 220kg per kayak.
They are stable and well suited to the gentle, relaxed style of paddling on our Glow Worm Kayak Tour.
? What should I wear?
This is both a night activity and a water activity. We recommend warm, comfortable clothing that is easy to sit and move around in, and that you don’t mind if it gets a little wet.
Keep an eye on the weather and bring an extra warm layer if it’s looking chilly, particularly during the cooler months.
If you have water shoes or crocs, feel free to wear those. Otherwise, we can provide suitable footwear.
Taiao Adventures provides all the kayaking gear and additional weather protection you need.
? What should I bring with me?
You really don't need to bring much. Come dressed in warm, comfortable clothing and bring any personal items you'll need during the evening.
If you have water-friendly shoes, Crocs or similar footwear, bring them along. If not, don't worry, we have suitable footwear for you.
Any extra belongings can be stored securely at our base. If you need medication or another important item available at the lake, bring it with you and let your guide know. It can be kept safely at the lake or our guide can hold it protected in a waterproof bag if it needs to come onto the water.
? What gear does Taiao Adventures provide?
All kayaking and safety equipment is provided.
We have waterproof over-pants, waterproof splash jackets and water-friendly footwear available, along with additional cold-weather gear during the cooler months.
? Is there somewhere to leave my belongings?
Yes. Your belongings can be stored securely at our base while you're out kayaking.
If there's something you need available at the lake or on the water, just let your guide know and they will keep it safe for you.
? Can I take photos of the glow worms?
No, we kindly ask you do not take photos while with the glow worms.
Phones, camera lights and flashes can disturb the glow worms and affect their natural behaviour, so we protect the habitat by keeping artificial light away from them.
You’ve come all this way to see the glow worms, so we want you to make the absolute most of it. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness, take it all in and completely immerse yourself in the glow worm world around you. No screens, no distractions, just enjoy being right there in the moment.
We'll provide you with a free set of professional glow worm photos after your tour, so you'll still have beautiful images to take home.
✨
Glow Worms, Families & Accessibility
? Will I definitely see glow worms?
Yes. Glow worms are guaranteed on our Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour.
We see them every night, all year round, so whenever you choose to visit Rotorua, the glow worms will be waiting.
? What is the best time of year to see glow worms in Rotorua?
Every night is a good night to see glow worms in Rotorua.
Our glow worms can be seen year-round, so whether you're visiting Rotorua in summer, winter or anywhere in between, the glow worm experience is waiting for you.
? Can children do the Glow Worm Kayak Tour?
Yes, absolutely. Our Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour is a fantastic way for families to share an adventure they’ll never forget.
Children aged 5 years and over can be booked directly onto the tour.
Children under 5 years may also be able to join us. We just need a little extra planning to make sure we can give them the care and attention they need on the night, so please contact our team before booking. We’ll always do our best to accommodate your preferred date and departure time.
All children must meet our child supervision requirements.
? What is the child supervision requirement?
Every child under 16 must be paired with a supervising adult aged 18 or over who they are travelling with.
We use two-person sit-on-top kayaks, your booking needs enough supervising adults so every child can kayak with an adult they know.
? Can you accommodate guests with limited mobility or disabilities?
Yes, our Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour is accessible to guests with a wide range of mobility requirements.
We've welcomed guests with many different mobility needs and will work with you to make sure we're prepared for your visit.
Please contact us before booking so we can understand what assistance you may need and make sure everything is ready for you on the night.
? Can I go on a glow worm tour if I'm pregnant?
Yes, you can come out on our Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour if you're pregnant.
There are just a couple of things to consider for your own comfort, keeping in mind you'll spend approximately 90 minutes on the water in a kayak:
1. Motion: If you're prone to nausea or motion sickness, keep in mind there will be around 90 minutes of gentle movement on the water.
2. Seating: Our kayaks have supportive backrests, but you'll be sitting in a low seated position for approximately 90 minutes. Everyone's comfort is different, so it's simply something to keep in mind when deciding if the tour is right for you.
If you have any questions before booking, just get in touch with our team.
? Is there a weight limit for the kayaks?
Yes, 220kg per kayak.
We use two-person sit-on-top kayaks, with a maximum combined weight of 220 kg per kayak.
If the combined weight of two guests will exceed 220kg, please contact our team before booking. On most occasions, we can accommodate this with a different kayak setup, but we’ll just need to check availability for your chosen tour.
? How many people are on each tour?
We keep our guided kayaking groups small, with approximately 8 guests per guide.
When you first meet us at the Rotorua Information Centre, there may be approximately 16 guests being picked up and travelling together. Once we arrive at our base, you'll split into your smaller guided groups to get ready, and when you're out on the water, you'll kayak with your guide and that smaller group.
This keeps the experience peaceful and personal while still allowing everyone to travel together.
REAL GUESTS. REAL STORIES.
5 stars guaranteed? The proof is in the pudding...
Looking After The Places We Love
Adventure, with a lighter footprint.
The places we explore are a pretty special part of Aotearoa, and looking after them is part of everything we do. We keep our groups small, tread carefully in the environments we visit, and take extra care around our glow worms and the places they call home.
We’ve also worked with a leading glow worm expert to better understand the colonies we visit and how we can experience them without disrupting their natural environment. It means you can get incredibly close to the glow worms, while we make sure they’re being looked after long after your tour ends.
Taiao Adventures is proud to be part of Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s Sustainability Commitment, helping us keep making better choices for our people, our place and the environment around us.
Adventure Awaits
BOOK NOW
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
+64224279136
info@taiaoadventures.com
