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 13+

 

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

    • 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

    • Suitable for ages 13+

    • Pick-up & return transfer from Rotorua CBD

    • A truly unique blend of connection and tranquillity

  • 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 !

      • 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

    • Moderate fitness & swimming ability required

    • Ages 13+

    • 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!

BOOK NOW

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

If this adventure isn’t the right fit, our classic Glow Worm Kayak Tour is suitable for ages 5+ and offers a more relaxed, family-friendly experience.

COMPARE GLOW WORM TOURS
 

Looking for even more fun with Paddle Board Rotorua? Make sure to also check out our amazing Waimangu Valley Walk & Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour !

 

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! 

 

Compare Our Glow Worm Tours

Not sure which glow worm experience is right for you? Compare our classic and adventure kayak tours to find the perfect fit.

 

What our guests love about our Glow Worm experiences