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Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

4.9
106
Deals from $83.40 Save $55.60 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Kayak into the night to experience the natural wonder of glowworms as they light up in the dark!

Kayak into the night to experience the natural wonder of glowworms as they light up in the dark!

Highlights

  • Be mesmerised as thousands of glow worms light up in the dark!
  • Expertly guided kayak tour through an ancient canyon
  • Enjoy paddling along the tranquil waters of Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream
  • No experience necessary

Join Riverside Adventures Waikato for a magical evening kayaking the calm waters of Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream.

Starting our paddle from the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, your guide will fill you in on the interesting history of the Horahora village as the sun begins to set.

We will make our way slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through a canyon hundreds of years old whilst enjoying stunning views of native trees and ferns.

Once darkness falls - the magic begins - as thousands of glowworms come to life, sparkling on either side of you like constellations in the night sky.

Also, check out our Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour

Per person $139.00

What's included

  • Guided kayak tour
  • Quality kayaks and life jackets
  • We provide overpants, splash jackets & wetshoes

Duration

  • Allow approximately 4 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • 396 Horahora Road
  • Piarere.

Restrictions

  • Minimum age: 8
  • There is a minimum of 4 customers to confirm a trip departure.

    Every single child under 15 is to be accompanied by a capable adult. I.e. If you have 2 children under the age of 15, they will also have to be accompanied by 2 capable adults.

    A moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourselves for approx 1 hour at a time.

    The tour is ran in English and for health and safety all participants must be able to understand English or have a translator with them.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Getting here:

    From Rotorua - Approximately a 1-hour drive.

    From Hamilton - Approximately a 40-min drive.

  • Please Note: Minimum 4 passengers are required for booking this experience and to confirm tour departure.

    Every single child under 15 is to be accompanied by a capable adult.

    I.e. If you have 2 children under the age of 15, they will also have to be accompanied by 2 capable adults.

    Fitness Level and Health & Safety: A moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourselves for approx 1 hour at a time.

    The tour is ran in English and for health and safety all participants must be able to understand English or have a translator with them.

    Cancellations: No refunds will be given to cancellations within 48 hours of the tour.

Available Bookings from 29 Mar to 11 Apr 2024

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Fri 29 Mar
Sat 30 Mar
Sun 31 Mar
Mon 1 Apr
Tue 2 Apr
Wed 3 Apr
Thu 4 Apr
Fri 5 Apr
Sat 6 Apr
Sun 7 Apr
Mon 8 Apr
Tue 9 Apr
Wed 10 Apr
Thu 11 Apr

  • Per person$105.60 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$83.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$94.50 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$139.00

  • Per person$83.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$94.50 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$83.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$83.40 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$94.50 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per person$139.00

  • Per person$139.00

  • Per person$139.00

  • Per person$139.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.9

106 reviews

Showing all 106 authenticated Bookme reviews

cissys from New Zealand wrote on 30 July 2022

Woah!!

Loved the getting in nature aspect of this tour!. We had Lofty as our guide and we learned alot about the history of the place along where we kayaked. The scenery is jaw dropping and if you love this country, you surely appreciate it more on water. You will need to be confident in your paddling because for a short stint you paddle against the current. Its worth it though....and if you do this tour - you will see what I mean.

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the tour. You did well with the stream being a bit faster than normal flow. Well worth it though. 😊

Polly Sills-Jones from New Zealand wrote on 15 October 2022

Exceptional

I was blown away by the magical brilliance of seeing this incredble display of natural beauty. Honestly so unexpectedly impressive. And all the more enjoyable with Lofty leading our adventure. He pitched his patter perfectly; amusing, informative and engaging. Steve and Laura were great company too. A very special evening, it will stay in my memory. Thank you Riverside Adventures.

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

That's awesome to hear! Glad you had a great time.

nardiar from Australia wrote on 08 December 2022

Great kayaking trip

Our guide Caleb was knowledgeable and ensured everyone was safe and comfortable. The river was amazing and the glow worms were a lovely end to the trip. Definitely suitable for beginners.

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

Awesome. Thanks for coming along. :)

Mandus Verrycken from New Zealand wrote on 13 November 2021

Disappointed

....

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

Hi Mandus, I am sorry you feel disappointed with our customer service. This is something we pride ourselves on. Unfortunately when you cancelled one hour prior, you were unable to experience our awesome tour, and as such unable to see our excellent customer service 1st hand. Our guide was at work and ready to take you and your Dad Dries out when he rang. I explained on the phone and emails why we could not offer you a refund. If you do ever wish to come back, we would love to see you. Regards, Sally

susiel from New Zealand wrote on 07 August 2022

Amazing and Impressive

Such an amazing and impressive experience of kayaking on Waikato River ending with glowworm glowing along the way back! We're so grateful that the company still made it for even just us one group. Well organized tour guided by a 10-year experienced and knowledgeable guide who loves his job and has good bond with birds there! Providing thoughtful equipment and you don't need to worry about getting wet and cold. I have no kayaking experience before, and the guide encouraged me a lot and looked after me so that not only I finished the whole trip but also enjoyed every minute of it! Definitely worth it and will recommend to my friends!

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From Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Waikato

Thanks so much! We're so glad you had an amazing experience. Look forward to seeing you again..😊

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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