4 Canoes & Kayaks in Rotorua to Build a Day Around

1.Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $92Our pick

Paddle from Lake Karapiro into the Pokaiwhenua Stream as daylight fades. Riverside Adventures Waikato provides the kayak, PFD, wet shoes, splash gear, and instruction. Guides such as Daniel, Amy, Jess, David, and Lofty share local nature and star lore before you return through a canyon lit by glowworms.

“Incredible experience, super nice staff and awesome adventure. David the guide, explains everything about nature and stars.”

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2.Glow Worm Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 351 reviews · 3 hours · from $116

Meet Taiao Adventures outside Rotorua iSite for a 15-minute shuttle to the lake. After a safety briefing, paddle a two-person sit-on-top kayak from twilight into darkness, entering small caves lit by glow-worms. Guides such as Ellie, Forest, Sam, and Keisha keep the pace calm and welcoming. Clear skies may add the Milky Way and Māori constellations.

“Amazing evening seeing the glow worm caves! Transport was well organised and on time. Briefing was clear on what to expect and how best to enjoy the trip. The company was well prepared with gear and very stylish crocs. Our guide Earl was a delight- so chilled and very informative. It’s a do not miss experience in Rotorua”

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3.Glow Worm Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $121

Paddle a calm lake near Rotorua after sunset, following guides such as Kaisha, Sam, Forrest, or Tom into small glow worm caves. Taiao Adventures provides transport, kayaks, safety gear, and warm clothing. Expect gentle paddling, damp clothes, darkness, and possible stars if the sky clears.

“If you get the perfect night like we did, not only do you get to experience of the magic of the glow worms we also got to see the most amazing shooting star over the lake. The hosts were wonderful with lots of information. Overall I highly recommend this tour.”

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4.Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $135

Spend about seven hours kayaking Lake Rotoiti with an expert guide, stopping for thermal hot pools, a Kiwi BBQ, glowworm caves, and a crayfish cave. No kayaking experience is needed. Guides such as Justin and Ricky have been praised for clear instruction and lively local stories. Pickup and equipment are included.

“Our tour was changed to morning due to not enough people. We had a great time kayaking across the lake beautiful weather. Spent an hours soaking in the hot springs, so relaxing. Our guide Justin was so helpful and gave a great commentary on our tour. Thank you Justin.”

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