The 9 Best Lake Kayak Tours in New Zealand

1.Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

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

Set out from Piarere with Riverside Adventures Waikato for a 3.5-hour kayak trip on Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream. Guides such as Daniel, Amy, Jess, Lofty, and David share local nature and star knowledge while you paddle through a canyon after dark to see glowworms.

“The staff was super friendly and helpful. They provide you with everything you need, shoes pants and coat. The kayak trip was not too long and very scenic. We got to see so many glow worms on the rocks at night fall. I loved this experience very much. Highly recommend!”

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2.Franz Josef: 3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 129 reviews · 3 hours · from $86Best value

Meet guides such as Ollie, Pickles, Max, or Farrah in Franz Josef, then take a 10-minute transfer to Lake Mapourika. Paddle calm water through Jurassic rainforest and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, with waterproof gear, a dry bag, and free photos included.

“Such a unique and wonderful experience!! Our guide Penny was amazing, she shared so much knowledge about the region as well as Māori knowledge and culture. She also made everyone feel very safe and included in the experience. Would definitely do this again!!”

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3.4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · from $104

Spend four hours kayaking Lake Mapourika and walking through Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary with guides such as Farrah, Sydney, or Pickles. Expect calm water, Southern Alps views, ancient rainforest, native flora and fauna, hot drinks, and emailed photos. Moderate fitness is enough.

“Absolutely loved this experience! Was a bit nervous as we hadn’t kayaked before but the guides explained everything really well and let you take it at your own pace. The walk was lovely and we learned so much about the area and what thRead more”

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4.Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $91

Paddle from sheltered Acacia Bay to Mine Bay with a guide, learning about the Māori carvings and local wildlife. Expect about three hours on the water, a muffin and hot drink, and optional swimming or rock jumping. Guides such as Kara, Chase, Will, and Casicia have led recent trips.

“Great experience, with a great guide, she explained all about the area and the local bird species. Beautiful weather and pro like gear.”

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

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

Paddle Lake Rotoiti with a trained guide, stopping at warm lakeside hot pools, a glowworm cave, and a crayfish cave before a BBQ dinner. Hotel pickup, equipment, instruction, and entry fees are included. Guides such as Justin and Ricky add local stories and practical help.

“We had an amazing day kayaking to the hot pools, delicious dinner, glow worm caves, and night kayaking under the stars. Highly recommend!”

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6.Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

Paddle with an English-speaking guide from Riverside Adventures through Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream. Hear Maori and European stories, pause for snacks at dusk, then float through a canyon where glowworms sparkle on both sides. Warm clothing and basic paddling confidence help.

“Our trip got off to a slow start awaiting group members to arrive. But once we set off, it was a lovely experience kayaking along the river .The guides provided interesting information and tasty snacks as we waited on the banks for dusk , when we set off again to float through the canyon to see the glow worms. This was an amazing sight . However as 60 + travellers we found kayaking in complete darkness, especially once out in the open to paddle back to base, was rather disorientating. It really was pitch black . But we did all arrive back safely and our guides were very helpful in…”

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7.Queenstown: Kayaking or SUP Experience on Moke Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 23 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

Spend up to two hours kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on peaceful Moke Lake, a horseshoe-shaped lake about 20 to 30 minutes from Queenstown. Your English-speaking guide handles safety, gear, and transport options, while you paddle at your own pace and finish with tea, coffee, and light snacks.

“Kayak was fantastic we got a perfect morning loved seeing the wild life both on and in the lake. One of the best tours we did while in Queenstown!”

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8.Tauranga: Daytime Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 16 reviews · 3 hours · from $104

Meet at 36 Taniwha Place in Bethlehem for a three-hour guided paddle on calm Lake McLaren. Your guide handles the briefing, transfers, and route, taking you past close birdlife and into Mangapapa Canyon. Ellie, Tom, and George have all been praised for making the outing friendly and informative.

“Our guide Ellie made this experience so enjoyable! She told us loads of facts and stories on our journey and made sure everyone had a good time. Was a lovely few hours spent in nature!”

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9.Rotorua: Daytime Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · 3h 30m · from $101

Paddle Lake Rotoiti for about two hours with a guide, pause at a small glowworm cave, then cross to Manupirua Thermal Hot Pools. Guides such as Lucy, Steven, Sarah, and Jono have led past tours. Moderate fitness is needed, and hotel pickup can be arranged separately.

“A very flexible and friendly team, and a superb guide. The tour was planned in the morning, but due to strong winds in the morning, the tour has been postponed to the night tour. And those was incredible...”

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