4 Night Kayak Tours in New Zealand Worth Getting Wet For

1.Rotorua: Glow Worm Kayak Tour

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

Taiao Adventures takes you from Rotorua to Lake Okareka for a gentle evening paddle in two-person sit-on-top kayaks. Guides such as Ellie, Forest, Sam, and Keisha lead you into small glow-worm caves, share local stories, and help beginners feel at ease. Clear skies may bring views of the Milky Way.

“Our glow worm cave tour was a highlight of Rotorua and NZ! Well run tour and honestly, it was magical. Forest was great and shared interesting tidbits rounding out a lovely night on the water. The night we went the lake was like glass lit by the moon and then the caves…wow. We absolutely loved it!!! Book it now!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Glow Worm Kayak Tour

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

Join Taiao Adventures for a three-hour evening kayak from central Rotorua to small glow worm caves on a nearby lake. Guides such as Kaisha, Sam, Forrest, and Tom lead the paddle, explain the glow worms, and help beginners stay comfortable. Gear, transfers, and safety instruction are included.

“An extremely beautiful and serene experience. Gorgeous views, engaging and knowledgeable staff, and not too strenuous.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Night Kayak Tour in Glowing Bioluminescent Waters

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 259 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $56Best value

You’ll paddle from Okura Boat Ramp or Waiake Beach with guides such as Paul, Millie, Maurice, and Haley, watching plankton flash blue around your kayak. Expect a short safety lesson, about 75 minutes on the water, and a calm, science-focused evening with gear included.

“The bioluminescent plankton were amazing to see glowing at night along with the bright stars. The guides Paul and Millie were amazing and very knowledgeable!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Est. 1994

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 187 reviews · from $73

Learn to kayak in Auckland’s protected Long Bay and Okura Marine Reserve, then watch the water flash with plankton under the stars. Guides such as Josh, Elena, Gareth, and Paul have helped make this a relaxed first-time adventure. Expect a small group, stable kayaks, and possible wet clothes.

“Luminosity varies depending on the circumstances but overall it was a great experience and highly recommend. I do wish communication prior to the day was a bit better.”

Check availability →Read our full review