9 Rotorua Kayak Tours Worth Getting Wet For

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.Rotorua: Glow Worm Kayak Tour

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

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!”

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3.Glow Worm Kayak Tour

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

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.”

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4.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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5.Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 6h 30m · from $130

Spend about six and a half hours kayaking Lake Rotoiti with an English-speaking guide, soaking at Manupirua Springs, eating a barbecue, and paddling to glow-worm caves after sunset. Guides such as Justin and Ricky have led memorable trips, but plan for 8 to 9 kilometres of paddling.

“Die Überquerung des Lake Rotoriti in einem Kajak an Heiligabend, Schwimmen im Thermalwasser und im See, leckeres Barbecue, Glühwürmchen in der Höhle - alles sicher und liebenswürdig begleitet von Justin als Guide - unvergesslich. Vielen Dank”

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6.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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7.Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 4h 30m · from $209

Spend 4 to 4.5 hours kayaking Lake Rotoiti with an English-speaking guide such as Cian or Tom. Paddle to a glowworm cave and water-access-only hot pools, where you get a cooked Kiwi barbecue dinner, ice cream, and time to soak beneath the night sky.

“Thoroughly enjoyed our evening kayak trip with Cian. He was fun, knowledgeable and told us Māori creation stories in a magical glowworm cave. The hot pools were really lovely and dinner was delicious. The weather gods were kind and we had the moon and stars reflecting off the glassy lake on the way home. Can totally recommend 😊”

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8.Rotorua: Glow Worm Adventure Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 4 hours · from $176

Paddle across a Rotorua lake with Taiao Adventures, stopping at a water-access beach for Kiwi snacks and tea before entering glow worm caves. Guides such as Sarah and Forrest lead small groups through the darkness. This four-hour tour suits intermediate paddlers aged 13 and up.

“Not only were the paddle and caves incredible but our guides, Sarah and Forrest were such a delight. They were so professional but also so fun. We couldn’t have loved the experience more.”

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9.Rotorua: Waimangu Valley Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6 reviews · from $132

You’ll walk gently downhill through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then spend 90 minutes in a two-person sit-on-top kayak beside the steaming cliffs of Lake Rotomahana. Taiao Adventures provides transport, entry, equipment, instruction, and an English-speaking guide. No kayaking experience is needed.

“Outstanding tour. Small group and an amazing experience. our guide was fantastic 👏”

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