Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance
Twilight Kayak Glowworm Tour
Starting late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience by kayak. Paddle slowly through the Pokaiwhenua canyon and, when darkness falls, be guided by the magical titiwai - New Zealand glow worms - on either side.
From: NZ$199.00
Per Person
3 Hours Live Availability with Instant Confirmation.
Highlights
Glowworms surrounding you as you float through a prehistoric like canyon
Kayaking on the magical Lake Karapiro
Local Maori and European History of the Area
Full Description
Enjoy the twilight and silence of being on the water as the day draws to an end. As night arrives over the lake, you will paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream, through the canyon carved out by water over hundreds of years. Native ferns and trees drape over you, bird life is all around.
When darkness falls, we float silently back downstream, being guided by titiwai on either sid...
Includes
Shuttle
Kayak hire
Bike
Guides
Entry at 396 Horahora Road, Piarere
Take SH1 south from Cambridge, or north from Tirau
1km south of the SH29 (to Tauranga) & SH1 junction
Watch for the brown Waikato River Trails tourist sign
Turn into Horahora Road
The entrance is approximately 3.9km on the right
Or:
Approx 10km from the Arapuni end of Horahora Rd
Turn left 200m after the single lane bridge
If using GPS, please enter: 396 Horahora Road, Piarere
Additional Information
Minimum age is 8 years.
All children under 15 are to be accompanied by a capable adult.
Evening temperatures d-r-o-p as we drift back downstream, so please remember.
Bring warm layers of clothing, preferably not cotton
- NO JEANS as they get very cold when wet
- We provide overpants, splash jackets & wetshoes
- We have a changing area & secure storage
- Cameras are okay for going upstream while it's still light - they are no good after dark, as the flash will spoil the viewing of the Glow Worms for yourself and others on the tour.
Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.
Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.
Health and Safety
All participants are required to read and sign a "Risk Disclosure" form at arrival, prior to taking part in any "Adventure Activity" by NZ law.
Please view this form now before booking. No action is required now other than to read it to make sure you are happy to sign at arrival.
Hire time continues until all equipment is returned to the RAW (Riverside Adventures Waikato) base. No refunds for early returns.
The hirer confirms all participants are fit and capable of using the equipment. Additional charges apply if a shuttle is required due to an early stop.
The hirer is responsible for the safe, undamaged return of all equipment.
All equipment must be used safely, legally, and with provided safety gear. Kayaks and SUPs must not be used more than 30 minutes after sunset unless on a guided Glowworm Tour.
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Hire may be refused or cancelled without refund if anyone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The hirer accepts responsibility for any loss or damage not covered by ACC or RAW insurance and authorises charges for late return, loss, or damage.
Hire times or tours may be adjusted due to weather or unforeseen circumstances at RAW’s discretion.
From
NZ$199.00
Per Person
3 Hours Live Availability with Instant Confirmation.
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Twilight Kayak Glow Worm Tour
Starting late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience by kayak. Paddle slowly through the Pokaiwhenua canyon and when darkness falls, be guided by titiwai (NZ glow worms) on either side.
Private Kayak Glow Worm Tour
Just 15 mins from Cambridge, 40mins from Rotorua, 45 mins from Tauranga - starting late afternoon / early evening at Riverside Adventures base on Horahora Rd, paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro & over the old submerged Horahora Village & Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfiel...Show More
Day Triventure
Walk from Jones Landing to Arapuni Dam and view the pink hues of the ignimbrite bluffs.Ride from Arapuni Dam to Little Waipa (or to our base).
Kayak from our base up the Pokaiwhenua Stream.
Twilight Triventure
Walk from Jones Landing to Arapuni Dam - an easy 1-hour trail.Ride 14km from Arapuni Dam to Little Waipa or beyond.
Kayak along the Pokaiwhenua Stream at twilight to see the twinkling glow worms on your guided tour.
Half Day Te Awa River Ride
Our guides let you know what's coming up, and share their knowledge and history of the area as you soak in the surroundings of the extremely popular section of the trail, which takes you through the town of Town of Trees and Champions out to the famous Lake Karapiro.
The 65km T...Show More
Half Day Karāpiro
Enjoy a guided bike tour along the beautiful Karāpiro section of the Waikato River Trails.
Our guides let you know what's coming up, and share their knowledge and history of the area as you soak in the surroundings of the extremely popular section of the trail, which takes you through a wetland to Arapuni Village.
The Waikato River Tr...Show More
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience to join the tour?
No prior kayaking experience is required.
Are glowworms guaranteed to be visible during the tour?
While glowworms are typically visible during the tour, sightings are not guaranteed. The appearance of glowworms depends on environmental factors such as weather conditions and the time of year. However, the tour is designed to maximize your chances of seeing them.
Do I need to be able to swim?
There is no requirement to be able to swim.
Can I see the glowworms in the daytime?
No, even though they continue to glow, we can’t see the glow effect in the daytime.
Is there a weight limit for participants?
The maximum weight limit for kayaking is 120 kg.
What happens if it rains or the bad weather on that day ?
What is the minimum age to participate in this experience?
Do children need to be supervised during the activity?
What is your cancellation policy?
What should I wear or bring for this activity?
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