As you float through a prehistoric like canyon, get to see glowworm surrounding you

Enjoy kayaking on the magical waters of Lake Karapiro

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance

4.9 / 5 (274)

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

Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over the old submerged Horahora power station that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields. Learn the history of Horahora village as you travel back to what feels like a pre-historic time.

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...

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Includes

Shuttle

Kayak hire

Bike

Guides

Meeting Point

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.

Cancellation policy

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.

Risk Disclosure

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.

View Participant Risks Here

Terms

Kayak / Paddleboard Hire – Key Terms

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.

Add to wishlist

396 Horahora Road, Waikato, New Zealand, 3484

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.