Twilight Glow worm Kayak


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.

Duration

4hrs

Age

8 years +

Tour Price

From $149 p/p

Activity Grade

Easy

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 side sparkling like Christmas lights.

Need to know

  • The temperature does drop as we drift back downstream on this glow worm kayak tour so we recommend that you bring warm layers of clothing, preferably merino. We do not recommend wearing jeans as they get very cold when wet.

  • To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we provide you with overpants, splash jackets and wet shoes. 

  • There is a changing area at our base where you can layer up before embarking on the tour. We also have secure storage facilities where you can leave any additional belongings. 

  • You do require a moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourself for the entire tour.

  • Glow worms don’t like camera flashes, so please ensure your camera’s flash is turned off after dark.

  • Alcohol or smoking is not permitted.

  • Please check  the risks of our tour here

Tour Info

  • Bookings are essential

  • Minimum numbers apply

  • Minimum age is 8 years for glow worm kayak tours

  • All children under 15 years are to be accompanied by a capable adult

  • Double kayaks are used on tours (if your group is an odd number, you may be required to share with a person from another group)

  • Tour group size ranges from 4 - 24 people


Are you seeking a more exclusive and intimate experience?

Check out our Private Twilight Glow Worm Tour - get your own personal guide, upgraded gear, kayak backrests, a platter with local cheeses, chocolates and fruit, and more.

A fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion, or just treat yourself!

For groups of less than 4 people please contact us directly to book.

Approximate tour times

SUMMER:
October to November: 5-6pm to 9-10pm.
December to February: 6-6.30pm to 9.30-10.30pm.
March to April: 4-5pm to 8-9pm.

WINTER :
May to September: 3-4pm to 7-8pm.

Pricing

Individuals: $149 per person (Adults & Children 8-14yrs)
Family Groups: $530 (2 Adults, 2 Children 8-14 yrs)

Private Tour: $199 per person (Min. 4 people)

Prices valid until 30 September 2025