Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
May 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Paddle along the beautiful Lake McLaren on your way to experience the unique combination of kayaking and viewing New Zealand glow-worms. The Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour is the only tour in the world to offer this combination, and it is truly a magical experience.
Your evening begins with a decadent spread of delicious New Zealand cheeses and organic ginger beer & lemonade (or non-alcoholic mulled wine in winter) on the lake's edge. Watch the glorious New Zealand sunset as your kayaks are set up for you. As twilight throws her cool, dark blanket over the landscape, you will be briefed on effective kayaking, before launching out onto the glassy waters of Lake McLaren. Once there, you can experience this popular paradise under the calming light of dusk. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will entertain you with tales of the Maori legends of Lake McLaren, as well as point out the fascinating birdlife along the way.
Once you enter the magical glow worm canyon, you will be totally captivated when you see the glowing constellations cast by these amazing, tiny wonders. Watching the sparkling reflections of the glow worms on the water is amazing and the whole experience is truly unforgettable.
Your kayaking tour will last approximately one and a half hours and all equipment and safety gear is provided. Moderate fitness is required; however, this memorable adventure is very popular with families and suits people of all ages.
Location
What you need to know
- Return transfers from Waimarino Adventure Park to launch site
- 1.5 hour kayaking tour & visit to glow worms
- All kayaking equipment & safety gear provided
- New Zealand cheese & refreshments
- Allow 3 hours
- Departs between 4pm - 8pm depending on time of sunset
- Departs from Waimarino Adventure Park, 36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga
- Operates daily all year
- Does the Glow Worm Kayak Tour in Tauranga operate on Christmas Day? The Glow Worm Kayak Tour does not operate on Christmas day. however it does operates every other day of the year.
- Tour operates in rain
- Transfers available from Tauranga & Mt Maunganui accommodation for an additional cost. Please contact us at the time of booking if you require a transfer
- Moderate fitness required. Please inform your guide of any medical conditions
- We provide stable, comfortable double sea-kayaks, paddles, spray decks, paddle-jackets & buoyancy aids. Fleeces will be provided if required
- Wear comfortable light warm clothing, we recommend that people don't wear denim jeans; while you are unlikely to get wet, jeans are heavy, cold & uncomfortable if they do get wet
- Bring a fleece top or similar for additional warmth while enjoying the refreshments on the lake edge. A hat is recommended in cool or wet weather
Accessibility
- Vision Impaired friendly
- Hearing Impaired friendly
Recent reviews
I’m sure the tour itself would have been great, but I was sold this tour after it was already full so I didn’t actually get to go on it. I just paid for it and then didn’t receive the full amount I spent refunded.
As above - maybe I put my comments into the wrong box?
Well organised, good host, great fun and amazing spectacle. Weather was not great, but it didn't affect the enjoyment at all - kayaking in the rain was a new experience!
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 9987
- This experience is supplied by Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour from Tauranga including Wine Tasting