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Waimarino Kayak Tours

Drift beneath thousands of glowworms

Paddle still water after dark and watch thousands of glowworms light the canyon walls above you. Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

4.9/5 on Google 5-Star Rated
Curated Adventures

Choose Your Adventure

Kayakers beneath thousands of glowworms in Mangapapa Canyon, Lake McLaren, Tauranga

Tauranga

Our signature experience. Paddle Lake McLaren at dusk and drift into Mangapapa Canyon, where thousands of glowworms light the rock walls above you.

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Kayakers under a starlit sky on Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua

Rotorua

Cross Lake Rotoiti as the sun sets, soak in the Manupirua Hot Pools, then paddle into a hidden glowworm cave beneath a sky full of stars.

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The Glowworm Experience

Unrivaled stillness.
Absolute wonder.

The Waimarino Kayak Tours Experience. Run by the Anderson family since 1975, over fifty years of guiding people onto this water, one small group at a time.

Small Intimate Groups

We hold our guest to guide ratios low, so every tour stays intimate, unhurried and genuinely yours.

Expert Storytellers

Our guides are more than paddlers. They are masters of safety, local ecology and Māori legend.

Safety & Comfort

Premium equipment and rigorous safety protocols allow you to focus entirely on the magic.

Overhead view of a yellow kayak on the still dark waters of Lake McLaren, Bay of Plenty
Guest Stories

Told in their own words

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 200+ Google reviews

It's so magical just being in a little cave with all the lights reflected on the water. Watching sunset from the hot pools was wonderful, then a paddle across to the glowworms and a moonlight paddle back to shore.

Sophie Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour

The highlight was being on the water at night, so peaceful and picturesque. The guides were fun but professional and knowledgeable, and all the kit was of a high standard.

Rob Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

Watching the glowworms in the canyon from the lake was beautiful and very unique. The big canoe was a great choice, very stable and easy to paddle. We all felt safe and had great fun.

Emily Big Kanu Glowworm Tour
Common Inquiries

Essential Information

No experience is necessary. Our guides will walk you through everything before you enter the water. The kayaking is gentle and suitable for complete beginners.

Please check your booking confirmation for what to bring on your specific tour. As a general guide:

  • Warm, comfortable clothing. Please avoid jeans or heavy cotton.
  • Casual, closed-toe footwear.
  • You are welcome to bring a camera or phone for photos, at your own risk.
  • Visiting the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools? Bring swimwear and a towel.

We provide all kayaking equipment, life jackets and safety gear.

Thousands. Lake McLaren hosts one of the densest glowworm populations in New Zealand, and the canyon puts on a show every night of the year. On Lake Rotoiti you will paddle into the first commercial kayak glowworm cave experience in the country, a rare and memorable sight. Numbers vary with the season, but the wonder never does.
Yes. Our tours are family friendly, though minimum ages vary from tour to tour. Please see your chosen tour for its age guidance, which also appears in your booking confirmation.

We want to keep your booking as fluid as the water. If your plans change, here is how we can help:

  • Peak Season (Dec 26 to Jan 31): Cancel 48+ hours before your tour for a full refund. Within 48 hours, receive a full credit for a future adventure.
  • Off-Peak Season (all other dates): Cancel 24+ hours before your tour for a full refund. Within 24 hours, receive a full credit for a future adventure.

For our full terms and conditions, please see our Terms and Conditions page.

The magic awaits.

Limited availability. We recommend booking in advance to secure your place in the darkness.

Book Your Journey Call 0800 456 996