Glowworm Kayak Tour: Twilight Lake Adventure

Embark on a twilight kayak tour in South Waikato. Paddle through history, nature, and glowworm-lit canyons. Unforgettable adventure awaits.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Riverside Adventures Waikato - Come along on a daytime canyon kayak tour, a glowworm tour, bike tour or more.

What's Included
  • Kayak
  • PFD
  • Splash Pants/Jackets
  • Wetshoes
What's Not Included
  • Food and Drink
Additional Information

This is a once in a life-time experience and different from any other Glowworm Tour you’ll go on!
Our adventure begins late afternoon / early evening at Riverside Adventures’ base in South Waikato. Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over the old submerged Horahora Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields.
Learn the…

Location
362 Horahora Road
Horahora Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(521 Ratings)
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Kathyhc8743fn
Mar 20, 2026
Twilight Glowworm Kayak with Riverside Adventures Waikato - This kayak tour was lots of fun! I've barely kayaked before but felt safe and relaxed under the care of our tour guides. Gliding along the river at night with glow worms shining on the river banks was an amazing experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nationsvisitor
Mar 19, 2026
Must do on your next Hamilton Trip - Fun and adventurous, the host was very friendly and caring. It was the moment when we were give. A small cup of warm tea and little snacks which showed how this customer Service stands out compared to to other Tours. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie_h
Mar 13, 2026
Fun and unique experience! - We had a wonderful time. Would strongly recommend this tour. The ladies running the tour were exceptional!
Review provided by Viator
Kaili_c
Mar 12, 2026
The tour itself was... - The tour itself was great. The location is easy to find, there is plenty of parking, and they provide everything you need (dry bags, splash pants, and a safe place to leave keys, wallets, etc.). The glow worms were incredible as well—being out on the water under the starlit sky with the glow worms above was an amazing experience. Overall, the tour was fantastic. Unfortunately, as a solo traveler I was given a single kayak, and the particular one I received was much slower and harder to maneuver than the double kayaks and even the other single kayak. While others were able to glide easily through the water after a few paddles, my kayak had almost no glide and wouldn’t go straight without constant effort. I had to paddle constantly to stay anywhere close to the group. This made it basically impossible for me to take photos without holding everyone up significantly. It also made what I expected to be a leisurely tour feel like a lot of exertion. The guide even commented that the kayak I had required more work than the others because it was so difficult to keep a straight path, which was very validating since it seemed like everyone was having a much easier time. Again, the tour itself was an amazing experience and the glow worms were truly incredible. I would suggest going with a partner so you can use a double kayak, or speaking up if you notice you’ve been given a shorter, wider kayak that may require more effort to paddle.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_h
Mar 9, 2026
Well organised,... - Well organised, informative, friendly operators. Fantastic experience...............................
Review provided by Viator
Brad_k
Mar 6, 2026
I do believe in fairies 🧚 - Kayaking in pure darkness with millions of sparkling glowworms on canyon walls is pure magic! This kayak experience is a 10/10. Thank you, Mackey for a great birthday 💜.
Review provided by Viator
Mariopr4533kl
Mar 4, 2026
Unforgettable Adventure - We had a wonderful time. Neil was an awesome guide and the experience was unforgettable. We are so glad that we choose this way to view the glow worms.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blackcatthree
Mar 3, 2026
Unique experience with great staff - A great experience in beautiful surroundings. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Unique setting and wonderful feeling as you kayak down the creek. Glow worms look like fairy lights! The lake is stunning at sunset. The pineapple lumps and treats were unexpected and a really nice touch. Lots of help entering and exiting the water and kit was clean. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbie
Mar 2, 2026
Magical experience - Really professional team doing something they love and sharing their knowledge. The kayaking is well paced and not too physical, but if you go solo, you do have to work a bit. Drifting back through the canyon after the sun has set would be one of the most beautiful natural experiences I have had.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hilary_m
Mar 1, 2026
Indescribable kayaking adventure! - This tour is delightful from start to finish and I thoroughly recommend it to you. Its such a memorable trip, very carefully and safely run with all the gear you could possibly need supplied so we were all warm and comfortable throughout our time on the water. Even the delicious snacks (at the half way stage of the trip)are carefully considered and out of the ordinary! the journey back is indescribable and mustn't be explained for fear of spoiling the surprise!!! I thoroughly recommend this adventure to anyone who can lift a paddle!
Review provided by Viator
From $88
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).