Rotorua isn’t just about bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers; it’s a surprisingly vibrant hub for canoe and kayak experiences that showcase its lakes, rivers, and geothermal wonders. What we love most is how many tours blend active outdoor fun with unique natural sights—like gliding past glowing glowworms or soaking in geothermal hot springs—all from a kayak. For example, the Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour on Lake Karapiro offers the chance to paddle in the quiet of evening and see thousands of glowworms lighting up the darkness. It’s an unforgettable way to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty away from the crowds.
If you’re after a variety of options, Rotorua’s kayaking tours range from serene lakes to geothermal rivers, with opportunities to combine hot springs, glowworm caves, and even gourmet dinners on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, there’s a tour for your level and interests.
1. Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro
At number 1, this Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour offers a magical blend of paddling and starry night sights. It begins in the late afternoon, paddling along Lake Karapiro and Pokaiwhenua Stream, where native plants and birdlife fill the scenery. As daylight fades, thousands of glowworms come to life, lighting up the rocks and trees around you. The tour provides all necessary gear and is perfect for active families or groups seeking a peaceful, nature-filled activity after daytime adventures. The highlight is the glowworms, which look like tiny stars in the dark—an experience that’s both visually stunning and quietly humbling.
Guides are praised for their helpfulness and local knowledge. Reviewers often mention the sense of tranquility and the “magical” atmosphere. This tour is a great choice for those wanting an evening activity with a natural wow factor, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with some paddling and cooler evening temperatures.
Bottom Line: A beautifully peaceful way to see glowworms in their natural habitat, ideal for families and lovers of quiet nature.
2. Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Next up is the Glow Worm Kayak Tour, which offers a similarly enchanting experience but with a focus on hidden caves and star gazing if the weather cooperates. With round-trip transfers from Rotorua included, this three-hour journey is accessible and well-organized. Paddling at night, you’ll marvel at the constellations and the tiny glowworms illuminating the caves’ ceilings. The guides ensure your safety and comfort, making it a great choice for solo travelers, couples, or friends ready for a magical night out.
Reviews highlight how serene and beautiful the lake feels under the stars, emphasizing the calming nature of this tour. It’s slightly more expensive but offers the convenience of transfers and a more immersive glowworm experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a guided, star-lit paddle with an intimate glowworm cave experience.
3. Rotorua: Glow Worm Kayak Tour
At number 3, this Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour is a scenic evening adventure exploring Rotorua Lakes. It follows your guide along quiet shorelines to small caverns where glowworms illuminate the night, offering a close-up view of New Zealand’s bioluminescent insects. It’s suitable for all ages (5+) and doesn’t require prior experience, making it accessible for families and casual paddlers. The trip includes all gear and a brief safety talk, with the added bonus of catching sunset views if timed right.
Many reviewers mention how memorable the glowworms are, describing them as “galaxies of tiny lights.” The tour is short but packed with natural beauty, making it a solid choice if you want a manageable, well-organized outing.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, family-friendly night paddle with close encounters of glowworms, excellent for beginners.
4. Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner
Position 4 on our list is the Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour, which combines kayaking with a full evening of relaxation. Paddle into lakeside caves to see glowworms and crayfish, then unwind in natural hot springs before enjoying a barbecue dinner. The tour lasts about 7 hours, making it more of a full-night experience, with all equipment and transfers included.
Guests rave about soaking in the mineral-rich hot pools and watching the sunset reflected on the tranquil lake. The inclusion of a barbecue and hot springs makes this one of the most comprehensive and relaxing options on the list, especially suitable for those wanting both adventure and comfort.
Bottom Line: A full evening of kayaking, geothermal soaking, and gourmet dining—ideal for travelers craving a mix of activity and indulgence.
5. Waimangu Valley Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour
Number 5 is the Waimangu Valley Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour. This combines a guided walk through one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems with a kayaking excursion along Lake Rotomahana. The walk reveals volcanic features like geysers and steaming cliffs, and the kayak portion offers an up-close view of geothermal activity from the water.
The tour is praised for the small group size, with expert guides providing personalized insights. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to explore Rotorua’s geothermal landscape from land and water, with all equipment provided and no experience needed.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded geothermal and lake adventure suited for curious explorers with a sense of adventure.
6. Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour Glowworms
Number 6 offers the Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with Glowworms, a half-day trip that combines paddling with a gourmet BBQ dinner and a visit to glowworm caves. You’ll paddle across Lake Rotoiti, soaking in bird songs and the quiet of the evening, then relax in natural hot pools afterward. The small group size and focus on local cuisine make this tour stand out.
Reviewers love the combination of wildlife, glowworms, and good food, describing it as “enchanting” and “relaxing.” The tour’s length suits those who want a shorter but richly layered experience.
Bottom Line: A perfect blend of wildlife watching, gourmet food, and geothermal soaking—great for couples and food lovers.
7. Lake Rotoiti Guided Hot Pools Kayak Trip
This Lake Rotoiti Guided Hot Pools Kayak Trip is ideal for those who want a relaxed day combining paddling with soak time. Paddle across the lake and visit the Manupirua Springs Hot Pools, where mineral waters of various temperatures await. The tour includes entry to the pools, making it an all-in-one experience.
The reviews highlight the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs and scenery with minimal effort. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a slower pace with the chance to unwind in thermal waters after kayaking.
Bottom Line: A casual, hot springs-focused paddle trip perfect for unwinding and experiencing Rotorua’s geothermal charm.
8. Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue
Number 8 is the Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue. This longer, 6.5-hour tour includes a scenic paddle to Manupirua Springs Hot Pools and a tasty Kiwi barbecue dinner. The sunset paddle enhances the experience, and the hot pools are only accessible by boat, adding an exclusive touch.
Guests comment on the relaxing soak and the beautiful sunset views, making it a full evening of outdoor fun and relaxation. It’s best for those who want to combine paddling with a hearty meal and geothermal therapy.
Bottom Line: A full evening adventure for active travelers who enjoy good food and soaking in natural hot waters.
9. Rotorua: Daytime Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour
Number 9 offers a daytime kayak trip that emphasizes scenic paddling and relaxation. It includes exploring caverns and hot springs only accessible by water, with a stop for soaking in natural thermal pools. The tour provides all gear and optional hotel transfers, making it suitable for families and casual paddlers.
The reviews highlight the tranquility and the chance to see local bird and plant life. It’s a straightforward but immersive experience, perfect for those wanting active relaxation in beautiful surroundings.
Bottom Line: Ideal for daytime explorers seeking scenic views, geothermal features, and a gentle workout.
10. Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour
Number 10 is the Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour, which takes you on a peaceful paddle along the Waikato River. It explores the submerged Horahora village and the canyon carved by water over centuries. The tour is suitable for families and beginners, with a focus on history and nature.
Reviewers mention the relaxing pace and educational commentary about the history of the area. It’s a good fit if you’re interested in both natural beauty and local stories.
Bottom Line: A gentle, educational paddle suitable for all ages interested in Rotorua’s watery history.
11. Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner
This Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour offers an elegant combination of paddling, glowworms, and a cooked Kiwi dinner. You’ll paddle in the evening, then relax in geothermal hot pools, topped off with a delicious meal. It’s a quiet, intimate experience that emphasizes local food, nature, and Maori legends.
Guests describe this as a “wonderful mix of adventure and relaxation,” making it ideal for couples or those celebrating special occasions.
Bottom Line: An immersive, romantic outing combining nature, culture, and food.
12. Waimangu Valley Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour
At number 12, this Waimangu Valley Walk and Geothermal Kayak combines a guided walk through geothermal landscapes with kayaking along Lake Rotomahana. The tour features spectacular geysers, steaming cliffs, and small caverns filled with glowworms, with professional guides providing insights into the volcanic activity.
This small-group experience is perfect for travelers keen to combine physical activity with geothermal wonderland exploration, suited for ages 5+.
Bottom Line: An educational adventure that blends volcano scenery with lakeside kayaking.
13. Lake Rotoiti & Hot Pools Guided Kayak
Number 13 is a straightforward but rewarding trip: the Lake Rotoiti & Hot Pools Guided Kayak. Paddle across the lake and visit the Manupirua Springs Hot Pools, then relax and soak in the mineral waters. It’s simple, scenic, and a wonderful way to unwind after paddling.
The reviews commend its relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy geothermal soaking without complicated logistics. Best suited for those who want a casual, hot springs-focused day.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, scenic paddle with the bonus of natural hot springs.
14. Rotorua: Secret adventure kayaking to natural hot springs
Finally, number 14 offers a Secret Adventure Kayaking, which takes you to some of Rotorua’s lesser-known hot springs. With stories of Maori legends and a focus on exploring quieter spots, this tour appeals to the curious and adventurous.
It’s a shorter, more budget-friendly option, perfect for those with limited time or looking for a more intimate experience. The reviews are mixed, with some noting it’s a bit less polished but authentic.
Bottom Line: A quick, budget-friendly option for hot springs enthusiasts ready for a bit of adventure.
$67 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Rotorua Canoe & Kayak Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interest in geothermal or wildlife experiences. For a comprehensive geothermal adventure combined with soaking, Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools Kayak offers a relaxing day. If you prefer a romantic or gourmet experience, the Evening Starlight Gourmet Tour provides a lovely mix of nature and cuisine.
For travelers keen on seeing glowworms in their natural setting, tours like the Twilight Glowworm Kayak or the Glow Worm Cave Tour are top choices. Be sure to book early in peak seasons to avoid missing out, especially for popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Rotorua offers a diverse range of canoe and kayak experiences that suit different interests—from tranquil lake paddles to geothermal cave adventures and gourmet evenings. For those seeking a peaceful glowworm sighting, the night tours shine. If hot springs are your priority, the full-day trips with soaking provide a perfect blend of activity and relaxation. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy shorter, authentic excursions, while couples or groups looking for a special treat may prefer the gourmet or combined hot springs options.
With so many options, it’s worth thinking about what excites you most—whether it’s star-gazing, geothermal wonders, or simply paddling in beautiful surroundings. Book early, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to see Rotorua from a different perspective.