Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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 history of the Horahora village and enjoy the twilight & silence of being on the water as the day draws to an end.
As night arrives over the lake , paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years. Native ferns & trees drape over you, bird life is all around.
When darkness falls we float silently back downstream, being guided by the glow worms on either side sparkling like Christmas lights.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
You need to have a moderate level of fitness and be able paddle yourself for 1 hour at a time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Come along on a daytime canyon kayak tour, a glowworm tour, bike tour or more.
What‘s Included
Kayak, PFD, Splash Pants/Jackets, Wetshoes
Food and Drink
Options
Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro
Reviews
493 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lots of pretty glow worms!
Cheyenne M,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was super friendly and helpful. They provide you with everything you need, shoes pants and coat. The kayak trip was not too long and very scenic. We got to see so many glow worms on the rocks at night fall. I loved this experience very much. Highly recommend!
A magical evening on the Waikato
518francess,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what a magical evening with my granddaughter... such a professional outfit, with two of the loveliest guides you could wish for. Information given along the way, and a stop halfway with surprise snack and warm drink (much appreciated!). But the slow drift through the dark past hundreds of glowworms was breathtaking .. I'm still in awe. Thank you team
The Highlight of the trip
Aria N,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the highlight of our trip. The staff were absolutely fantastic, they could not have been more helpful or welcoming to everyone. We had a fabulous time and would go back in an instance if we could.
A great experience
Compass47560164521,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A truly amazing trip, lofty our guide was engaging and knowledgeable. The kaayaking was great fun and easy (I opted for the seat back which made it a lot easier) kayaking at night through the glow worm canyon was awesome!
Highlight of our trip
701julenem,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of our trip, beautiful, very easy going kayaking. Lovely guides. Even if you’ve seen glowworms elsewhere, this is next level. We felt very safe and well cared for throughout the experience. Would recommend hiring the backrest (additional $10) for comfort.
This was so much fun! ...
Debbie E,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was so much fun! Just amazing floating down the canyon at dusk. We had great weather and great time for all of us (2 adults and 2 teenagers).
Great tour with awesome support! Highly recommend.
Dreamer596994,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a well organized, highly supportive and informational experience. The guides were experienced, knowledgeable and fun. The timing was just right with some short rests (it was windy!). They helped folks that were less experienced and make the experience fun and safe for all. Kayaking in the dark has some challenges and they made sure that they kept folks away from the stumps. They gave interesting historical information as well as information about the glow worms.
Such a fun evening...
Lis N,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a fun evening experiencing the magic of the glow words and the history of the area we were in. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff who made the trip memorable.
Perfect glowworm experience
744sarahn,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The glowworm kayak experience was a must do! A perfect way to see the glowworms and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. Great experience that we would recommend
Anniversary to remember
TowerRoadMotel,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was my Anniversary and I thought to myself what would I do? We would normally go to the pub but not this time. I was lucky enough to ring up and find out they had a late cancellation and 2 spots became available. That was perfect as that was exactly how many I needed! We turned up and was greeted by such an amazing crew. The staff there are so funny and very easy going. On the way the wife and I had some real bonding times and what I mean was that we were trying to get our paddles in sync because she kept filling up my lap full of water. Lots of laughs and some cool sites to see. Lofty was the main guide. He was awesome. He had some great stories to tell. Over all the 4 hours it took seemed to fly. It was a great experience. Would highly recommend doing
From NZ$149.00
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Operated by Riverside Adventures Waikato