Explore Rotorua: Geothermal Guided Kayak & Glowworm Tours
Updated 17 th July 2026
Rotorua Guided Kayak Tours: Glowworms & Geothermal Adventures
Discover Rotorua’s most magical kayaking adventures with Waimarino. Paddle across beautiful Lake Rotoiti, explore hidden glowworm caves, soak in secluded geothermal hot pools and experience Māori storytelling on unforgettable guided tours suitable for couples, families and small groups.
Experience Lake Rotoiti's Glowworm Caves, Hot Pools & Big Kanu Adventures
Experience Rotorua from the peaceful waters of Lake Rotoiti on a guided kayaking adventure with Waimarino. Whether you’re paddling beneath a glowing night sky, relaxing in secluded geothermal hot pools or exploring hidden glowworm caves, every tour offers an unforgettable way to discover one of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes.
Choose from a range of unique experiences, including the premium Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour, the popular Starlight Kayak Tour, the family-friendly BIG Kanu adventure or a scenic daytime paddle. Led by experienced local guides, each tour combines spectacular scenery, Māori history and the natural wonders that make Rotorua one of New Zealand’s premier adventure destinations.
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Rotorua
Price: $368 Per person
Departs: times vary with sunset hours
Duration: 4.5 Hours
Experience Rotorua’s ultimate evening kayaking adventure on beautiful Lake Rotoiti. Paddle across calm waters as the sun sets before exploring hidden glowworm caves, relaxing in the secluded Manupirua Hot Pools and enjoying a freshly prepared gourmet BBQ dinner beside the lake.
As darkness falls, paddle beneath a spectacular night sky where thousands of stars reflect across the water. Throughout the journey, your experienced local guide shares fascinating stories about the lake’s Māori history, geothermal activity and unique natural environment, making this one of Rotorua’s most memorable experiences.
Tour Highlights
- • Sunset kayaking on Lake Rotoiti
- • Hidden glowworm caves
- • Exclusive Manupirua Hot Pools
- • Gourmet BBQ dinner and Kiwi ice cream
- • Māori cultural storytelling
- • Small-group guided experience
- • Return paddle beneath the stars
BIG Kanu Starlight Tour Rotorua
Price: $179 Per person – Child $100 pp
Departs: times vary with sunset hours
Duration: 2 Hours
Perfect for families, friends and larger groups, the BIG Kanu Starlight Tour offers a fun and unique way to experience Lake Rotoiti after sunset. Paddle together in a traditional-style Big Kanu as you glide across the peaceful lake towards hidden glowworm caves illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.
Your experienced guide shares local Māori legends and stories while introducing you to the area’s fascinating geothermal landscape and native wildlife. Suitable for all ages and abilities, this relaxed evening adventure is an unforgettable way to experience Rotorua’s natural beauty together.
Tour Highlights
- • Paddle a traditional-style BIG Kanu
- • Explore magical glowworm caves
- • Sunset and starlight on Lake Rotoiti
- • Māori legends and local stories
- • Family-friendly adventure
- • Suitable for beginners
Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour - Rotorua
Price: $179 Per person Child: $95 pp
Departs: 9:00 am
Duration: 3 Hours
Discover the beauty of Lake Rotoiti on a relaxing guided kayaking adventure through one of Rotorua’s most picturesque geothermal landscapes. Paddle beneath native forest, past secluded bays and traditional Kiwi baches while enjoying spectacular views across the lake.
Visit a hidden glowworm cave before soaking in the secluded Manupirua Hot Pools, accessible only by water. Along the way, your knowledgeable local guide shares the fascinating history, Māori heritage and geothermal stories that make Lake Rotoiti one of Rotorua’s most remarkable natural attractions.
Tour Highlights:
- • Guided kayak tour on Lake Rotoiti
- • Hidden glowworm cave
- • Manupirua Hot Pools
- • Native forest and peaceful bays
- • Māori history and local storytelling
- • Suitable for couples, families and beginners
We provide:
- – Kayaking Equipment
- – Buoyancy Aid
- – Dry Bags
- – Water bottle & light snack
- – Hot pool admission
What to bring:
- – Warm comfortable clothing
- – Casual footwear
- – Sunhat
- -Sunscreen
- – Swimwear
- – Towel
- – Change of clothes
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tours
What guided kayaking experiences does Waimarino offer on Lake Rotoiti?
Waimarino offers three unforgettable guided experiences on Lake Rotoiti: the Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour, the family-friendly BIG Kanu Starlight Tour and the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour. Each showcases the lake’s stunning scenery, hidden glowworm caves, Māori history and unique geothermal landscape.
What is included in the Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour?
The Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour includes a guided sunset kayak on Lake Rotoiti, a visit to hidden glowworm caves, a relaxing soak in the secluded Manupirua Hot Pools, a gourmet BBQ dinner, Kiwi ice cream and expert local guiding throughout the evening.
What makes the BIG Kanu Starlight Tour different?
The BIG Kanu Starlight Tour is designed for families, friends and groups who want to experience Lake Rotoiti together. Paddling a spacious Big Kanu makes the tour easy, fun and suitable for beginners while still enjoying glowworm caves, Māori storytelling and a spectacular evening on the lake.
What can I expect on the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour?
This relaxed daytime adventure explores the beautiful shoreline of Lake Rotoiti, including hidden glowworm caves, native bush, secluded bays and the Manupirua Hot Pools. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating stories about the area’s Māori heritage, geothermal history and local wildlife.
Are these kayaking tours suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour and BIG Kanu Starlight Tour are ideal for beginners and families. Experienced guides provide full instruction and all safety equipment before each tour begins.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, casual footwear, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sunhat and a change of clothes. Warm layers are also recommended for evening tours.
Are the Manupirua Hot Pools included?
Yes. Both the Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour and the Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour include time to relax in the secluded Manupirua Hot Pools, which are only accessible by boat or kayak.
Do the tours operate all year round?
Tours operate throughout the year, with departure times varying depending on daylight hours and weather conditions. If conditions are unsuitable, you’ll be contacted to discuss rescheduling or alternative arrangements.
How do I book a Lake Rotoiti kayaking tour?
Simply choose your preferred tour and use the booking button on this page to reserve your place. As departures operate with small groups, advance bookings are recommended, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.