Guided Kayak & Glowworm Tours in Tauranga
Updated: 17th July 2026
Lake McLaren Kayak & Glowworm Tours with Waimarino
Discover the natural beauty of Tauranga on a guided kayaking adventure with Waimarino. Paddle across the tranquil waters of Lake McLaren, explore magical glowworm canyons and enjoy unforgettable small-group experiences surrounded by native forest and peaceful Bay of Plenty scenery.
Discover Lake McLaren's Glowworm Canyons & Kayak Adventures
Experience one of the Bay of Plenty’s most unique outdoor adventures with Waimarino’s guided kayaking tours on beautiful Lake McLaren. Whether you’re paddling beneath towering canyon walls illuminated by glowworms or enjoying a relaxing daytime journey across peaceful waters, every tour showcases the region’s spectacular natural beauty.
Led by experienced local guides, these small-group adventures combine stunning scenery, fascinating local history and unforgettable glowworm encounters. Perfect for couples, families and nature lovers, Waimarino’s Lake McLaren experiences offer a relaxing way to discover one of Tauranga’s hidden gems.
Guided Kayak Tours Tauranga
Scenic Lake McLaren Kayaking Tour
Price: $189 Per person – $100 child
Departs: 9:00 am
Duration: 3 Hours
Discover the peaceful beauty of Lake McLaren on this relaxing guided kayaking adventure, just 25 minutes from Tauranga. Paddle across calm waters surrounded by native forest, towering cliffs and abundant birdlife before entering the spectacular Mangapapa Canyon, where sheer rock walls rise above crystal-clear water and lush vegetation creates an unforgettable natural setting.
Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, this small-group tour is led by knowledgeable local guides who share fascinating stories about the area’s wildlife, history and unique landscape. If you’re looking for one of Tauranga’s most scenic outdoor experiences, this guided kayak tour is the perfect choice.
Tour Highlights
- 3-hour guided kayak tour on Lake McLaren
- Explore the spectacular Mangapapa Canyon
- Native birdlife and peaceful lake scenery
- Small-group experience with experienced guides
- Suitable for beginners and confident paddlers
- Only 25 minutes from Tauranga
Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Tauranga
Price: $279 Per person
Departs: times vary with sunset hours
Duration: 3 Hours
Experience one of New Zealand’s most magical kayaking adventures as you paddle across tranquil Lake McLaren at sunset before entering a hidden canyon illuminated by thousands of glowworms. As darkness falls, your expert guide leads you through this remarkable natural wonder while sharing fascinating insights into the unique life cycle of New Zealand’s glowworms.
Before launching, relax beside the lake with locally produced refreshments while enjoying the peaceful evening surroundings. No previous kayaking experience is required, making this unforgettable twilight adventure perfect for couples, families and anyone wanting to experience one of Tauranga’s most unique attractions.
Tour Highlights
- Evening kayak adventure on Lake McLaren
- Hidden glowworm canyon illuminated after dark
- Sunset paddle with locally produced refreshments
- Learn about New Zealand glowworms from expert guides
- Head torches and all kayaking equipment provided
- Suitable for beginners and families
Why You’ll Love This Glowworm Kayak Tour
- One of New Zealand’s only guided night kayaking experiences.
- Paddle beneath thousands of naturally glowing insects.
- Small groups for a more personal experience.
- Relax with local refreshments before departure.
- Experienced guides provide full instruction and safety briefing.
- No previous kayaking experience required.
BIG Kanu Glowworm Tour - Tauranga
Price: $179 Per person – Child $100 pp
Departs: times vary with sunset hours
Duration: 3 Hours
Perfect for families and groups, the BIG Kanu Glowworm Tour lets everyone paddle together in Waimarino’s spacious Big Kanu as you explore beautiful Lake McLaren after sunset. Enjoy peaceful evening scenery, native birdlife and the excitement of entering a hidden canyon where thousands of glowworms create an unforgettable natural light display.
With no kayaking or paddling experience required, this guided adventure is suitable for all ages. Your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the local environment and glowworms, making this one of Tauranga’s most memorable family-friendly evening experiences.
Tour Highlights
- Family-friendly BIG Kanu experience
- Hidden glowworm canyon
- Evening departure for the best glowworm viewing
- Suitable for all ages
- No kayaking experience required
- Guided tour with local commentary
Waimarino Adventure Park Supreme Pass
Price: from $47 – Family price packages available
Operates: 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm &1 pm
Duration: 6 Hours
Enjoy a full day of fun with unlimited access to Waimarino Adventure Park’s most popular attractions. The Supreme Pass includes kayaking, New Zealand’s only kayak slide, The Blob, The UFO, climbing activities, beach volleyball, low ropes challenges and much more, making it one of Tauranga’s best family adventure experiences.
Whether you’re looking for action-packed excitement or a relaxing day by the water, the Supreme Pass offers something for everyone. Spend the day swimming, paddling, climbing or simply unwinding beside the warm pool while making the most of this fantastic all-day family attraction.
Tour Highlights
- Unlimited access to park activities
- New Zealand’s only kayak slide
- Unlimited kayak hire
- The Blob and UFO attractions
- Rock climbing and low ropes course
- Beach volleyball and warm pool
- Family-friendly day out
- BBQ facilities available
Frequently Asked Questions – Waimarino Kayak Tours
What guided kayak tours does Waimarino offer in Tauranga?
Waimarino offers four experiences in Tauranga: the Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour, the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour, the BIG Kanu Glowworm Tour and the Waimarino Adventure Park Supreme Pass. Each experience showcases the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty and caters to different ages and interests.
Are the Lake McLaren kayak tours suitable for beginners and families?
Yes. Both the Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour and the BIG Kanu Glowworm Tour are suitable for beginners and families. Experienced guides provide full instruction, safety equipment and support throughout the experience, so no previous kayaking experience is required.
What should I bring on a Waimarino kayak tour?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, casual footwear, a warm layer for evening tours, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. Waimarino provides kayaks, paddles, lifejackets and all necessary safety equipment.
What makes the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour unique?
The Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour takes you across tranquil Lake McLaren at sunset before entering a narrow canyon where thousands of glowworms illuminate the cliff walls. Along the way, experienced guides share fascinating information about the glowworms and the surrounding native environment, creating a truly memorable evening adventure.
How long do the guided kayak tours last?
The Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour, Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour and BIG Kanu Glowworm Tour each operate for approximately three hours. The Waimarino Adventure Park Supreme Pass provides unlimited access to the park’s activities throughout the day.
What is included with the Waimarino Adventure Park Supreme Pass?
The Supreme Pass includes unlimited access to many of Waimarino Adventure Park’s most popular attractions, including kayak hire, New Zealand’s only kayak slide, The Blob, The UFO, rock climbing, low ropes, beach volleyball and other family-friendly activities.