Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Kayak, PFD, Splash Pants/Jackets, Wetshoes
- Food and Drink
Meeting Location
362 Horahora Road
Piarere 3484, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Riverside Adventures Waikato
3 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- You need to have a moderate level of fitness and be able paddle yourself for 1 hour at a time.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-102647P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 526 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Tour Highlights: Begin and end your journey - iSite Rotorua tourists visitor center, 1167, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Explore the bubbling Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool the head...
$96
Embark on a mesmerizing evening adventure kayaking across Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand's gem. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the symphony of birdlife as...
$182
Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour starts with a scenic drive across to Matamata where your local driver guide will provide informative...
$187
Experience Maori Culture and Traditions Embark on this journey as you partake in the revelation of the traditional hangi feast and relish for lunch in...
$79
Tour Highlights: Begin and end your journey - iSite Rotorua tourists visitor center, 1167, Fenton Street, Rotorua. Explore the bubbling Wai-O-Tapu Mud Pool the head...
$96
Embark on a mesmerizing evening adventure kayaking across Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand's gem. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the symphony of birdlife as...
$182
Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set Tour starts with a scenic drive across to Matamata where your local driver guide will provide informative...
$187
Experience Maori Culture and Traditions Embark on this journey as you partake in the revelation of the traditional hangi feast and relish for lunch in...
$79
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Thousands of Years in the Making a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. The technical description for this remarkable place is that it’s part of an...
$28
Just a 2-minute drive from the famous Te Puia and Pōhutu Geyser, Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua is a forest hot tub and sauna experience...
$26
Enter the world of Mitai Māori Village and embrace our history and culture. Watch our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of our warriors paddling...
$102
Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, its blazing bonfires, and forest-formed...
$165
Thousands of Years in the Making a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. The technical description for this remarkable place is that it’s part of an...
$28
Just a 2-minute drive from the famous Te Puia and Pōhutu Geyser, Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua is a forest hot tub and sauna experience...
$26
Enter the world of Mitai Māori Village and embrace our history and culture. Watch our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of our warriors paddling...
$102
Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, its blazing bonfires, and forest-formed...
$165
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Kayak, PFD, Splash Pants/Jackets, Wetshoes.
- Food and Drink.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- You need to have a moderate level of fitness and be able paddle yourself for 1 hour at a time.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Kayak, PFD, Splash Pants/Jackets, Wetshoes
- Food and Drink
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- You need to have a moderate level of fitness and be able paddle yourself for 1 hour at a time.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
