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Twilight Kayak Glowworm Tour

Twilight Kayak Glowworm Tour

Starting late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience by kayak. Paddle slowly through the Pokaiwhenua canyon and, when darkness falls, be guided by the magical titiwai - New Zealand glow worms - on either side.

From

NZ$ 119.00

Per Person

Highlights

  • Glowworms surrounding you as you float through a prehistoric like canyon

  • Kayaking on the magical Lake Karapiro

  • Local Maori and European History of the Area

  • Small group tours and private tours available

Visit

Full Description

Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over the old submerged Horahora power station that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields. Learn the history of Horahora village as you travel back to what feels like a pre-historic time.
 
Enjoy the twilight and silence of being on the water as the day draws to an end. As night arrives over the lake, you will paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream, through the canyon carved out by water over hundreds of years. Native ferns and trees drape over you, bird life is all around.
 
When darkness falls we float silently back downstream, being guided by titiwai on either side sparkling like Christmas lights. Need to know

The temperature does drop as we drift back downstream on this glow worm kayak tour so we recommend that you bring warm layers of clothing, preferably merino. We do not recommend wearing jeans as they get very cold when wet.

To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we provide you with overpants, splash jackets and wet shoes. 

There is a changing area at our base where you can layer up before embarking on the tour. We also have secure storage facilities where you can leave any additional belongings. 

You do require a moderate level of fitness and will be required to paddle yourself for the entire tour.

Glow worms don’t like camera flashes, so please ensure your camera’s flash is turned off after dark.

Alcohol or smoking is not permitted.

Please check  the risks of our tour here

Tour Info

Bookings are essential

Minimum numbers apply

Minimum age is 8 years for glow worm kayak tours

All children under 15 years are to be accompanied by a capable adult

Double kayaks are used on tours (if your group is an odd number, you may be required to share with a person from another group)

Tour group size ranges from 4 - 24 people

 

Are you seeking a more exclusive and intimate experience?

Check out our Private Twilight Glow Worm Tour - get your own personal guide, upgraded gear, kayak backrests, a platter with local cheeses, chocolates and fruit, and more.

A fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion, or just treat yourself!

For groups of less than 4 people please contact us directly to book.

 

Approximate tour times

SUMMER:
October to November: 5-6pm to 9-10pm.
December to February: 6-6.30pm to 9.30-10.30pm.
March to April: 4-5pm to 8-9pm.

WINTER :
May to September: 3-4pm to 7-8pm.

Includes

Meeting Point
  • Entry at 396 Horahora Road, Piarere
  • Take SH1 south from Cambridge, or north from Tirau
  • 1km south of the SH29 (to Tauranga) & SH1 junction 
  • Watch for the brown Waikato River Trails tourist sign
  • Turn into Horahora Road
  • Entrance is approx 3.9km on right

Or: 

  • Approx 10km from the Arapuni end of Horahora Rd
  • Turn left 200m after the single lane bridge 

If using GPS, please enter:

  • 396 Horahora Road, Piarere

Additional Information

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Risk Disclosure
Health and Safety

All participants are required to read and sign a "Risk Disclosure" form at arrival, prior to taking part in any "Adventure Activity" by NZ law.

Please view this form now before booking. No action is required now other than to read it to make sure you are happy to sign at arrival.

View Participant Risks Here

Terms
Kayak/Paddle Board Ts & Cs Hire charge continues until equipment returned to RAW (Riverside Adventures Waikato) base and no refund for early return. On booking Hirer agrees to the following terms and conditions: 1. Hirer warrants that all members of the party are suitably fit and experienced to use the equipment hired and RAW shall not accept any responsibility if the hirer and or any member of the hire party is unable to use the equipment for the full hire period. If hirer requires shuttle pick up due to not completing their hire, there will be an additional charge. 2. Hirer responsible for the safe return of all equipment specified above undamaged and in the same good condition as upon commencement of hire. 3. Hirer responsible for ensuring that all members of the hire party use the equipment properly and safely and in compliance with good safe practice and the laws of New Zealand including use of safety equipment (lifejackets etc -supplied by RAW). Kayaks/SUP’s are not to be used after half an hour after sunset unless on a guided Glowworm Tour. 4. Children under 15 years to be always accompanied by an adult. 5. Hire will be refused or revoked at any time if RAW determines at its sole discretion that the Hirer or any member of the hire party is under the influence of drink or drugs. (In that event no refund will be given.) 6. Any damage, loss or injury to property/equipment/person not covered by New Zealand Accident Compensation or RAW insurance shall be the personal responsibility of the hirer for the whole of the hire party. (Terms of RAW insurance available upon request). In the event of late return, damage or loss to equipment hired the Hirer authorises RAW to charge the cost of additional hire charges and/or remedying loss or damage of equipment to the Hirer’s nominated credit card. 7. At its sole discretion RAW will endeavour to accommodate delays or changes to the period of hire and/or tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, however, RAW is under no obligation to do so. The Hirer is personally responsible for the safe and undamaged return of all equipment hired.

From

NZ$ 119.00

Per Person

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396 Horahora Road, Waikato, New Zealand, 3484

Twilight Kayak Glow Worm Tour

Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over the old submerged Horahora Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields

About
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 th...Show More
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Private Kayak Glow Worm Tour

Take a private tour with you and your own group of family and friends

About
Just 15 mins from Cambridge, 40mins from Rotorua, 45 mins from Tauranga - starting late afternoon / early evening at Riverside Adventures base on Horahora Rd, paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro & over the old submerged Horahora Village & Dam that produced electricity for the early...Show More
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Daytime Canyon Kayak Tours

Ferns & trees drape over you. Birdlife is all around.

About
Take a guided Kayak Tour on Lake Karapiro. Starting at Riverside Adventures base on Horahora Road, paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro & over the old submerged Horahora Village & the Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields.

Learn the history of the village a...Show More
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Day Triventure

Walk, Ride & Paddle on the Waikato River Trail and Lake Karapiro.

About

Walk from Jones Landing to Arapuni Dam and view the the pink hues of the ignimbrite bluffs.
Ride from Arapuni Dam to Little Waipa (or to our base).
Kayak from our base up the Pokaiwhenua Stream.
Includes: Shuttle, bike & kayak hire.
Guides are also available - ...Show More
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Twilight Triventure

Walk & Ride part of the 100km Waikato River Trail & finish off with a Kayak Glow Worm Tour.

Walk from Jones Landing to Arapuni Dam - an easy 1 hour trail.
Ride 14km from Arapuni Dam to Little Waipa or beyond.
Kayak along the Pokaiwhenua Stream at twilight to see the twinkling glow worms on your guided tour.
Includes: Shuttle transfers, bike & kayak h...Show More
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Half Day Te Awa River Ride

Come riding with us!

About

Enjoy a guided bike tour along the Cambridge to Lake Karapiro section of the Te Awa River Ride.

Our guides let you know what's coming up, and share their knowledge and history of the area as you soak in the surroundings of extremely popular section of trail, which takes you from through the town of Town of Trees and Champion...Show More
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