Rotorua
You have two routes to glowworms from Rotorua, and this list covers both: night paddles on Lake Rotoiti and full day trips to Waitomo. The kayak version adds lakeside hot pools you can only reach by water. Either way you’re watching a native species, a tiny larva that switches on its light to hunt.
Experience the enchantment of a magical nocturnal adventure with our Glow-Worm Tour. Immerse yourself in nature's sparkling wonders and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Most Popular★ 5.0“Outstanding, very knowledgeable guide, marred by 45mins late at pickup, and no communication. Otherwise great”
★★★★★★★★★★
675 reviewsFrom $77.57by Real Rotorua
Discover New Zealand’s iconic Kiwi at Rotorua’s leading hatchery. Learn about conservation, see hatchlings, and support endangered species efforts.
★ 4.7“I am a tourist in NZ and thoroughly enjoyed the only opportunity I will have to see a kiwi. Thank you!”
★★★★★★★★★★
671 reviews1 hourFrom $44by The National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa
Experience the magic of nature at night with our Twilight Kayak Glow Worm Tour. Paddle through stunning waterways and witness the enchanting glow worms in their natural habitat.
★ 5.0“Really great tour with beautiful scenery and a knowledgeable guide. Gave us all the kit necessary and discussed the wildlife we saw. The glow worms were absolutely beautiful”
★★★★★★★★★★
493 reviewsFrom $92.47by Riverside Adventures Waikato
Discover the enchanting world of glow worms on a guided kayak tour in Rotorua. Immerse yourself in nature's own light show at nightfall. Book your adventure today!
★ 4.9“Beautiful late night visit under the stars to the glow worm caves of Lake Okareka, guided by the brilliant Keisha.”
★★★★★★★★★★
351 reviews3 hoursFrom $116by Taiao Adventures
Discover the magic of Rotorua's glow worm caves on an enchanting kayaking tour. Embark on a luminous adventure like no other. Click now!
★ 5.0“Excellent trip. They provide all the gear, wetsuit booties, pants and tops. Felt safe. Guide was excellent. Glow worms and stars were amazing! I would do this again!”
★★★★★★★★★★
342 reviewsFrom $121.01by Taiao Adventures
Discover the mesmerizing glow of Rotorua's glow worms! Join our guided nocturnal tour and experience nature's magical light show. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!
★ 5.0“Exceptional tour. I was discouraged because it was quite rainy and I was reluctant to do this night tour in the rain. However, Stephen was so kind and thoughtful providing comfortable wellies, enthusiasm and a wealth of information. The rain and conditions increased the magnitude…”
★★★★★★★★★★
271 reviews3 hoursFrom $74by Real Rotorua
Experience authentic New Zealand farming at Rotorua's Agrodome, with sheep shearing, animal encounters, and tastings—all in a fun, educational setting.
★ 4.8“Very interesting. I ve been to many farms but this one takes well care of the visitors. We enjoyed the show and laughed a lot. And the tour was lovely with our guide being very professional yet very human. I Learnt a lot about the…”
★★★★★★★★★★
270 reviews2.5 hoursFrom $38by Agrodome
Discover the magic of the National Kiwi Hatchery with our Kiwi Encounter Tour. Get up close and personal with these adorable endangered birds. Book your adventure now!
★ 5.0“Well worth doing. The Kiwi is an endangered species and the cost of entry to the hatchery is used to fund the hatchery 's efforts to save the Kiwi.”
★★★★★★★★★★
228 reviewsFrom $47.74by National Kiwi Hatchery
Discover the magic of Lake Rotoiti on an unforgettable evening kayak tour. Immerse yourself in hot springs, glowworm caves, and a delicious BBQ dinner. Join us now!
★ 5.0“We had an amazing time on this Kayak tour! Our family of four enjoyed every moment from beginning to end (even the rainy moments). Swimming at the lake by the hot pools was a highlight for our 14 year-old, and our 15 year-old still talks…”
★★★★★★★★★★
60 reviewsFrom $135.91by Rotorua Kayak Adventures
Discover the enchantment of Waitomo Glow Worms on your scenic Rotorua to Auckland transfer. Don't miss this extraordinary natural wonder. Book your adventure now!
★ 4.5“We were the only passengers so we pretty much had a private transfer with a stop at the caves! Our driver was excellent and helpful, the caves were awesome too. Had we had more time I’d prefer to do different caves but it was still…”
★★★★★★★★★★
22 reviewsFrom $200.94by FlexiToursNZ
Mystical encounters with glow worms and serene hot pools await on the Lake Rotoiti adventure in Rotorua - a tale of enchantment and relaxation.
★ 4.9“Great day! Lucy is a queen, nice, informative, friendly, and cool! 🫶🏼 hot pools were so nice and got to see glow worms. 10/10”
★★★★★★★★★★
12 reviews3.5 hoursFrom $101by Waimarino Ltd
Experience the magic of glow worms while kayaking in Rotorua. Enjoy intimate, guided night paddles, stargazing, and local Kiwi snacks on this unforgettable adventure.
★ 5.0“It was super nice! Our driver and guides were so sympathetic and we had just the best snack plate at the beach. The glowworms were absolutely stunning and we learned a lot about them during the trip. We would definitely recommend that trip!”
★★★★★★★★★★
6 reviews4 hoursFrom $176by Taiao Adventures
Experience the magic of glow worms on a kayak tour in Rotorua. Enjoy serene waters, starry skies, and intimate encounters with nature’s shimmering lights.
★ 1.0“They offer shirts, pants, shirts and shoes, and also life vests. However, they all reek of B. O. especially the shoes. The shoes are still wet from the previous tour group and mine smelled like a sewer. Even the life vest was stinky. This smell…”
★★★★★★★★★★
1 reviewsFrom $183.07by Taiao Adventures
Discover Rotorua's highlights on a full-day tour—glowworm caves, Redwoods Forest, and Maori culture at Te Puia—combining nature, adventure, and tradition.
★ 5.01 reviews11 hoursFrom $238by NAVI HOLDING LIMITED
Rotorua runs on geothermal steam and Te Arawa hospitality; no other place I've been smells or sounds like it.