The paddle board glow worm tour in Rotorua was created by Nev Wilson and Matt Barnard, two Rotorua local watermen passionate about delivering great experiences for their customers. The glow worm tour quickly gained recognition as a Rotorua “must do” activity and Paddle Board Rotorua established itself as on of the top water activities in Rotorua as rated on Trip Advisor. The tour is a truly unique and magical way to see New Zealand’s glow worms and has the added bonus of being operated in Rotorua without the need for a long drive to other glow worm destinations such as Waitomo Caves. The paddle board glow worm tour is not a mass tourism operation but is a unique tour and personal experience where you paddle your way around a lake to and into small glowing caverns.

 
 

 Paddle Board Glow Worm Tour Highlights

  • Sunset Paddle Boarding

  • Incredible Glow Worms

  • Star Gazing (if sky is clear)

  • Only 15 minutes from central Rotorua

Immerse yourself in the enchanting spectacle of intimate glow worm caves Rotorua with Paddle Board Rotorua's glow worm cave tour. A magical journey through a series of intimate glow worm caves that marries adventure with natural beauty, our tour is the ideal choice for those seeking a truly unique Rotorua experience.

Description

The Paddle Board Rotorua Glow Worm Tour is simply one of the best experiences to do in Rotorua in the evening. Only a 15-minute drive from Rotorua city center and our private shuttle service included in every tour, no large travel time is required to see the captivating New Zealand glow worm. Appreciate the convenience of a pickup and return transfer from town as your friendly guide takes you past the iconic Redwood forest before you arrive at our base on the shorelines of Lake Okareka. Soak in the evening light as you gear up and prepare for an epic night out with all the necessary equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and detailed paddle board instructions before you take the helm on the water. Explore the shoreline and embrace the weather conditions of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge as night sets in. Once it's dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside incredible small hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the small caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the Milky Way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this experience.

This tour is one of the most unique and magical ways to see New Zealand's glow worms. Local to Rotorua this experience is a must-do and is a great way to see glow worms while enjoying the many other amazing sites within the Rotorua Lakes District. Book this amazing glow worm tour NOW. Due to popularity, we recommend booking in advance as on-the-day bookings sometimes miss-out

More Information

  • NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED

  • PADDLE BOARDING IS GENERALLY AN EASY ACTIVITY FOR MOST

  • WE HAVE AN APPROVED NAVIGATION SAFETY LICENSE FOR EVENING/NIGHT OPERATION

  • WE PROVIDE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

  • THE PADDLE DISTANCE IS NOT FAR AND ONLY REQUIRES LOW TO MODERATE FITNESS

This is one of our top selling tours. Get in quick to take part in this amazing night out.

We provide a shuttle service to and from your Rotorua accommodation or the I-site in central Rotorua. Allow 2.5- 3 hours for the round trip. We will do our best to get in touch well in advance if the weather looks bad, unfortunately sometimes mother nature wins. If our regulations allow us to operate then we will operate. A weight limit of 105kg applies. There is an age limit for this tour. The minimum age is 13 years old. 13-17 year old persons must be supervised by a responsible adult (18 or over).

Tours run daily, departing:

6:30 or 7pm Sep, Oct, March (Sunset Night Tour)

7:30 or 8 pm Nov to Feb (Sunset/Night Tour)

5pm April to Aug (Sunset/Night Tour)

Allow 2.5-3 hours for the round trip from Rotorua

Appreciate the convenience of a complimentary pick up and return transfer provided from Rotoura I Site at 1167 Fenton Street Rotorua or your central Rotorua accommodation if it is located within a 2km radius of the Rotorua I Site.

  • Under the canopy of the starlit sky, prepare to be mesmerised by the ethereal beauty of glowing worms as they paint a sparkling tapestry within the natural grotto of our small and intimate glow worm caves. Experience first-hand why exploring our glow worm caves is a must-do Rotorua attraction.

  • Our glow worm tour is not just a passive viewing experience. Combine the magic of glowing worms with the thrill of water sports with our glow worm kayak experience. As you navigate the serene waters towards the glow worm cave, you’ll get to witness the luminescent spectacle of glow worms Rotorua from the unique and comfortable perspective of your kayak.

  • Expert Guides: With extensive knowledge of the glow worm caves Rotorua, our guides ensure an educational and exciting tour.

    Spectacular Scenery: Experience the stunning beauty of our small glow worm caves illuminated by the captivating light of the glow worm.

    Thrilling Kayaking: Add a touch of adventure to your tour with our glow worm kayaking experience.

  • Our glow worm cave tour is more than just a sightseeing trip; it's an immersive experience. With Paddle Board Rotorua, you don't just witness the phenomenon of glow worms Rotorua, you become part of it. Paddle your way to the small cave, letting the shimmering glow guide you through the darkness.

    From the breathtaking views to the thrill of kayaking, our glow worm cave tour captures the essence of what makes Rotorua special. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, our tour is designed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

    Don’t miss out on this magical experience! Book your glow worm tour with Paddle Board Rotorua today and explore the captivating world of the glow worm caves Rotorua.

Glow Worm New Zealand

GLOW WORMS ?

Glow worms are the larvae of a fungus gnat fly. They glow to attract food and to attract mates.

Glow Worm Facts

  • Glow worms have silky mucus like sticky threads that hang from the glow worm that catch insects such as mosquito’s and flies which are food for the glow worm to eat.

  • The glow worm's tail glows because of bioluminescence created by a reaction of proteins within the digestive system of the worm.

  • The Glow Worm is the larvae of a fungus gnat fly.

  • The Fungus Gnat Fly lives for a short period of time (2-3 days) however its larvae, the glow worm, lives for around 6-9 months before the metamorphosis into the adult fly stage of its life cycle.

  • The life cycle of the Fungus Gnat has four stages, the Egg stage (2 weeks), the Larvae stage (6-9 months), the Pupae stage (2 weeks) and the Adult Fungus Gnat Fly stage (2-3 days)