13 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Rotorua

Lake Rotoiti’s kayak and canoe tours offer some of New Zealand’s best paddling experiences. The standout trips combine thermal pools and glowworm caves – natural attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world. For the best value, I love the evening tours that pack in both the glowworm grottos and hot spring soaks. These 4-hour trips typically cost NZ$135-155 per person, a fair price considering what’s included. The Māori guides are excellent, sharing cultural stories while steering you to hidden coves most travelers never see. My favorite outfitter runs small groups of 8 or fewer, making the experience more intimate and memorable. Check out our recommended tours below.

Key Points

1. Rotorua offers a range of highly-rated kayak and canoe tours, including the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Tour, Glow Worm Kayak Tour, and Hot Pools Kayak & Evening BBQ.

2. The tours feature unique experiences like thermal hot springs, glowworm caves, and Māori cultural insights, catering to diverse traveler interests.

3. Kayak tours typically include safety gear, guide services, and hotel pickup, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for travelers of all skill levels.

4. Several tours offer small group sizes and personalized service, creating an intimate, immersive adventure in Rotorua’s stunning natural landscapes.

5. Visitors can combine kayaking with other activities like hiking, thermal pool soaking, and gourmet barbecue dinners, providing a well-rounded exploration of the region.

Rotorua: Daytime Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour

The Daytime Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour offers visitors a captivating half-day adventure in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Launching at 9:00 am, this tour invites you to explore the thermal spring-fed pools and a glowworm cave on Lake Rotoiti. You’ll paddle past lakeside homes, learn Māori tales, and spot the iconic pohutukawa trees.

The tour includes kayak rental, safety equipment, hot spring entrance, and snacks. After approximately 45 minutes in the natural thermal hot pools, you’ll return to the launch site.

With 34 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this tour has earned a Badge of Excellence, providing an unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers in Rotorua.

Read our full review: Rotorua: Daytime Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour Review
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Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue

For those seeking a more immersive Rotorua adventure, the Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue tour offers a captivating experience.

Over 6.5 hours, you will paddle across scenic Lake Rotoiti, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy a Kiwi barbecue dinner. The tour includes 2 hours of guided kayaking, with complimentary transfers and all necessary equipment provided.

Suitable for ages 3 and up, the tour has a 125kg weight limit. With a 5/5 rating based on 9 reviews, the highlights include personalized service, delicious food, and outstanding guides.

Reviewers note the tour involves 8-9km of rowing, which can be more challenging for those over the weight limit.

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Glow Worm Kayak Tour

Amidst the serene night in Rotorua, the Glow Worm Kayak Tour offers an enchanting adventure for nature enthusiasts. Rated 4.8/5 by 197 reviewers, this highly recommended experience lets you kayak through glow worm caves on a lake and marvel at the glowing bugs and starry skies.

The small group tours, led by knowledgeable guides, provide a unique opportunity to connect with the local environment and legends. Inclusive of round-trip transfers, kayaking equipment, and safety briefing, the tour caters to all skill levels, including children.

While the cold weather may pose a challenge for some, the magical atmosphere and stunning visuals make this tour a must-do for visitors to Rotorua.

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Lake Rotoiti & Hot Pools Guided Kayak

Departing from the Glow Worm Kayak Tour’s enchanting nighttime adventure, the Lake Rotoiti & Hot Pools Guided Kayak offers a serene daytime experience on the water.

Over 4.5 hours, kayakers will explore the scenic Lake Rotoiti, culminating in a visit to the natural Manupirua Springs Hot Pools. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will share local history and Maori legends.

Guests can relax in the varying hot pool temperatures, swim in the lake, or venture into glow-worm caves. Priced from €94.79 per person, the tour includes equipment, entry to the pools, and complimentary transfers from Rotorua.

Suitable for ages 3 and up, with a recommended weight limit of 125 kg, the Lake Rotoiti kayak tour is a must-try for nature enthusiasts.

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Waimangu Valley Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

The Waimangu Valley Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour allows visitors to experience Rotorua’s unique landscapes through a combination of hiking and kayaking.

Explore the world’s youngest geothermal system, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and paddle along the shores of Lake Rotomahana to see steaming cliffs, colorful geothermal features, and geysers.

No kayaking experience is required, and the tour is suitable for kids aged 5 and up.

With a maximum group size of 16 and a small guide-to-client ratio, this tour offers an intimate and educational experience, including learning about Māori culture.

Priced from $117.48 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides flexibility and value.

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Rotorua: Guided Waimangu Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

Visitors to Rotorua can enjoy the region’s natural wonders through the Guided Waimangu Walk and Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour.

This 5-hour experience begins with a shuttle to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where guests embark on a 2-hour guided walk through the geothermal landscape.

They’ll then hop into kayaks and paddle on the exclusive Lake Rotomahana, surrounded by the steaming cliffs.

All kayaking equipment and safety gear are provided, and the tour is suitable for all ages.

With knowledgeable guides, exclusive access, and insights into Maori culture, this tour offers a comprehensive and immersive encounter with Rotorua’s natural beauty.

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Lake Rotoiti Guided Hot Pools Kayak Trip

Paddling across the serene waters of Lake Rotoiti, adventurers embark on the guided Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools Kayak Trip, seeing the natural wonders of Rotorua.

This 4.9-rated, 100% recommended tour offers a unique experience, with a professional guide leading the way. Guests are provided with specialized equipment, including kayaks and full training, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

The trip includes access to the Department of Conservation’s hot pools, where visitors can relax and soak in the therapeutic waters.

With a moderate fitness level required, this adventure caters to a range of abilities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic Rotorua experience.

Read our full review: Lake Rotoiti Guided Hot Pools Kayak Trip Review
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Rotorua: Evening Glow Worm Guided Kayaking Tour

As the sun dips below the horizon, adventurers embark on a captivating Rotorua Glow Worm Kayak Tour.

Over 3 hours, participants explore the Rotorua Lakes at dusk, guided along the shorelines to hidden caves filled with mesmerizing glow worms.

The tour, limited to 8 people, offers a unique opportunity for stargazing on clear nights.

Suitable for ages 5 and over with no prior kayaking experience, the tour includes all necessary gear and a 15-minute shuttle service to the lake.

With an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 92 reviews, this immersive experience is praised for its friendly guides and surreal, magical setting, making it a must-try for Rotorua visitors.

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Rotorua: Evening Starlight Kayak Tour With Glowworms

Adventurers seeking a captivating evening experience can embark on the Rotorua: Evening Starlight Kayak Tour with Glowworms. This 5-star rated tour takes guests on a magical journey through the tranquil waters of Rotorua, with the stunning night sky and twinkling glowworms as their companions.

Equipped with kayaks and all necessary gear, travelers will be guided by knowledgeable professionals, who’ll ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. The tour includes hotel pickup, bottled water, and chocolate, making it a well-rounded adventure.

With a maximum of 20 travelers per group, this tour is perfect for those seeking an intimate and exclusive outdoor experience in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning landscape.

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Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour Glowworms

Visitors can embark on a captivating evening venture with the Rotorua: Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour Glowworms. This 5-star rated tour offers a unique experience of kayaking through glowworm caves, indulging in a gourmet Kiwi BBQ meal, and relaxing in mineral springs.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide exceptional support, and the experience is highly recommended by 100% of travelers. With a maximum group size of 28, the tour caters to those with a moderate fitness level.

Guests can enjoy complimentary water, chocolate, and the opportunity to take photos using waterproof pouches. The tour can be booked with a reserve now, pay later option, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior.

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Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour Including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner

This evening kayak tour on Lake Rotoiti in Rotorua, New Zealand, offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture.

Led by expert guides, the 4.8-rated activity includes visits to glowworm caves, natural hot springs, and a barbecue dinner.

Kayakers will learn about the region’s history and Maori legends as they paddle across the lake.

After soaking in the thermal waters, guests will enjoy a gourmet picnic featuring steak, sausages, and dessert.

The tour also includes hotel pickup, all necessary equipment, and a chance to see the stunning sunset over the lake.

With a maximum group size of 20 and no experience required, this evening excursion is perfect for adventurers of all skill levels.

Read our full review: Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour Including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner Review
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Rotorua Stand-Up Paddle Board Glow Worm Tour

For those seeking a captivating and unique experience in Rotorua, the Stand-Up Paddle Board Glow Worm Tour offers an unforgettable opportunity.

This 3-hour excursion takes adventurers on a paddleboard journey through the stunning glow worm caves and rock formations of Lake Rotorua at twilight.

With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour provides personalized service and basic paddleboard instruction for those new to the activity.

Highlights include a spectacular display of glow worms and the first stars appearing over the lake.

Friendly guides, well-equipped gear, and hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off make this tour a must-do for visitors to Rotorua.

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Twilight Kayak Glow Worm Tour

Paddlers embark on a mesmerizing Twilight Kayak Glow Worm Tour in Rotorua, New Zealand, where they glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Karapiro and Pokaiwhenua Stream as the day fades into night.

With a 100% traveler recommendation, this tour showcases the region’s natural wonders – from native plants and bird life to rock formations and thousands of glowworms.

Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, providing insights into local history, Maori culture, and environmental significance.

Travelers rave about the tour’s magical and memorable qualities, highlighting the stunning night sky views and beautiful scenery.

At just €79.70 per person, this accessible and moderate-effort tour is a top experience not to be missed in New Zealand.

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Sum Up

Rotorua offers a wide range of kayak and canoe tours to suit various interests. From scenic lake tours to glow worm experiences and hot pool adventures, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a daytime paddle or an evening excursion, these tours provide a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty and hidden gems.