easy
6–7 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate endurance needed for two one-hour paddling legs with breaks
Paddle across Lake Rotoiti to soak in Manupirua Springs Hot Pools and visit glow worm caves on this guided evening kayak tour with River Rats Raft & Kayak. Perfect for families seeking a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.
6 Hours • Including BBQ Dinner and Glow Worms!
Experience an unforgettable guided kayak trip to the stunning Manupirua Springs Hot Pools on Lake Rotoiti. Enjoy a scenic paddle, relax in natural hot springs, and savor a delicious Kiwi BBQ dinner. Conclude your adventure with a sunset paddle and a visit to enchanting glow worm caves. Perfect for families!
Exact duration and start time will vary dependant on sunset time but as a general rule you need to allow around 6 - 6 1/2 Hours (7hrs including central Rotorua transfers)
Join us for a guided Kayak trip to the spectacular Manupirua Springs Hot Pools. Paddle across scenic Lake Rotoiti to this amazing spot only accessible by boat.
Situated right on the lake edge there are a range of hot pools of varying temperatures all fed from a natural hot spring. Have a leisurely soak while your guide cooks an appetising Kiwi BBQ dinner. After dinner enjoy a sunset paddle across the lake and a visit to the glow worm caves. Paddling time is usually around 1 hour each way.
We do not have a minimum age for kayaking, children may be able to go in the front of a double kayak if accompanied by a competent adult. With young children the adult will need to be able to paddle a double kayak without the assistance of the child and the child needs to have the patience to sit in the front of the kayak. Generally around age 5 is a good guideline but feel free to discuss this with us if you have any questions regarding this.
Trips start at 3.30pm at Rotorua Airport, Hangar 14s, 837 Te Ngae Rd Rotorua 3074. Complimentary transport is available from central Rotorua accommodation approximately half an hour before the trip or meet at our base fifteen minutes before. You can enter your pick up details at checkout.
Customers need a swimsuit, towel & shorts, everything else is provided.
You’ll be soaking in natural hot pools, so pack swimwear and a towel for comfort and convenience.
Evening temperatures can drop after sunset, so wear layers to stay warm during the paddle back.
Children as young as 5 can join if accompanied by a strong paddling adult with patience for tandem kayak dynamics.
Trips vary with seasonal sunset times; book early to secure an optimal time for the glow worm cave visit.
Manupirua Springs Hot Pools sit on land historically valued by Māori for its therapeutic geothermal waters and have been a cultural gathering place for centuries.
River Rats promotes low-impact tourism by limiting group sizes and educating paddlers about preserving the delicate lake ecosystem and surrounding bush.
Needed for enjoying the natural hot pools comfortably.
For drying off after the hot springs soak and before the return paddle.
To adjust to falling temperatures during evening paddling.
fall specific
Helpful for staying dry and warm if weather is cool or rainy.
winter specific