THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with River Rats Raft & Kayak
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by River Rats Raft & Kayak · Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Situated in New Zealand’s geothermal heartland, Lake Rotoiti in the Bay of Plenty region offers more than just spectacular vistas—it presents a rare chance to combine active paddling with soothing natural hot springs. River Rats Raft & Kayak leads this unusual evening adventure, guiding paddlers across the sparkling waters to the secluded Manupirua Springs Hot Pools, accessible only by kayak. The journey begins in Rotorua, a city famed for its bubbling geothermal activity and rich Māori heritage, setting a dramatic stage for this six-hour expedition.
The trip starts in mid-afternoon at River Rats’ base near the Rotorua Airport, where guides provide all the gear and thorough safety briefing for what’s ahead. As you paddle across Lake Rotoiti’s clear surface, the shoreline is a mix of native forest and volcanic formations that hint at the land’s restless geology. Upon arrival at Manupirua Springs, natural pools heated by subterranean volcanic activity create a perfect blend of warmth and relaxation. Each pool offers distinct temperatures, allowing guests to ease muscles and soak in the serene environment.
Adding to the experience, a traditional Kiwi BBQ is served lakeside by the guides, offering fresh local flavors amid this quiet setting. The return paddle introduces a magical finale: gliding under fading light toward glow worm caves that glow softly along the rugged gorge walls, a unique spectacle of bioluminescence that animates the night.
River Rats Raft & Kayak stands out in this region not only for its expert river and lake knowledge but for crafting a trip that balances energetic activity and restful moments in one iconic landscape. Perfect for families and casual paddlers, the guided tour requires no prior kayaking experience but promises deep engagement with one of New Zealand’s most distinctive and accessible wild spaces.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate endurance needed for two one-hour paddling legs with breaks
No, the trip is suitable for beginners with a thorough safety briefing and guided support throughout.
Children as young as five can participate if accompanied by an adult who can paddle a tandem kayak alone.
No additional food is needed, as a delicious Kiwi BBQ dinner is provided lakeside.
Trips start at River Rats’ base near Rotorua Airport, with optional pick-up from central Rotorua accommodations.
Paddling is approximately one hour each way across Lake Rotoiti, with breaks at the hot pools and dinner.
Keep an eye out for native birds like fantails and waterfowl around the lake and pools.
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.
River Rats Raft & Kayak is a Rotorua-based operator offering guided rafting and kayaking trips across the Bay of Plenty region. With a focus on supervised river and lake adventures, River Rats Raft & Kayak runs a range of experiences including white-water rafting on the Rangitaiki River (Grade 3–4 and a Grade 2 scenic option), high-grade rafting on the Kaituna River (Grade 5), guided Tongariro rafting (Grade 3), and multiple kayaking experiences such as the Ohau Channel Freedom Trip and guided hot pools paddles. All trips depart from Rotorua and explore nearby waterways in the Bay of Plenty. Evening departures include a guided kayak trip to Manupirua Springs Hot Pools on Lake Rotoiti with a sunset paddle, a Kiwi BBQ dinner, a soak in natural hot springs, and a visit to glow worm caves. River Rats Raft & Kayak provides guided experiences suitable for families and adventure-focused guests depending on trip grade and route. River Rats Raft & Kayak is featured on The Adventure Collective and is listed among local operators providing rafting and kayaking in the Rotorua area. Trip grades (Grade 2 to Grade 5) indicate the relative difficulty of river sections; guests can select trips that match their comfort level and experience. Safety equipment and professional guides are part of the guided offerings. For specific departure times, age limits, fitness requirements, and booking details, visitors should consult River Rats Raft & Kayak directly or the booking information on third-party listings. Public safety applies on all trips and inspections.
Book with River Rats Raft & Kayak