Paddle Lake Rotoiti at dusk to soak in natural hot pools, dine on a lakeside Kiwi BBQ, then glide into caves lit by glowworms. This guided evening tour from Rotorua balances easy paddling with geothermal and wildlife highlights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
As dusk slides across the long arm of Lake Rotoiti, paddles whisper and steam from a small hot pool curls into cool air. Guides light the barbecue ashore while the lake narrows into toes of shoreline and cave mouths where glowworms gather. The trip reads like a sequence of sensory beats: the firm pull of a paddle, warm mineral water easing tired shoulders, and the tiny constellations of glowworms reflected on black water.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate endurance and ability to get in/out of a kayak; basic swimming ability recommended
Wildlife
History
Lake Rotoiti and surrounding springs are part of the Te Arawa rohe; local iwi historically used thermal areas for bathing, food processing and ritual.
Conservation
Glowworm caves and shorelines are sensitive to light and trampling—follow guide instructions, minimise torch use, and avoid leaving any waste to protect fragile habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear quick-dry layers
Temperatures drop fast after sunset—bring a warm fleece or waterproof jacket to change into after the soak.
Bring swimwear and a towel
You’ll have time in natural hot pools; a compact towel and swimwear make transitions faster.
Protect gear from spray
Use a dry bag for phones, cameras and extra clothes—lakeside paddling and hot pools mean damp conditions.
Respect dark caves
Turn off bright lights when viewing glowworms to avoid disrupting them and to improve visibility of the display.
Swimwear
For soaking in natural hot pools after the paddle.
Dry bag (10–20L)
Keeps phone, camera, and spare clothes dry during paddling and at the shore.
Neoprene water shoes or sandals
Protect feet launching from rocky shorelines and walking to hot pools.
Warm jacket or fleece
Evening air on the lake gets chilly once the sun sets; layer up for the return paddle.