Price from:
86 USD
Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over the old submerged Horahora Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields
About
Learn the history of the Horahora village and enjoy the twilight & silence of being on the water as the day draws to an end.
As night arrives over the lake, paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years. Native ferns & trees drape over you, birdlife is all around.
When darkness falls we float silently back downstream, being guided by the glow worms on either side sparkling like Christmas lights.
To ensure space is available - bookings are essential
Things to Know
- Minimum numbers apply
- Minimum age is 8 years
- All children under 15 to be accompanied by a capable adult
**NOTE: Lake District Adventures has a zero alcohol & smoking policy on Glow Worm tours.**
Evening temperatures drop as we drift back downstream... so please remember:
- Bring warm layers of clothing preferably not cotton
- NO JEANS as they get very cold when wet
- We provide overpants, splash jackets & wetshoes
- We have a changing area & secure storage
- Cameras are okay for going upstream while it's still light - they are no good after dark as the flash will spoil the viewing of the Glow Worms for yourself and others on the tour.
Booking Notes
**What's included**
* Safety Briefing and paddling instruction.
* Guide.
* Splash pants and jackets.
* PFD (personal Flotation Device).
* Wetshoes provided.
* Changing area and secure storage available.
* Dry bag to store personal items in while kayaking.
* Warm woollen socks (during Winter)
* Plenty of parking onsite.
**Itinerary**
**Arrive & check-in**– Arrive at our base and check in and get fitted with your gear. You will be sent a text message the day of your tour confirming the exact time of check in.
**Safety briefing & setup** – Meet your guides for a safety briefing and basic paddling instruction before heading out.
**Paddle across Lake Karapiro** – Begin with a gentle paddle along the lake edge, passing the submerged Horahora Dam while your guide shares local history.
**Enter the Pokaiwhenua Stream** – As the light fades, paddle into the sheltered canyon surrounded by native bush and birdlife. Continue upstream (approx. 1–1.15 hours / 1.5km)
**Stretch & explore** – There’s an opportunity to step out of your kayak, stretch your legs, and hear more about the history of the area before continuing. Stop for a 30-minute break.
**Glow worm experience** –Once darkness falls, retrace your path as you drift quietly back down the stream beneath a stunning display of glow worms lighting up the canyon walls.
**Return to base** – Continue your relaxed paddle back to base, taking in the peaceful night-time atmosphere.(approx. 45 minutes). covering around 3km in total.
**What to bring**
* Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended).
* Camera for photos while upstream in daylight.
**Special requirements**
* Minimum age is 8 years; all children under 15 must be accompanied by a capable adult or guardian; ratio of 1 adult per child.
* Please advise us in advance of any medical conditions, injuries, or mobility concerns.
* A reasonable level of fitness is required.
* All participants must follow safety instructions and wear provided safety equipment where required.
* Evening temperatures drop during the return downstream.
**Restrictions**
* No jeans (they get very cold when wet)
* Flash photography after dark is not allowed as it spoils viewing of glow worms for yourself and others. You can use cameras going upstream while its still light.
* Minimum age is 8 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian, with a ratio of 1 adult per child.
If you do not meet this ratio (e.g. 1 adult with 2 children), please get in touch—an additional guide can be arranged to accompany a child at an extra cost.
* Advertised weight limit for kayaking is 120kg.
**NOTE: Riverside Adventures has zero alcohol & smoking policy on Glow Worm Tours.**
**Disclaimers**
* Bookings are essential and minimum participant numbers apply.
* This is a guided outdoor activity and operates in most weather conditions.
* All participants must be able to understand and follow safety instructions delivered in English.
* If participants are unable to understand English, they must arrange their own translator to accompany them.
* Riverside Adventures Waikato reserves the right to refuse participation if safety instructions cannot be clearly understood.
* Participants must be physically able to paddle.
* If, after the initial paddle on Lake Karapiro, a participant is deemed unable to safely kayak, they will be guided back to base and no refund will be given.
* Late arrivals may miss the safety briefing and may not be able to join the tour.
* No refunds will be given for no-shows or late arrivals.
Important Information
* All participants must attend a safety briefing prior to departure.
* Life jackets must be worn at all times while on the water.
* Follow all instructions given by your guide at all times.
* Basic paddling instruction is provided; participants must be able to paddle and control their kayak.
* Participants must be physically able to kayak and get in and out of the kayak with minimal assistance.
* Children must be aged 8 years and over and accompanied by an adult or guardian.
* Be prepared for cooler evening temperatures and changing conditions.
**Link to terms and conditions**
[View terms-and-conditions](https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/illvevbySYe1dovcZdJZ)
