Price from:
144 USD
Walk & Ride part of the 100km Waikato River Trail & finish off with a Kayak Glow Worm Tour.
Walk from Jones Landing to Arapuni Dam - an easy 1 hour trail.
Ride 14km from Arapuni Dam to Little Waipa or beyond.
Kayak along the Pokaiwhenua Stream at twilight to see the twinkling glow worms on your guided tour.
Includes: Shuttle transfers, bike & kayak hire.
Guides are also available for walk and bike section - please enquire.
Minimum two people.
Booking Notes
**ITINERARY**
**09.30am – Depart Riverside Adventures Base, 362 Horahora Rd, Piarere, for Jones Landing**
Hired RAW bikes will be pre-loaded onto the shuttle.
**10:15am – Arrive at Jones Landing and begin your walk to Arapuni** (Approx 40 - 60mins)
**11.15am - Arrive in Arapuni.** Bike induction for RAW mountain bike or e-bike hires and option to visit Rhubarb Café.
Self-guided ride from Arapuni back to Riverside Adventures base (approx. 14km; guideline about 1 hour per 10km). The Karapiro section of the Waikato River Trails is rated intermediate, featuring a mix of boardwalk, loose gravel surfaces, and some moderate inclines. Riders should have a reasonable level of fitness and confidence on uneven terrain.
Check out the official Waikato River Trail website: [View karapiro](https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/0c7c6YLXS2lRwIuS8Oiz)
**From 12:30pm – Arrive back at Riverside Adventure Base** We recommend grabbing a bite to eat prior to your Twilight Kayak tour.
**TWILIGHT KAYAK GLOW WORM TOUR**
Start times vary throughout the year due to sunset. You will be given a separate time that this portion of your Triventure starts
##Things to Know
- Minimum age is 10 years
- All children under 15 to be accompanied by a capable adult
**NOTE: Riverside 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.
**HIGHLIGHTS**
* Three adventures in one: walk, cycle, and Twilight Kayak Glow worm tour in a single day.
* Shuttle-assisted start for an easy, stress-free day.
* Picturesque walk to Arapuni Dam featuring striking pink ignimbrite bluffs,
* Scenic ride along the Waikato River Trails with suspension bridges and native bush.
* Option to stop at Rhubarb Café in Arapuni - We recommend checking hours of operation prior to your tour directly with the Cafe.
* Guided Twilight Kayak glow worm tour (this runs for 4 hours).
* Lake Karapiro views and peaceful kayaking on the river.
**CHECK-IN DETAILS**
Meet at Riverside Adventures Waikato Base, 362 Horahora Rd, Piarere.
[View RAW Parking & Check in directions (3).pdf](https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/dWVH0MKrSwGrcH3D8vZL)
Allow plenty of time and check Google Maps for travel;
* 20 minutes south of Cambridge
* 1 hour from Tauranga,
* 1 hour from Rotorua
* 1 hour 15 minutes from Waitomo Caves.
**WHAT TO BRING**
* Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
* Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
* Water bottle
* Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
* Packed lunch or snacks
* Small day bag/backpack
* Towel and change of clothes (for kayaking)
* Camera or phone for photos
**WE PROVIDE**
* Life jacket, splash pants & jacket, wet shoes, single/double kayak
* Dry bag to store items you wish to take with you on the kayak
**SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS**
Participants must be confident riding a bike and kayaking independently. All participants must follow safety instructions and wear provided safety equipment where required.
All safety briefings and instructions provided by Riverside Adventures staff must be followed at all times.
If wanting to upgrade from Standard Mountain bike to eBike, do get in touch.
**DISCLAIMERS**
This is a self-guided experience and operates in all weather conditions; Riverside Adventures is not responsible for weather on the day. Ride times are estimates and may vary depending on fitness levels and time spent at stops. Minimum numbers may apply for shuttle departures. It is the customer’s responsibility to check Rhubarb Café opening hours if planning to visit.
Children must be a minimum of 10yrs old and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Participants are responsible for their own safety and should carry water, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal items required for the duration of the activity.
**TWILIGHT KAYAK TOUR PORTION OF YOUR TRIVENTURE**
**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 10 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 10 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.
Here is our link to FAQS :
[View faqs](https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/HP62aRBR7iFlfBKtVY9Z)
Important Information
Participants must be physically fit and confident riding a bike on mixed terrain and kayaking independently. Helmets must be worn at all times while cycling, and all provided safety equipment must be used as instructed.
Riders should be comfortable on intermediate trails, including loose gravel, boardwalk sections, and moderate inclines. All participants must follow track signage, give way to other users, and ride within their ability:
[View karapiro](https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/Ohj6G7dLS0COpcsS7uIw)
For the Twilight Kayak Glow Worm Tour, children must be aged 8 years and over and accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Participants are responsible for their own safety and should carry water, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal items required for the duration of the activity.
All safety briefings and instructions provided by Riverside Adventures staff must be followed at all times.
