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Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour

Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour

Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour - Photo 2

Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour - Photo 3

Attraction Ticket Tours

Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour

Name: Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour
Brand: HolidaySG
Price: 17.64 SGD
Availability: InStock

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36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176, New...

At a glance

Ticket type

E-ticket / Mobile

Confirmation

Instant

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Suitable for

All ages

Highlights

See the beautiful glow worms
Beautiful scenery
Experienced guides
All Kayaking and Safety equipment
2 hour starlight Big Kanu tour
Kanu through Lake Rotoiti

Ticket Options

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Not available on this date

This activity has no availability for the selected date. Please try a different date or contact our support team.

session (january & december)

Non-refundable

Adult -17%

SGD 157.93 SGD 130.51

Child -14%

SGD 73.98 SGD 63.34

Infant -15%

SGD 20.83 SGD 17.64

No package is available on this selected date. Try another date.

About Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour

Paddle through the tranquil waters of Lake Rotoiti under a canopy of stars on this enchanting starlight glow worm tour. Marvel at thousands of bioluminescent glow worms in the cave while your cultural guide shares local myths and legends. This 2-hour adventure combines serene kayaking with the magic of New Zealand's natural wonders.

Local Legends & Stories

Māori legends tell of the glow worms as fallen stars trapped in the cave, guiding lost travelers home. Lake Rotoiti holds deep spiritual significance for the local Ngāti Whakaue iwi.

Must Do Experiences

Paddle through the glow worm cave and witness the stunning bioluminescent display
Listen to cultural stories and legends shared by your experienced guide
Glide along the shoreline admiring native New Zealand bush
Emerging from the cave to starlit waters under the Milky Way

Hidden Gems

Visit on a moonless night for the most spectacular glow worm and star views
Ask your guide about the best spots to spot native birds along the lake
The cave's glow worm population is at its most vibrant during warmer months

What Makes it Special

Exclusive combination of cultural storytelling and night kayaking
Access to a secluded glow worm cave only reachable by water
Small group size ensures personalized attention from both cultural and safety guides

Available Facilities

Safety equipment Insect repellent Buoyancy aids High-quality Kanu equipment

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time for this tour is during the warmer months from October to April when glow worm activity is highest. Clear, moonless nights offer the most magical experience, so check the forecast and request a dark-sky night if possible. Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

Use a camera with manual settings and a long exposure to capture the glow worms without flash
Bring a tripod or rest your camera on a stable surface for sharp starry shots
Enable night mode on your smartphone for decent results without professional gear

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Respect the natural environment by avoiding loud noises and sudden movements that could disturb the glow worms. Listen attentively to your guide's stories, as they carry deep cultural significance for the local Māori community. Do not touch the glow worms or the cave walls to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

Summer glow worm season (December-February) features the most active displays
Occasional 'Stargazing Nights' coincide with astronomical events for enhanced viewing
Matariki (Māori New Year) celebrations may include special cultural performances

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

Always wear the provided buoyancy aid and follow your guide's instructions
Keep your weight low and centered in the Kanu to maintain stability
Inform your guide if you have any health concerns or mobility issues beforehand

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

The tour price includes all equipment, safety gear, and guidance. There are no hidden fees, and discounts may be available for children and groups.

Visit Duration

The total tour duration is approximately 2 hours, including 1.5 hours of paddling. Departure is from Otaramarae Boat Launch, and you should arrive 15 minutes early.

Accessibility

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but participants must be able to climb in and out of the Kanu. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and there is a minimum age requirement.

Overview

Inclusions
* One cultural guide and one safety guide per canoe * All safety equipment * High quality Kanu equipment * Insect repellent * Buoyancy aid

Highlights
* Learn about the myths and legends of the area with a cultural guide * Paddle through the tranquil waters of Lake Rotoiti * Adventure into the cave to marvel at the glowworms before emerging into the star lit waters under the Milky Way * Admire the native New Zealand bush along the shore line

Duration
* 1.5 hours paddle, total tour duration allow 2 hours

Departure Location
* Otaramarae Boat Launch- 41C Otaramarae Road, Okere Falls, 3074

What To Bring
* Camera

Cancellation Policy
* You MUST CALL the operator before proceeding with cancelling this booking. 100% cancellation fee applies within 48hrs of tour date * If the client fails to arrive at check-in for the tour, the full payment of the tour will be charged

Booking Information
* Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction * Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking * Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience * Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control * For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher * We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements

Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour gallery

Important Information

Opening Hours

Sunday 16:00 - 19:30

Monday 16:00 - 19:30

Tuesday 16:00 - 19:30

Wednesday 16:00 - 19:30

Thursday 16:00 - 19:30

Friday 16:00 - 19:30

Saturday 16:00 - 19:30

Select your preferred date and ticket type, then add to cart.

Complete secure payment at checkout.

Receive instant e-ticket confirmation via email.

Show your mobile or printed voucher at the venue.

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Location

36 Taniwha Place, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3176, New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this tour allows you to paddle a canoe into the cave to view the glowworms before emerging into the starlit waters under the Milky Way.

Yes, and this tour includes a cultural guide who shares local myths and legends as you paddle through Lake Rotoiti to the caves.

Yes, visiting the caves on this tour allows you to see the glowworms and the native New Zealand bush along the shoreline with all safety and canoe equipment provided.

The tour provides high-quality canoe equipment, buoyancy aids, insect repellent, and both a cultural guide and a safety guide per canoe.

You should allow two hours for the total tour duration, which includes a 1.5-hour paddle on Lake Rotoiti.

Yes, a dedicated cultural guide accompanies each canoe to share the myths and legends of the Lake Rotoiti area.

The tour departs from the Otaramarae Boat Launch located at 41C Otaramarae Road, Okere Falls, 3074.

No prior experience is required, as a dedicated safety guide is provided per canoe to assist with the equipment and buoyancy aids.

The tour requires participants to paddle a canoe and navigate into a cave, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility restrictions.

The tour operates in the evening after dark to allow guests to view the glowworms in the cave and the Milky Way over the lake.

You should bring a camera to capture the scenery, while the operators supply the safety gear, canoe equipment, and insect repellent.

You must call the operator directly to cancel, and a 100% cancellation fee applies to any bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the tour date.

There is no walking required to enter the cave, as you paddle directly into it via the waters of Lake Rotoiti in your canoe.

About Rotorua: Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour

The total tour duration is approximately 2 hours, including 1.5 hours of paddling. Departure is from Otaramarae Boat Launch, and you should arrive 15 minutes early.

Join a guided Big Kanu Starlight Glow Worm Tour from Rotorua for a magical evening experience on Lake McLaren. As you take to the lake’s edge, participants will paddle in small groups through the calm waters to a narrow glow worm canyon just as the sun sets for the evening. Admire the luminescent beauty of the glow worm canyons in complete darkness and learn about the peculiarities of these creatures as you are led through the glow worm canyon by experts. This Rotorua Big Kanua Glowworm tour lasts for 2 hours with a paddle time of 1.25 hours. No age restrictions apply and everyone is welcome to come along to experience the dazzling beauty of glow worms.

The tour price includes all equipment, safety gear, and guidance. There are no hidden fees, and discounts may be available for children and groups.

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but participants must be able to climb in and out of the Kanu. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and there is a minimum age requirement.

Always wear the provided buoyancy aid and follow your guide's instructions
Keep your weight low and centered in the Kanu to maintain stability
Inform your guide if you have any health concerns or mobility issues beforehand

Use a camera with manual settings and a long exposure to capture the glow worms without flash
Bring a tripod or rest your camera on a stable surface for sharp starry shots
Enable night mode on your smartphone for decent results without professional gear

Safety equipment, Insect repellent, Buoyancy aids, High-quality Kanu equipment

General Questions

Simply select your preferred date, choose the ticket type and quantity, then click "Add to Cart". Complete the secure checkout to receive your e-tickets instantly via email.

Yes, all payments on HolidaySG are processed through SSL-encrypted, PCI-compliant payment gateways. We support major credit/debit cards and other secure payment methods.

Most bookings are instantly confirmed. You will receive your e-tickets via email within minutes of completing your purchase.

Cancellation and modification policies vary by activity. Please check the specific cancellation policy listed under each ticket option before booking.

In most cases, you can show your e-ticket directly from your mobile phone at the venue. Some activities may require a printed voucher — this will be clearly stated in your confirmation email.

If an activity is cancelled by the operator due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will typically receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.

Yes, you can select multiple tickets for your group. For large groups (10+ people), please contact our support team for special group rates.

No, the price you see is the price you pay. All taxes and service fees are included in the displayed price.

We recommend arriving at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for check-in and any security procedures.

Yes, you can purchase tickets as a gift or for other travellers. Simply enter the correct details during checkout.

All prices on HolidaySG are displayed in Singapore Dollars (SGD) unless otherwise indicated.

Yes, HolidaySG is an authorized booking partner working directly with attractions, tour operators, and experience providers across Asia.

Our customer support team is available daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) to help. You can reach us via email or chat, and we will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Some activities offer special pricing for students, seniors, and children. These will be shown as separate ticket types when available.

Tickets are generally valid only for the selected date. If you need to change your visit date, please contact our support team before the original date.

Refund policies depend on the specific activity and ticket type. Free cancellation options are clearly marked where available.

You can reach our support team daily (9 AM – 11 PM SGT) via email at support@holidaysg.com or through the live chat on our website.

No, you can book as a guest. However, creating an account lets you track your bookings, save favourites, and access exclusive deals.

We strive to offer the most competitive prices. If you find a lower price for the same activity on another platform, contact us and we will do our best to match it.

Yes, we often offer combo packages that bundle popular attractions together at a discounted rate. Check our promotions page for current deals.