The 9 Best Lake Kayak Tours in New Zealand

1.Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $92Our pick

Meet Riverside Adventures Waikato in Piarere for a guided evening kayak on Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You paddle for about an hour at a time, watch native birds and rock formations in daylight, then return through the dark to see glowworms. Kayaks, wet gear, shoes, safety equipment, and dry bags are provided.

“Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, so was it wet? Yes. Was it cold? Also yes. Was it atmospheric AF to drift in the river in the dark while the bioluminescent worms shine around you like a constellations of stars so close it feel you caRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.3-Hour Kayak Tour on Lake Mapourika

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 129 reviews · 3 hours · from $86Best value

Meet Franz Josef Wilderness Tours at 30 Main Road, then ride 10 minutes to Lake Mapourika for three hours on the water. Guides such as Ollie, Pickles, Max, and Penny share local stories, Māori knowledge, and wildlife facts as you paddle through old-growth rainforest and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Waterproof gear and free photos are included.

“A wonderful and fun experience. The guides and team were knowledgeable and helpful. The water was calm. The views on the lake are stunning which you won't normally see. It was interesting to learn about the Rowi species if kuwi bird and the program to conserve that very rare species. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · from $104

Paddle the calm waters of Lake Mapourika with guides such as Farrah, Sydney, Max, or Pickles, then walk through ancient rainforest in the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. This four-hour outing suits first-time kayakers and moderate fitness levels. Gear, hot drinks, national park fees, and emailed photos are included.

“Great guide. It was raining. He was so cheerful. Made us all hot chocolates & coffee. Better photos would have been great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $91

Paddle from Acacia Bay to Lake Taupo’s Māori rock carvings with an experienced guide such as Kara, Chase, Will, or Casicia. Expect about three hours on the water, roughly 10 km of kayaking, cultural stories, native bush, snacks, and an optional swim or rock jump. Beginner paddlers are welcome, but wind can make the trip strenuous.

“Wonderful guides, good workout, beautiful scenery. It was a bit harder than I expected — it’s 10 km there and back. But we turned on the motor for part of the return trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $135

Spend about seven hours kayaking Lake Rotoiti with an expert guide, soaking in lakeside hot pools, eating a Kiwi barbecue, and paddling into glowworm and crayfish caves. No kayaking experience is needed. Guides such as Justin and Ricky are praised for clear instruction and engaging local stories. Pickup and drop-off from Rotorua are included.

“This was really an excellent tour. We were a group of 5 + our motivated guide Ricky. He did a super nice job and everything what was included was fun. I highly recommend this tour. Thanks Ricky for an unforgettable afternoon/ evening 😀👍”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

Join Riverside Adventures for a 210-minute guided kayak trip from Lake Karapiro into the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You will cross the site of submerged Horahora Village, hear Māori and early European history, wait for darkness with snacks, then drift through a canyon lit by glowworms. Warm clothing and a spare change are essential.

“Our trip got off to a slow start awaiting group members to arrive. But once we set off, it was a lovely experience kayaking along the river .The guides provided interesting information and tasty snacks as we waited on the banks for dusk , when we set off again to float through the canyon to see the glow worms. This was an amazing sight . However as 60 + travellers we found kayaking in complete darkness, especially once out in the open to paddle back to base, was rather disorientating. It really was pitch black . But we did all arrive back safely and our guides were very helpful in…”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Kayaking or SUP Experience on Moke Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 23 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

You’ll travel from Queenstown to quiet Moke Lake for 1.5 to 2 hours of self-guided kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. A small group of up to eight gets safety advice, equipment, a map, and time to paddle at its own pace. Finish with tea, coffee, and light Kiwi snacks beside the lake.

“Challenging paddling into the wind, but reasonably protected from the surrounding mountains. It was great that people could go at their own pace, so it suited beginners and more experienced paddlers.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Daytime Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 16 reviews · 3 hours · from $104

From Bethlehem, you ride to Lake McLaren for three hours of easy guided paddling. Guides such as Ellie, Tom, and George add local stories as you pass close to birdlife and enter Mangapapa Canyon, where native bush arches over the water. Kayaks, paddles, fleeces, life jackets, spray decks, and return transport are included.

“Absolutely amazing, Tom was a great tour guide and strongly recommended…”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Daytime Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · 3h 30m · from $101

Paddle Lake Rotoiti with a guide, pause at a small glowworm cave, then soak in Manupirua Thermal Hot Pools. You will kayak for about two hours, hear Māori stories tied to the lake, and receive equipment, water, and a chocolate bar. Guides may lead in English, French, or German.

“The kayak event itself was excellent. Our guide Steven was knowledgeable and personable. The thermal baths were wonderful. However, the front office screwed up the schedule and we ended up starting 1.5 hours late as no guide showed at the scheduled time.”

Check availability →Read our full review