Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour Including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves And Bbq Dinner

so amazing Justin was the best guide he shared so many stories and made us laugh! we had an amazing time

The whole trip was awesome, Justin is really informative, fun and kept everyone safe. His BBQ was delicious and the glow worms were a sight to be seen.

Experienced and friendly guide for an excellent adventure. We loved the small group trip, going off the beaten path to natural spring fed hot tubs, followed by a barbeque, and evening paddle to a private audience with glow worms, and the return paddle. The sunset and stars were beautiful. If you enjoy paddling and small crowds to visit natural attractions in the Rotorua area, this may be just what you're looking for. We loved it and happily recommend Justin to escort you on this adventure.

Justin was excellent with pre-trip communication about the weather conditions, and was supportive and friendly - a great, experienced guide with great customer service. His care extended even to another group out on the lake, as the wind had kicked up and he waited to see that they returned safely. Such a fun chance to play in the great Rotorua outdoors. The glow worms and starry night were wonderful - so nice to have a small group chance to paddle, enjoy the natural hot pools, and glow worms without crowds or line-ups. Thank you, Justin, for taking us out and for checking that we were happy to paddle even with the wind forecast. We felt safe and well cared for. It was a highlight of our trip to NZ for sure!

Justin was an outstanding and friendly guide. Had a double kayak and paddled across Lake Rotoiti to the hot springs pools (all different temperatures). Justin was very knowledgeable about the entire area and provided lots of information and stories about the Maori. He provided an excellent BBQ dinner followed by a trip back across the lake with a 15 minute stop in the glow worm cave. Great outing; overall about 6 hours

Really great experience!! The night kayaking, hot pools and glow worms were all much better than expected. Justin was a fantastic , friendly guide and a good chef too. We highly recommend this trip and we would like to come back and do it again!

Our family had a very lovely experience with Justin as our guide for the evening. He prepped us well for what to expect when we were kayaking and guided us well during. The hot springs were a fun and interesting experience. The dinner was yummy. The glow worm cave was amazing to see and be so up close to. Justin even tells NZ/Maori stories while kayaking back. Everything went very smoothly and our family had a lot of fun. We definitely recommend this as one of the top activities you can do in New Zealand.

My sister and I went on the night kayak with Alex as our guide. It was amazing, Alex was informative and welcoming. The caves were fantastic and the glow worm information was hilarious. Would highly recommend.

I've taken my boys (13 y.o. and 8 y.o.) sea kayaking a couple of times, but this was hands down the best such experience we've had together -- enjoyed by all (incl. Dad, who doesn't usually join family kayaking outings). The trip across Lake Rotoiti was beautiful, and just enough effort to make us feel we really deserved the hot pools. The combo of scenic natural hot springs looking out over the lake and a jetty with slide and 'bomb' platform for jumping into refreshing-but-not-too-cold fresh water was a winner. Guide Justin -- who's been running the company for over 25 years -- cooked us a tasty BBQ dinner, guided us into an other-worldly glowworm cave, and shared local knowledge in an engaging and personalised way. We were lucky to have him all to ourselves. We were also lucky -- on the first clear night for several days, to paddle home under stunning, starlit skies (seeing several constellations and the grand stretch of the Milky Way). Absolutely magical, and a wonderful adventure for the whole family!

Utterly beautiful trip with a very relaxing time at the hot springs. The meal provided was excellent and the scenes across the lake were stunning. Highly recommend.

Fabulous trip with Justin. We loved all of it. The lake is beautiful with clear water. We are not regular kayakers but it was not too challenging. The glow worm caves are a must see. The hot pools were fun and have an interesting history. Highly recommend this trip.

The guide Sophie was friendly and engaged. I’m a size 16/18 and my butt just squeezed into the Kayak. I didn’t have my kayak set up correctly (a little more tuition to get it right would have been good). So I was very uncomfortable for the kayak over. Much better on the way back. More adventure than I was expecting. The lake crossing got pretty choppy and I felt like I had a good chance of capsizing. Once the sun set it the chop died down and it was lovely. We did single kayaks. I’d do double next time. Much easier. Hot pools were great, lake was warm enough to swim, and BBQ was very generous (giant steak). Glow worms were cool to see - going on the cave was a bit scary. But once we all got in it was ok. I’d recommend it yes - but get a double and know it’s not just a wee paddle about.

We had a fantastic afternoon and evening kayaking to the hot pools, following by a relaxing soak. Justin did a great job guiding, organising us all and cooked us a lovely BBQ dinner. On the return trip, we kayaked under the stars, with Justin sharing Māori stories. The glow worm cave was amazing. Thank you Justin!

Everything was superb.... the organisation, kayaks, amazing views, soaking in the hot tubs, dinner, meeting other travellers, the magical glowworms and Justin's magical traditional storytelling while we silently kayaked home across the smooth waters with just the glow of headlamps. We pretty much had the tranquil lake to ourselves as there is no road access to the places we went. You will feel transported to another world. Thank you River Rats! 10/10

Beautiful lake to kayak across, great hot springs to soak in, delicious bbq and an awesomegloworm experience. Excellent attentive abd knowledgeable guide with the best equipment.

This was a truly amazing kayak trip. The paddle across Lake Rotoiti in both directions was fun and beautiful and the soak in the hotsprings upon our arrival on the other side was just fabulous. We pretty much had the place to ourselves which is hard to come by these days. We were also lucky in the sunset was so beautiful and we were able to enjoy it while eating a delicious BBQ dinner made by our guide, Justin. On our way back across the lake, we enjoyed clear skies prett much no wind, making for such an easy paddle. The best part, however, was the ending - easing into a little cave full of gloworms hanging from the ceiling then floating back out into a night full of sparkling stars. So very beautiful. River Rats gave us a tour that was beyond our expectations, from great and thoughtful gear, to an informative guide, and an amazing time experiencing some of New Zealands unique and fabulous natural features.

Great afternoon/evening out, guide was very good with safely briefing and getting the kayak ready for us to fit in comfortably. Had a nice paddle across the lake to the hot pools where we had a swim and and a nice BBQ dinner with a good steak and dessert, paddled back in the dark to stop in the gloworm cave for ten minutes and then back to the boat ramp. Many thanks to Justin for organizing this as we had had a few date changes. Not to tough for my 75 year old husband, he loved it even if he had to get helped out of the kayak at the end

9 people came on this trip. Every single one came out saying that this tour made the best day of our lives. From funny, thoughtful guides to once in a lifetime experiences, every part of this trip was great. Justin and Amy were helpful keeping us on course and made us a great meal at such a unique hot springs island. Seeing the sunset from the lake followed by a hidden glow words cave was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand, and of our lives. Thank you River Rats!

Jamie was a great guide, the glowworm cave was breathtaking. Hot pools was also a very nice stop over point. Just be careful not to wear silver jewellery in the or it will tarnish.

Jamie took on the starlight kayak. Perfect trip weather she was an excellent host. Taking us on the 9km gentle kayak around the lake sections. Recommend

Terrific evening paddle across to the hot pools and a magical glow worm cave. Our guide was knowledgeable, expert and super friendly. We felt well supported throughout the trip even without much kayaking experience. 5 stars!

Wonderful time on our kayaking trip! The equipment was all in excellent condition and the meal was delicious too!

Justin was very friendly and accommodating to our group of 21-82 year olds. He BBQ’d grass fed steak while we enjoyed a lovely soak in thermal pools. Then we had an amazing paddle back across the lake in black sky with the Milky Way full and bright. This was the highlight of my NZ trip.

We had an amazing time on this Kayak tour! Our family of four enjoyed every moment from beginning to end (even the rainy moments). Swimming at the lake by the hot pools was a highlight for our 14 year-old, and our 15 year-old still talks about the stories we got to hear as we paddled from place to place. Thank you River Rats for such a great day!

Our tour was changed to morning due to not enough people. We had a great time kayaking across the lake beautiful weather. Spent an hours soaking in the hot springs, so relaxing. Our guide Justin was so helpful and gave a great commentary on our tour. Thank you Justin.

The whole experience was awesome. Our guide was very easy going and informative.Would definitely recommend it.

It was a lovely trip. We were lucky with the weather, the shower happened whilst we were in the hot pools.

Absolutely amazing experience. The BBQ dinner felt like I wasnt even in NZ. The sunset and nighttime kayaking was perfect!

Thank you Justin for a great evening! The hot springs were wonderful and the food was good. The sunset kayaking and the glowworm caves were simply amazing. We truly enjoyed our trip and highly recommend it!

This was such an awesome experience!! From paddling on the lake to the thermal pools and glow worms, and seeing the stars as we paddled back- it had the perfect combination of activities for both of us. Everything about this trip was well planned, organized and the food was actually really good!! The team was also so friendly - weather the day we booked was not great and they went above and beyond to rebook us and make sure we had a great experience. We would highly recommend to anyone who wants explore a different side of rotorua and get up close to the glow worms.

A great trip and amazingly helpful hard working guide. Beautiful crossings of the lake - a clear sky on the way back gave a good view of the stars and the dark cave with glow worms was wonderful.

If you are looking for a top notch run touring company, look no further. From the time I booked this tour, we have had nothing but a great experience. Communication was spot on, the staff was friendly and informative and the tour itself - one of a kind. It had everything we could have asked for. Booked this excursion, you won’t regret it.

Really amazing trip, and so lucky to get on the first evening kayak tour of the season! Justin was a great guide, super knowledgeable, and the combo of hot springs followed by seeing the glow worm cave up close was magic. Highly recommend!

This was an amazing experience for me and my friends. After some navigation issues on steering the kayak we have an amazing experience paddling to the hot springs and an BBQ diner followed by an Nice night paddle across to see the glow worms in a cave. One of the highlights of an amazing trip to Aotearoa. One trip I would highly recommend.

What a unique experience, enjoyed by our party of four. We are not youngsters but managed the kayaking and enjoyed the Hot Pool swim, BBQ and glowworms on the way home. Justin was an excellent host. Totally recommend this trip.

It was a beautiful experience, both energetic with the kayaking, interesting culturally with the local Māori stories, beautiful with the glow worms and relaxing with the lakeside hot pools! The bbq dinner was a nice bonus!

We enjoyed a great experience managed well by Justin the owner of the company. He kept us well informed on weather conditions and provided us the flexibility to delay our trip by one day for more favourable conditions. We were grateful that he made the service available even though we were his only clients on the day. This was a safe trip with lots of interesting information provided by Justin our tour guide. We enjoy kayaking a lot, so to be on the lake at dusk and under the full-moon was fabulous. The lake was calm and beautiful. We spent less time soaking in the lovely hot pools and extended out paddle in the lake. The secret glow-worm cave on our return trip was spectacular. You get up-close and personal with the glow worms, different to other caves. Highly recommend this tour and well-managed company.

An all round awesome adventure, good team, great kayaking, hot pools & glow worm cave. It’s all not to be missed!

What an awesome experience! Heaps of fun and some beautiful views! Gorgeous hot pools! Amazing! Great guide knew his stuff and was really nice!

Can't speak highly enough of this trip. Justin guided our small group and made it a very personal and special experience. He was very patient with our least experienced kayaker who was paddling like a pro by the end of the night. The Hot pools were fantastic followed by a beer and BBQ dinner with time for a second soak after. The kayak back during sunset was stunning and the glow worm cave was magical. Leisurely paddling back in the dark was a perfect finish to a perfect day. Thanks for making our trip to Rotorua memorable. This was our main reason to come to Rotorua and you exceeded our expectation. We are now planning our next kayaking adventure thanks to you.

The whole day was just stunning. Family kayak then chilling in the hot pools, then BBQ and a kayak home via the glow worms, the most amazing sunset and full moon. Justin was simply awesome and coped with a bunch of beginners just fine xx

So between COVID and bad weather it took us a little while to arrange to do this trip but Justin was really helpful and let us arrange a date that meant weren’t driving back to Hawke’s Bay right after. The kayaking was fun despite our lack of technique and the hot pools were a great chance to relax in the middle. It was a busy afternoon at the pools (the locals told us) but there was still plenty of room for everyone and we enjoyed the food Justin cooked up (fish for my partner who’s a pescatarian). There’s also the option to buy a refreshing beer or wine but the hot pools are pretty uncommercial which adds to the experience. The detour via the cave was well worth the extra paddling on the way back. It’s small but amazing. Just three kayaks and millions of worms glowing to your voice! A far more authentic experience than somewhere like Waitomo. Thanks for all your patience Justin, it was the best start to my birthday festival and we’ll definitely be bringing some visitors from overseas when they’re able to visit.

We enjoyed the whole adventure! The Hot Springs were amazing you really can't find a better place to have a soak! There are no words for the glow worms, they simply are, fantastic weird little creatures!

We joined Justin on this trip with my parents (in their 70’s), and my two children (10&12). It was a fabulous afternoon and evening experience, and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The experience itself was varied and fun, the dinner was yummy and we always felt safe and well looked after. It’s a late night (we got home at 11pm) but so much fun, my kids and parents were buzzing. Would definitely recommend.

Great evening on the lake; the hot pools are a wonderful spot. Ollie our guide was a greatt chef and cooked a lovely BBQ dinner with a few drinks . Glow worm cave was amazing. Ollie is an awesome cruisey knowledgable guide that made our evening so much fun. Would highly reccomend this adventure. After a bit of mucking around with our booking this was well worth the wait!! 5/5 Stars Ollie.

We had an amazing day kayaking to the hot pools, delicious dinner, glow worm caves, and night kayaking under the stars. Highly recommend!

Absolutely incredible evening which exceeded all expectations would highly recommend to any e who is looking for a unique way to experience Rotorua

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 😀👍

We absolutely loved this tour, was the highlight of our week away in Rotorua. Rachel our guide was awesome friendly and knowledgeable. Your helper was great too and will be even better once she has more experience with interacting with people. Lake Rotoiti is truly an amazing piece of NZ to see. loved our wee BBQ dinner provided. Kayaking over to the Caves after sunset to see glow worms was awesome but most of all kayaking back to base in the dark was pretty neat. Thanks waterrats for a great experience.