Rotorua Glow Worm Night Walk & Star Gazing Small Group Tour

Summary

Night walk in Rotorua forest glow worms wildlife starry sky

You’ll walk through Rotorua’s native forest by torchlight with a small group and local guide, hearing wildlife all around before reaching banks covered in glow worms. There’s time for questions (and laughter) as you learn about these creatures up close, then finish outside under a sky full of stars. It’s quiet, strange, and honestly kind of magical if you let yourself feel it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the minivan near Lake Rotorua was how the air felt — cooler than I’d expected, with that damp-earth smell you only get in real bush. Our guide, Matt, handed out torches but told us we’d want them off soon enough. There were just eight of us, shuffling a bit awkwardly at first, but it didn’t take long before someone cracked a joke about possums and we all loosened up. The path wound deeper into the trees — roots everywhere underfoot (definitely glad I wore boots) — and every so often you’d hear something rustle in the dark. Matt said it was probably wallabies or possums doing their rounds. Someone whispered they hoped it wasn’t morepork watching us; Matt grinned and did a pretty good imitation of its call.

I don’t think I’ll forget that moment when we reached the stream — he told us to turn off our lights and just… wait. At first it was pitch black except for a faint trickle of water somewhere ahead. Then your eyes adjust and suddenly there are thousands of tiny blue-green lights clinging to the banks above us, like someone had poked holes in the night itself. It’s hard to describe without sounding cheesy but honestly, standing there with everyone whispering “wow” under their breath — you sort of feel like a kid again. Matt explained the glow worms’ whole life cycle (I tried repeating their Māori name back to him and he laughed — definitely butchered it). We stood there longer than I thought we would, nobody wanting to leave just yet.

On the way back out, you start noticing other things: cold air on your cheeks, leaves brushing your jacket, that weird mix of silence and distant animal calls you only get at night in New Zealand bush. When we finally stepped clear of the trees, the sky was so clear you could see what felt like every star above Rotorua. A few people lay down right there on the grass — I joined them for a minute even though it was damp. Sometimes you need to do that kind of thing just because you can.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nocturnal Glow-worm tour in Rotorua

• Depart from Rotorua by minivan
• Walk 2 kilometers through native bush
• Follow sound of running water
• Turn off flashlight to see glow-worms
• Observe wildlife like wallabies and possums
• Listen to morepork calls during walk
• Enjoy star gazing outside the forest
• Learn about New Zealand's night life

Top questions

How long is the Rotorua glow worm tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours including a 2 kilometer walk.

Is hotel pickup included for this glow worm tour?

The tour includes pickup from Rotorua in an air-conditioned minivan.

What should I wear for the Rotorua night walk?

Wear supportive footwear like trainers or hiking boots and dress for cool weather; conditions can be damp and uneven.

Are children allowed on this glow worm tour?

The minimum age is 6 years old for participants on this tour.

How big are the groups on this glow worm experience?

The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people per booking.

Will I see other wildlife besides glow worms?

You may hear or spot wallabies, possums, and possibly hear morepork calls during the night walk.

Does this tour operate year-round?

The tour operates in most weather conditions throughout the year; dress appropriately for possible rain or cold nights.

Is food provided on this Rotorua glow worm trip?

Light refreshments are included during the evening tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from Rotorua by minivan with an experienced guide leading your small group through native bush trails by torchlight; light refreshments are provided along with all necessary safety equipment before returning after stargazing under open skies.