Kayaking Lake McLaren: Glowworms at dusk with local tasting

Paddle into darkness and watch native glowworms glow on the cliff face

Evening kayaking on Lake McLaren near Tauranga in a double kayak with a professional guide, timed to catch glowworms emerging on the native bush as daylight fades. You paddle through the transition from dusk to dark, spotting birdlife and fish breaking the surface, then return to shore for a curated tasting of New Zealand cheeses, RewaRewa honey, locally brewed kombucha and artisanal foods. A minimum of two people per booking; suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening kayak tour at Lake McLaren

• Drive through rolling countryside
• Arrive at Lake McLaren
• Enjoy tasting session of local flavors
• Have light refreshments by the lake
• Paddle double kayaks into the sunset
• Observe birdlife and fish activity
• Transition from daylight to darkness
• See stars and glow worms emerge

The Experience

The evening starts with a short scenic drive through rolling countryside to Lake McLaren, where you'll taste your way through "Te Reka O Te Whenua — the Taste of the Land" before you paddle. New Zealand cheeses, RewaRewa honey, and other artisanal delights pair with locally brewed kombucha; in cooler months, warm spiced mulled wine keeps you grounded while you take in the view. Light refreshments settle you before you step into the double kayak.

You paddle out as the light drains from the sky. The lake stays calm and sheltered, and the birdlife settles for the evening while trout break the surface for their final meal. As dusk deepens into darkness, the stars come into view — and that's when the glowworms begin to pop from the native bush on the cliffs above the water. The guide leads the pace and points out what's moving in the dark around you. The arboretum at the head of the lake holds New Zealand's second-largest collection of trees, and the bird life there is part of what makes the paddle worth the timing.

The whole experience runs about three hours from the meeting point at Waimarino Adventure Park, Tauranga's longest-established tourism attraction. Your guide speaks English, French or German depending on the booking. Double kayaks mean you're paddling with a partner, and the minimum booking is two people — so you'll either come as a pair or join others on the water.

What’s included

• Professional guide.
• double kayak and all paddling equipment.
• light refreshments on the shore.
• curated tasting of New Zealand cheeses, RewaRewa honey, locally brewed kombucha and artisanal foods (warm mulled wine in cooler months).
• scenic drive to and from Lake McLaren.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Waimarino Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're paddling with at least one other person and want an evening on the water that builds toward a specific moment — the glowworms only emerge at dusk, so the timing of the paddle is locked in, and the tasting anchors the experience before you launch.

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Top questions

What time does the kayaking start and when do we get back?

The tour runs in the evening to catch the glowworms, and the whole experience takes about three hours from the meeting point at Waimarino Adventure Park. You'll paddle through dusk into darkness, so bring a headlamp or let the guide know if you need one.

Is Lake McLaren safe for kayaking if I've never paddled before?

Lake McLaren stays calm and sheltered, and you'll paddle a double kayak with a partner or guide support, so the conditions suit beginners. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What exactly are the glowworms and where do I see them?

Glowworms are native larvae that produce light from the native bush on the cliffs above the lake. As darkness falls during your paddle, they begin to glow — the timing of the evening tour is designed so you're on the water when they emerge and the stars come into view.

Can I do this kayaking tour solo, or do I need to bring someone?

A minimum of two people per booking is required to start the tour. You can book with a friend or family member, or contact the operator about joining another group on the water.

What's included in the tasting before we paddle?

"Te Reka O Te Whenua — the Taste of the Land" features New Zealand cheeses, RewaRewa honey, locally brewed kombucha, and other artisanal delights. In cooler months, warm spiced mulled wine is served instead of kombucha. Light refreshments are included, and the tasting happens on the edge of Lake McLaren before you depart in the kayaks.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English, French, or German — let the operator know your preference when you book.