Tauranga & Lake McLaren: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour & Tasting

Summary

Lake McLaren evening kayak tour with glowworms tasting session and local stories

You’ll paddle Lake McLaren as daylight fades, taste New Zealand cheeses and honey on shore, then glide through dusk beneath glowing worms clinging to native bush cliffs. With a local guide leading your small group, you’ll feel both welcome and quietly awed—especially when you catch those first pinpricks of light in total darkness.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect from an evening kayak tour in Tauranga — I just remember feeling this weird mix of calm and curiosity as we pulled up near Lake McLaren. Our guide, Jamie, greeted us with that relaxed Kiwi warmth (and a bit of cheeky humor). The air was cool but not cold, and there was this faint earthy smell coming off the water. Before paddling out, we sat by the lake’s edge for “Te Reka O Te Whenua”—which apparently means “the taste of the land.” I’m still thinking about that RewaRewa honey; it’s got this wild sweetness you don’t really get anywhere else. Tried to pronounce it right—Jamie laughed, so probably not.

Once we got into our double kayaks (I was relieved they were pretty stable), everything started to feel slower. The birdlife was winding down for the night—lots of soft calls echoing across the water—and every now and then you’d hear a trout splash somewhere out in the dark. The sun dipped behind the hills and suddenly it was just us, paddling quietly, following Jamie’s voice as he pointed out trees in the arboretum or told little stories about the area. You could see stars starting to show up overhead while the bush along the cliffs slowly lit up with these tiny greenish dots—the glowworms. It’s kind of hard to describe how strange and peaceful that felt.

I kept drifting a bit off course (sorry to my kayak partner), but nobody seemed to mind. That gentle silence between people who don’t need to talk much—just taking it all in—was maybe my favorite part. Heading back, sipping warm mulled wine (non-alcoholic but still spicy), I realized I’d stopped checking my phone ages ago. There’s something about being on that lake at dusk that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

• Meet at Waimarino Adventure Park
• Enjoy light refreshments by Lake McLaren
• Paddle double kayaks into sunset
• Observe birdlife and fish activity
• Transition from daylight to darkness
• View stars and glow worms emerge

Top questions

How long does the Tauranga evening glowworm kayak tour last?

The tour operates in the evening and includes time for refreshments before paddling; plan on several hours total.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lake McLaren kayak tour?

No, but meeting point is at Waimarino Adventure Park near Tauranga.

Are refreshments provided during the glowworm kayaking experience?

Yes, light refreshments are served before kayaking—local cheeses, honey, kombucha or mulled wine depending on season.

Do I need prior kayaking experience for this Tauranga tour?

No previous experience needed; suitable for all fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What wildlife might I see on Lake McLaren?

You may spot native birds settling for evening and hear trout splashing as night falls.

Are double kayaks used on this day trip from Tauranga?

Yes, stable double kayaks are provided for all guests.

Is there a minimum number of people required to book?

A minimum of two people per booking is required for this tour to operate.

What’s included

Your evening includes all kayak equipment, light local refreshments like New Zealand cheese and RewaRewa honey paired with kombucha or warm spiced mulled wine (0% alcohol in cooler months), plus guidance from a professional local guide throughout your time on Lake McLaren before returning after dark.