Glowworm, Scenic and Adventure Kayak Tours
Waimarino Kayak Tours
Based in both Tauranga and Rotorua, Waimarino Kayak Tours showcases some of the best waterways in the Bay of Plenty. These include but are not limited to Lake McLaren, Lake Rotoiti, and The Wairoa River. These locations boast a large range of native birds and stunning native bush. Each location has something unique to offer!
Kayak and Kanu Tours
Our most popular Kayak and Kanu tours depart just before sunset so our clients can experience an evening visiting the enchanting Glowworms. These can be seen in the Mangapapa Canyon at Lake Mclaren, or in our secret cave on Lake Rotoiti. We also provide daytime kayaking tours on Lake Rotoiti, Lake McLaren and the Wairoa River.
5-Star Kiwi Hospitality
Our guides pride themselves on giving the best possible customer service. They have a wealth of knowledge about the waterways we paddle on, and about the local area!
high quality Equipment
Waimarino purchases high quality gear from the industry's leading companies, such as; Paddle Power, Daytwo, Palm Equipment, Prijon Kayaks and Mission Kayaks.
Safety Comes first
100% Locally Owned and operated
Waimarino was started in 1975 by Barry and Barbara Anderson. In 2003 it was purchased by Blair (Barry and Barbara's son) and wife Charlotte.
Our Most Popular Tour
The Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour
5 Star Service
Testimonals
Absolutely loved this. The lake is stunningly beautiful! Watching sunset from the hot pools was wonderful, with the added bonus of having a quick dive into the lake if you got a bit too warm. Then a paddle across to the glow worms where the tour guide, was informative and funny and able to help everyone get their kayak into the ideal place to see the glow worms. Then a moonlight paddle back to the shore. Everything felt really safe, Even got eco-friendly water bottles and Whittaker's chocolate! I'd recommend this as my favourite glow worm tour as you are so much closer than when you go to the big caves and it's so magical just being in a little cave with all the lights reflected on the water. Thanks guys, awesome tour!Support your local businesses!
Sophie
The glow worm kayak tour is a great experience. You get taken into McLaren Falls park in the evening and have wine/cheese with the group to get to know everyone. The guides with fun but professional and knowledgeable. The kayaks were fantastic and all the kit of a high standard. The highlight was being on the water at night, so peaceful and picturesque. The glow worms were amazing to see and we learnt something along the way. Would recommend this tour to anyone spending a few days in this area
Rob
My husband and I took my parents visiting from overseas to the BIG KANU tour to see the glow worms on Lake McLaren. We chose this instead of the kayak tour as my parents are retired, Mum is scared in the kayak, plus I am six month pregnant. The big canoe was a great choice, very stable and easy to paddle. Josh and Emil from Waimarino tours were amazing tour guides, very knowledgeable, entertaining and considerate. We loved the experience, watching the glow worms in the canyon from the lake was beautiful and very unique. We all felt safe in the canoe and had great fun. We highly recommended booking it - we just rang the phone number given on the internet and booked it directly with the office even though there was no scheduled Big Kanu tour for that week. They were very flexible and kind.
Emily
