Waimarino Kayak Tours — Attraction in North Island

When my wife booked this tour, I off course, agreed to go on it, although I wasn't very enthusiastic about it. Having surfed incredible waves the past few days while in New Zealand, the dopamine dump was screaming against something that I perceived as boring as a glownworm tour...yet, I went without complaining in order to be a good family man. Once there, I was greeted by Tom, who was super cheery, with sweet British humor. He was professional, friendly and funny, all at the same time. Upon arrival at the river, we were greeted by Royce, who was also very friendly and professional, all at the same time. We were given a brief charcuterie and kombucha sampler, along with explanations of the local fare. The tour went on with an emphasis on safety, as well as friendly banter between the guides ,with funny teasing between the two. The chatter between them had a characteristic New Zealand/British humor, made even funnier by the accents:) The glow worms were for real. Ethereal and magical, like a Disney ride, except it was real. Both guides gave us talks about them, one gave the legendary Maori version, the other, the scientific explanation. The two guys (lads, chaps, whatever they call them here:) were great. The service was great and the experience definitely worth the time and money. Highly...

I am very sorry to rate one star for my kayaking experience this time. First of all I am an Asian while the Asian guide treat us special during this kayaking. He didn’t offer us much help when we were stuck by tree branch. I really want to enjoy my birthday kayaking slowly and nicely but eventually we have to paddle very fast to catch up the team. I do understand me and my partner are not good at kayaking but it said that this trip is suitable for kayaking beginners or 8+ years old kids in the website. The guide blamed me in Mandarin that I didn’t paddle hard. We were attached with him later on but I was really in bad mood. Last but not least, the guide ignored us in the van when returning to the Waimarino regional park. He just asked how other people felt and they are from France and US. Honestly I work in AKL as a nurse and I can speak English with no problem of communication. However he just chatted with white people which really upset us. He is so racist to us and I was not comfortable with this behavior. I just want to say shame on you to this staff. You should proud of your own country and should not just cater others whoever are white. We are all the same. We paid for this and we deserve to be respected. Very disappointed...

We did their glow worm tour with Archie as our lead guide. The evening was amazing and well worth a go if you have an evening to spare.10 minute drive from central Tauranga. They do shuttles also if needed.

We started off with a short bus ride to the lake with some interesting facts along the way. Once at the lake we were presented with some local wine and some cheese and crackers for a nibble. We were then set up with the kayaks and given a little run down of the dos and don’ts. We we’re also given splash skirts, wind proof coverings and a life jacket.

The tour guides were all incredibly friendly and fun, the paddle is very relaxed and you are taken a short way around the lake while the sun sets. It is beautiful! Once the sun has set you start to see some glow worms in the trees before being towed into the canyon for the real show. You get some facts and fun about the glow worms before heading back out. Anything too narrow you are towed through and it’s very easy to follow the guides when needed.

On the way back you can really take in the nights sky (if clear). Which was quite something coming from a more light polluted area.

Worth a go to experience something a bit different while you’re here and definitely the company...