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Kayaking

Guided Tour of Big Kanu Glowworm from Tauranga

Glowworm-lit cave exploration on Big Kanu tour, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Big Kanu boat on glowworm tour in Tauranga, New Zealand, with tourists exploring illuminated cave.
Glowworm-lit cave exploration on Big Kanu tour, Tauranga, New Zealand.
Big Kanu on water with glowworms illuminating the cave, Tauranga guided tour.

Paddle along the calm waters of Lake McLaren while enjoying the surrounding scenery and birdlife. Travel through the waters between Mangapapa canyon and enjoy the glowworms lighting up the sky like stars.

Highlights

  • Make your way to Lake McLaren from Tauranga and enjoy a big Kanu guided tour, viewing beautiful scenery, local birds, and unique glowworms.

  • Push the big Kanu off the edge of the lake and witness the incredible biodiversity as you travel to the head of Lake McLaren.

  • Make your way through the high-sided Mangapapa canyon and watch the glowworms light up the night sky.

  • Learn about the glowworms’ lifecycle and peculiarities from the knowledgeable guide seated on the Kanu with you.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour

  • High-quality Kanu equipment

  • Buoyancy aid

  • Insect repellent

Exclusions

  • Waterproof clothing or shoes

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Embark on an incredible tour of Lake McLaren and enjoy the stunning scenery, birdlife, and, of course, the glowworms. Spend your time paddling across the lake and in between the canyons.

Take a 25-minute trip to Lake McLaren from Tauranga’s CBD. At the edge of the lake, launch the big Kanu and work together to paddle your way to the head of the lake. Enjoy the calm of the waters and spot the colorful birdlife that is an integral part of the ecosystem of the lake.

Find yourself basking under a sky of stars with the glowworms that rest on the walls of the high-sided canyon, Mangapapa. The many thousands of glowworms light up the narrow spaces. Learn all about their life cycle from the guides who possess vast knowledge about this species in particular. Since the tour happens once a day – an hour before sunset – you can enjoy the fantastic sunset as well as the glowworms lighting up the night.

Important Information

  • This tour can operate in almost all weather conditions.

  • The tour will operate with a minimum of 4 people.

Timings

  • Daily: 7:30pm
  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting Point

  • Meet your guide at McLaren Falls Parking.

  • Address: Lower Kaimai, Omanawa 3171, New Zealand.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

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