rotorua kayak tours

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Starlight Kayak Tour

Experience an evening adventure kayaking out over one of New Zealand’s most stunning water ways, Lake Rotoiti. Take in the beautiful scenery, abundant birdlife, and learn the myths and legends linked to the area as you paddle towards the magical Glowworm cave.

Glide across the lake to the stunning Manupirua Hot Pools, which are only accessible by water. On the way back see how the lake is transformed by the moon and the twinkling stars above, with the night sky being the perfect end to your adventure.

$225 Per Person

$250 per person 26th dec – 28th feb.

3.5-4 Hour Tour Length, 2.5 hour Paddling Time, Glowworms, Must be 8+ Years, Hot Pools Pass Fitness Level 4/5 A Moderate Level of Fitness and basic kayaking skills are recommended.

Additional Information

Our guides will meet you at our launch site 41C Otaramare Road, Okere Falls. We can provide you with transport from your central Rotorua accommodation for an additional cost of $45pp, minimum 2 people required. This option can be added to your tour upon booking.

This kayak tour can operate in almost all weather conditions. Please read our tour Terms & Conditions & contact Waimarino if in doubt.

Our premium rate applies for all bookings between 26th December – 28th February.

Minimum 2 clients required.

What to Bring

Warm, comfortable clothing (no jeans please) Casual footwear Swimwear & Towel Camera Small change for shop (optional)

Kayaking Equipment Double Sea Kayaks Buoyancy Aid Water bottle & light snack Dry Bags

Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour

Paddle across the lake to the stunning Manupirua Hot Pools, which are only accessible by water. Here you will enjoy a freshly cooked BBQ dinner along with a delicious kiwi dessert. On the way to our hidden Glowworm cave you will see how Lake Rotoiti is magically transformed by the moon and the twinkling stars above.

Big Kanu Starlight Tour

What finer way to see Glowworms than in a Big Kanu. Paddle together through the calm waters of Lake Rotoiti along the shore line, gliding past native New Zealand bush while you learn the myths and the legends of the area as the sun is setting over the lake.

• Things To Do
• Eat & Drink
• Accommodation
• Plan Your Trip
• What's On
• Whakarewarewa Forest Loop
• Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana

Geothermal Wonders

Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.

How to find us?

587 Waimangu Road, Waimangu, Rotorua

+64 22 427 9136 | show

[email protected] | show

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Kayaking & White Water Rafting in Rotorua

YOUR ROTORUA ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS

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WELCOME TO RIVER RATS ROTORUA RAFT & KAYAK

River Rats was established in 1982 and we are proud to be celebrating over 40 years in business. It is family-owned, Justin & Jo purchased the business 25 years ago.

In Māori culture, there is a strong traditional value known as Manaakitanga. It is the belief that your own well-being, integrity, and standing in society (your Mana) can be enhanced by how well you treat your visitors. It is the Māori principle of hospitality – that every guest is treated with the highest respect and made to feel welcome, safe, and comfortable.

For New Zealand’s Māori people, looking after visitors and caring about how others are treated – no matter what their standing in society – is of prime importance.

While we have staff from all over the world, we believe that encouraging staff to embrace this concept will enhance the experience we give our customers. In 2018, we were very proud to achieve Tripadvisor’s Hall of Fame which is awarded for achieving a certificate of excellence 5 years in a row, and this year we agian received a Peoples Choice Award.

We are lucky to live in a very unique and special part of the world and it is an honour to be able to show off our unique environment, history, and culture by sharing it with our visitors. Most of all we believe in having fun. If we are enjoying ourselves we hope that this will flow through.

• OFFERING QUALITY ADVENTURES FOR OVER 40 YEARS •

We take you deep into the heart of 100% pure new zealand, a great experience for solo travellers, groups and families, free shuttles from our rotorua base and central accommodation, follow the action on social media.

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MEMBERS OF TRIPADVISOR'S HALL OF FAME!

After 10 days of different adventure experiences, I can truly say River Rats is worth every dollar! You will remember this adventure your whole life! The team of River Rats are awesome and we felt safe the whole time. Thank you River Rats! We can't wait for our next experience. Keep the adventure going!

Couldn't stop smiling from the moment we started. An adventure of a lifetime, filled with thrills and surprises. The crew were as incredible as the scenery. Accommodates for all ages from the casual to the extreme. I couldn't believe it, what a wonderful experience. Would do it 100 times over!

Justin, Neville, Matt & Dave were a fantastic team to take us on our adventure. My family had ball! River Rats were incredibly professional and we had such great fun with them. Highly recommend this as an activity for the family - really great value and, especially in this COVID-19 time, a great local Kiwi business to support!

First time white water rafting ever and what a way to do it with the wonderful crew at River Rats! Even for first timers like me the Grade 5 waterfalls were amazing fun. We were apparently one of the first to tumble over on the first waterfall but it was the best way to get wet! It's safe and exhilarating! Thanks again for a wonderful time!

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Manupirua Hot Springs- Starlight Kayak Tour- Waimarino Kayak Tours

Starlight Kayak Tour- Waimarino Kayak Tours

Starlight Kayak Tour

41C Otaramarae Road , Lake Rotoiti , New Zealand .

Experience an evening kayaking adventure on Lake Rotoiti. Take in the beautiful scenery, abundant birdlife, and learn the myths and legends linked to the area, soak in the hot pools and visit a Glowworm cave.

Pricing and Conditions

Upgrade to our Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour and enjoy a full gourmet BBQ Dinner, Drink and Dessert with an additional Hour at the Hot Pools for NZ$240 per person.

If a cancellation is made at least 24hrs prior to the scheduled departure, with consultation of the Waimarino Group manager, a full refund will be made. If persons fail to arrive for departure of the tour, without notifying Waimarino Group before the stated check in time, the full balance of the tour payment will be withheld.

Glide across the lake to the stunning Manupirua Hot Pools, which are only accessible by water. On the way back visit our secret Glowworm cave and see how the lake is transformed by the moon and the twinkling stars above, with the night sky being the perfect end to your adventure. Our guides will meet you at our launch site 41C Otaramare Road, Okere Falls. We can provide you with transport from your central Rotorua accommodation for an additional cost of $30pp. This option can be added to your tour upon booking.

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This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

How to get a launch permit and other questions answered about kayaking in Bucks County

Spring is finally upon us with summer close behind.

And as things warm up, it’s the perfect time to explore the scenic waterways of Bucks County.

Whether you’re new to kayaking canoeing or paddleboarding — or simply need a refresher — here are a few things to help put you on the path to smooth waters:

Do I need a boat registration or launch permit in PA and Bucks County ?

Yes, but what you need depends on where you go…

If you plan to launch from a Pennsylvania state park or forest, such as Nockamixon State Park, all kayaks and canoes must display one of the following:

• Boat registration from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ;
• Launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which can be applied for online at huntfish.pa.gov ;
• Or a Pennsylvania state park launching permit or mooring permit, which is available in-person at most state park offices.

If you’re heading out to a county-owned park or launch access, then you’ll need an additional Bucks County launch permit, which can be purchased online or in-person at one of the county boat rental facilities at Core Creek Park in Middletown or Peace Valley Park in New Britain.

How do I stay safe while out on the water?

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends:

• Have a float plan by telling someone where you’re going, how long you expect to be out and what time you’ll be back.
• Check the weather for possible thunderstorms and dress for the temps in lightweight quick-drying layers.
• Wear a properly fitted personal floatation device with an emergency whistle.
• Bring a dry bag to store items you want to bring along, including water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, medication, extra clothing and a first aid kit. If you have room, you may also want to pack are a bilge pump, flashlight and sunglasses.
• Children 12 and younger are required to wear a life jacket in all canoes and kayaks.

Scenic spots for Paddling: See Bucks County by kayak or canoe. Head out to one of these scenic spots

Are there any guided kayak tours offered in Bucks County?

• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a number of guided kayak tours in Bucks County, such as a Sunset Paddle at Delaware Canal State Park and Birding by Kayak at Lake Nockamixon.
• Delaware River Pedal & Paddle combines cycling and kayaking with a ride up the Delaware Canal Tow Path and a paddle down the Delaware River.
• L.L. Bean Kayak Tours at Lake Nockamixon offers opportunities to kayak at unique times, including its Full Moon Kayak Tour, Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Kayak Tour and Perseid Meteor Shower Kayak Tour.
• Silver Lake Nature Center offers kayak tours throughout the summer, including a moonlight kayakaing and birding by kayak.

Where can I take kayak lessons in Bucks County?

• Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers kayak courses at various locations, including Washington Crossing Historic Park and Delaware Canal State Park.
• L.L. Bean Discovery offers kayaking courses for different skill levels at Lake Nockamixon.
• Silver Lake Nature Center offers intro to kayaking classes for individuals and families at Silver Lake.

Lunch and kayak in Bucks County: Love kayaking in Bucks County? Five great spots to grab lunch on your way to the water

Which places offer kayak and canoe rentals in Bucks County?

Core Creek Boat Rental

• Park Road, Langhorne
• Weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last rental goes out at 4:30 p.m.)

Nockamixon Boat Rental

• 1542 Mountain View Dr., Quakertown
• Every day between Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last rental goes out at 5 p.m.). Call ahead for spring and late summer hours.

Peace Valley Boat Rental

• 264 Creek Road, New Britain

Driftwood Water Adventures at Tyler State Park

• 101 Swamp Road, Newtown
• Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last rental goes out at 5 p.m.)

Driftwood Water Adventures at Falls Park

• 9050 Mill Creek Road, Levittown
• May 30 – Aug. 30, Sunday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nature’s Way Canoe & Kayak

• Route 563 and 413, Ottsville
• Weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bucks County River Country

• 2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant
• Late spring weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and daily in the summer from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Delaware River Pedal & Paddle

• Upper Black Eddy
• Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon; weekends from 8 a.m. to noon. Must book in advance.

Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, economic development, community revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.