Join Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty for a gentle sunset kayak tour to the spectacular Gloworm Canyon.
Soak up the atmosphere, peace and tranquility of this hidden treasure in the Bay of Plenty.
Only accessible by kayak, this is truly a unique and magical experience you will never forget. Setting off just before sunset, enjoy the beauty of Lake McLaren, part of the McLarens Falls Park, as we paddle up the lake and through native bush where the threatened North Island Brown Kiwi can be found, along with many other native species.
Listen to the Tui's and the Pukeko's with their distinctive calls and enjoy the peaceful calm of the lake. Travelling up the lake we track up one on the tributaries that leads in to the lake, enjoy the native fauna and flora, including the NZ Silver Fern which is almost luminscent in the dark. The rocky sides steepen and as the light fades we queitly paddle towards the Canyon. We enter quietly so we don't disturb the glow worms and gently drift in to the Canyon to view the night time spectacle of hundreds of glimmering lights dotted around the Canyon walls.
Whilst enjoying the magical canyon our guide will tell you all about the life cycle of the gloworms before leaving and heading out in the dark back down the lake with our torches on, gently illuminating the way before returning to the shore to enjoy the FREE hot drinks and chocolates we provide.
Photos are FREE - we will take as many photos as possible during the trip and we will email you after the tour to view and download them from our facebook page. Please note that once it gets very dark it is very difficult to get any images.
Fully guided by qualified kayak instructors.
The tour is approx. 1.5hrs long on the water (3hrs return trip including transport)
This tour is suitable for children 8yrs+ although younger children are welcome if the conditions are suitable (each child must be accompanied by an adult)
No experience is necessary but a level of fitness is required.
Double sea kayaks, paddles, paddle jackets and personal flotation devices (pfd's) are provided.
It is recommended that you wear warm clothing and avoid cotton clothing.
Tours are run on demand for minimum of 2 adults
This tour operates throughout the year in fair weather conditions:
Nov - March 7 days a week
April - Oct Mon - Sat, closed Sundays
Please contact Canoe & Kayak BOP if you are in any doubt as to whether it will be running.
Bookings should be made in advance or on the day before (or by 2pm at the latest on the day if there is space).
PRICE:
Adults $89pp
Children $69pp
Our tours are ranked #1 in the Bay of Plenty by www.rankers.co.nz independent reviews for travellers
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You can also make your booking over the phone on: 07 5747415
or email us at bop@canoeandkayak.co.nz Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty, 3/5 MacDonald Street, Mount Maunganui 3116
Transport:
We run a shuttle service from our shop in MacDonald Street to our tours. Departure times above relate to the leaving times of this bus from the shop.
Alternatively we can arrange to collect you if you are staying in Mount Maunganui or Tauranga city centre depending on availability of space. Please ensure you confirm at point of booking whether you will meet us at the shop, require collection or will meet us at directly at the Lake.
Meeting Us There If you have transport and wish to meet us at the lake please ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to paddle departure. If you are late the tour will depart without you. From Tauranga it takes about 25-30 minutes. Get on to State Highway 29, which is the main road to Hamilton from Tauranga and follow for several kilometres out of town. You will travel alongside and then over the Wairoa River, the highway rises, dips and rises again.You will see a brown sign for McLaren Falls Park, turn left opposite the sign into McLaren Falls Road. Follow the narrow road down and over the impressive Wairoa River Waterfall, (stop for photos if you have time) and continue up the road. After a tight harepin bend turn in to the layby on the left or the right and we will meet you there before entering the lake grounds. Please see map below.
Shop Directions
MacDonald Street is just off Hewlitts Road by the fly-over in the Omanu area of Mount Maunganui.The shop is about 500m on the left hand side set back off the road. Please see map below:
