Nature & Wildlife
Hiking & Walking
Family-friendly Tours
Small Group Tours
Half-Day Tours
When the Forest Comes Alive After Dark
There’s something completely different about entering New Zealand’s native bush once daylight disappears. Equipped with a torch, you’ll follow your guide along a forest trail as your eyes adjust to the darkness and the sounds of the night become more noticeable. Along the way, your guide shares insights into the surrounding environment and the tiny glow-worms that create one of the forest’s most enchanting natural displays.
The walk covers approximately two kilometres over uneven terrain, adding a gentle sense of adventure to the evening without turning it into a demanding hike. With departure times adjusted throughout the year to follow seasonal sunset times, each tour is timed to experience the forest after dark. Lasting around two to three hours, it’s an atmospheric way to experience another side of Rotorua beyond its famous geothermal landscapes.
- See glow-worms in a natural forest setting
- Walk through native bush after dark
- Listen for nocturnal wildlife along the trail
- Learn about glow-worms from an experienced guide
- Experience the atmosphere of the forest at night
- Join a guided two-kilometre walk near Rotorua
- Suitable footwear
- Water
- Clothing appropriate for the current season.
- We'll supply the torches.
- The evening begins with an arranged Rotorua pick-up or confirmed meeting instructions. After reaching the forest track, your guide provides a torch and outlines the route and conditions.
- The two-kilometre walk crosses uneven ground in low light, so suitable footwear, balance and a reasonable level of fitness are important. Along the way, your guide shares information about glow-worms and the surrounding nocturnal environment.
- Adult: 16 years +
- Children: 6-15 years
- Minimum Age: 6 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
- Within 24 hours before departure: No refund
Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*
