Mar 27, 2025
Highlight of our NZ trip! - Justin (or 'Teacher Justin' as my 2 year old would say) was absolutely amazing. We were a bit nervous about doing this with such a young one, but it couldn't have gone smoother. Justin paddled our toddler in the front of his double kayak and my wife and I took a single each. The paddle was beautiful and not overly strenuous. The hot tubs were magnificent. Very few people were there and the soak was magical. Our toddler had an ice cream and played in a 'hot sandpit' (natural hot springs flowing into the sand below). We are so glad we did it. Truly our favorite excursion of our two-week holiday in NZ. Couldn't recommend it more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 30, 2025
Amazing Adventure - This is one of the most amazing tours we have ever experienced and I would book it again in a heartbeat. We booked the River Rats Evening Kayaking Trip, it included kayaking across the lake, soaking in natural hot springs, dinner and a glow worm cave tour and it was all amazing. Justin was a fantastic guide, great historian, interesting story teller and wonderful cook. He is a person who has truly immersed himself in every aspect of New Zealand history and culture and shares it all during his tours. The kayak trip was so much fun and Justin made it easy by giving us helpful paddling tips. The hot spring pools were very relaxing with multiple pools from warm to really hot. Justin cooked us a delicious dinner and then we headed back out in the kayaks for a beautiful sunset on the lake, star gazing and the glow worm caves. The glow worms were incredible, such fascinating creatures and we learned so much information about them. The kayak trip back was so peaceful with Justin sharing stories about New Zealand history and the Māori people along the way. This was an amazing 6 hour evening tour and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. I want to give a special thank you to Justin for an unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 22, 2024
Great host! Worms spectacular. History bonus - Wow! Justin deserves kudos for making the trip fun, safe, and educational. Great swim spot, hot pools, and great. The worms showed up fully! He is a storyteller and apparently a history buff. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 19, 2024
Flexible, fun staff and amazing experience, thank you Lenny and Dave - Yesterday, my wife and I had to adjust our plans due to weather and instead of kayaking we went on the rafting tour w the same company. Justin was very patient throughout the process of helping us get the plans adjusted. Overall, the staff did a great job and were extremely engaging the whole trip. The rapids and waterfalls were intense, but both Lenny and Dave made us both feel at ease throughout, even though we capsized over the big falls 😂.
My wife has been whitewater rafting over a dozen times and this one was BY FAR her favorite experience.
Review provided by Viator
Nov 6, 2024
Great day on and in the water - Great day on and in the water-Justin our guide set a comfortable pace.
Just enough paddling for a nice workout. High recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 22, 2024
Magical ! - Amazing way to spend an afternoon and evening. Nice kayak trip across the lake, followed by a good soak in the hot pools - what a hidden little treasure! Followed by a tasty barbecue dinner - by chef Justin. Our guide, Justin, had lots of stories and historical facts about the area, so it wasn't all about exercise - thank you, Justin.
The return trip across the lake was magical: the sunset light, the glow-worms cave, the paddling under the moon and stars. An excursion to remember - we'll return for more of the same!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 6, 2023
Stunning scenery, great guide, - Justin the owner was up beat and welcoming. The equipment excellent and i structions clear. We set off at a good pace and went over to the hot springs that can only be reaches by boat or kayack and mid week we were the only people there. The bird life and scenery was spectacular and Justin told stories of Mauri battles and culture in a very entertainment fashion. I would highly recommend for an excellent 1/2 day trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 5, 2023
Well equipped and Friendly Concern - We weren’t sure of the weather and so brought layers etc. We were pleasantly surprised by the fact they really mean it when they say “ just bring a swimsuit and a towel.” They were well equipped for every weather contingency to make us warm, dry and comfortable. Bravo
The kayaking was doable even for 60 something’s. The hot springs marvelous and we even made a short detour to a cave where we all actually saw some glow worms. Extra treat for us. Thank you J! Who also was very knowledgeable and amused us with Māori legends and local tales.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 21, 2022
Best Kayak tour in Rotorua - Best kayak hot pool experience! Knowledgeable, awesome views, relaxing spa pools. Homemade BBQ. Perfect!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 7, 2023
Great guide, lovely scenery but half hot pools closed which we were not advised of at any time. - Great friendly and informative guide, beautiful scenery, and good weather for kayaking. Hot pool venue is great with a little snack shop. On weekdays not busy usually so place was mostly to ourselves! Great views from the hot pools and lovely beach.
Marked down as 50% of hot pools not available as being cleaned, which we were not advised of at all (booking or on the day). However overall great experience! Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor