Lake Rotoiti Guided Hot Pools Kayak Trip

We had an unforgettable trip with Justin. The trip we were booked on didn't look like it was going to happen but Justin - without knowing it was a special trip for us - managed to change things around so the trip could go ahead. It was our 30 wedding anniversary and we wanted to do something memorable. This certainly was, a great trip from start to finish, a lovely paddle across the lake to the hot springs, time to relax and enjoy the springs and the lake, dinner cooked by Justin before paddling over to see the glow worms then a magic paddle back under the stars listening to Māori stories from Justin. Would highly recommend.

Highly recommend this tour. Fantastic activities with all fun along the paddle to reach to the beautiful geothermal pools and an extra to visit the cave of the glow worm. Our tour guider Justin who helps and demonstrates us about all kayak gears we needed and skill of the paddle. and he is a story teller. We learned lot of the local history and love story.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.