Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour

Take a guided canyon kayak tour in the daytime, on the Waikato River. Learn the history of the submerged village and enjoy the serenity of being on the water.

Paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years.

BOOK NOW!

Duration

3 hrs

Age

5 years +

Tour Price

From $119 p/p

Activity Grade

Easy

A relaxing family-friendly adventure where you paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream, through the spectacular canyon that has been carved out by water over hundreds of years, and over the submerged Horahora village.

This guided kayak tour begins at our base on Horahora Road as we paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karāpiro and over the submerged village and power station that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields.

Enjoy the serenity as your guide explains Horahora’s unique history, before entering the canyon where ferns and trees drape over you and birdsong surrounds.

BOOK NOW

Need to know

We recommend that you bring layers of clothing, preferably merino. We do not recommend wearing jeans as they get very cold when wet.
To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we provide you with overpants, splash jackets and wet shoes.
There is a changing area at our base where you can layer up before embarking on the guided kayak tour tour. We also have secure storage facilities where you can leave any additional belongings.
Cameras / phones are okay.
min 4 people required to run a tour.

Tour time

October to March: 9:30am and 1:30pm.

April to September: 11.30am

Tour info

Bookings are essential
Minimum numbers apply
Minimum age is 5 years
All children under 15 years are to be accompanied by a capable adult
Double kayaks are used on tours (if your group is an odd number, you may be required to share with a person from another group)
Tour size ranges from 4 - 24 people
Alcohol and smoking is not permitted.
Prices valid until 30 September 2025

Itinerary Timings

Arrive & check-in– Arrive at our base and check in and get fitted with your gear. You will be sent a text message the day of your tour confirming the exact time of check in.

Safety briefing & setup – Meet your guides for a safety briefing and basic paddling instruction before heading out.

Paddle across Lake Karapiro – Begin with a gentle paddle along the lake edge, passing the submerged Horahora Dam while your guide shares local history.

Enter the Pokaiwhenua Stream – Paddle into the sheltered canyon surrounded by native bush and birdlife. Continue upstream (approx. 1–1.15 hours / 1.5km)

Stretch & explore – There’s an opportunity to step out of your kayak, stretch your legs, and hear more about the history of the area before continuing. Stop for a 30-minute break..

Return to base – Retrace your path as you drift quietly back down the stream Continue your relaxed paddle back to base, taking in the peaceful atmosphere.(approx. 45 minutes). covering around 3km in total.