5.0 · 15 reviews
G7214UJalexs
March 2024
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!
L384ERelizabethf
November 2023
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.
364CherylB
November 2023
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!
kshero
March 2023
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.
XIAO X
December 2022
Best kayak hot pool experience! Knowledgeable, awesome views, relaxing spa pools. Homemade BBQ. Perfect!
flyingkiwi23
October 2022
I found this very well run, everyone was put at ease. Justin made it fun for my 10 year old and the caves were a winner. The hot pools were magical.
Quest31966272039
October 2022
Great morning out in the kayaks, the Hot Pools were fabulous and jumping off pier in to the cold water definitely got the blood pumping. Justin was a great guide. Thanks for the showing us this gorgeous piece of paradise.
Max T
September 2022
Friendly and informative guide. Hot pools were so good and plenty of different temperatures to suit - along with the refreshing dip in the lake, optional :-)
Bev C
September 2022
We both enjoyed this kayaking adventure - informative helpful guide Justin did an awesome tour for us - thoroughly enjoyed the day
CM00899
July 2022
Highly recommend this tour, Justin was our guide who picked us up and got us kitted out so we didn’t have to worry about our clothes getting wet. We learned all about the local area and history. The hot pools were amazing, a really beautiful quiet spot on the lake and not too cold for winter!
doncF1513IN
June 2022
Justin was wonderful. Very informative about local culture and excellent tour guide. Nice stop at the hot springs. Everything exactly and stated and more than expected from the experience.
NgaireEm
June 2022
We were already impressed before we arrived, as Justin always answered the phone, no matter what time we called, and gave useful advice. The trip was a cool and unique experience and Justin was a great guide with heaps of interesting information. We would definitely recommend this to others.
fmcfadyen2
May 2022
Had a great paddle, weather was not brilliant but made the hot pools even better when we got there, even saw some glow worms on the way back. Great stories from our guide along the way. Highly memorable experience overall!
Roving52437001694
January 2022
Awesome trip with our guide Justin. Leisurely kayak across Lake Rotoiti to the hot pools with a stop off to see the glow worms cave on the return trip. Second time we have used this company, fully recommended and will use again. Thanks Justin and good luck.
Rynoftw
December 2021
Great experience with a nice touch of New Zealand history. Excellent guide with good equipment made for a fantastic morning even in the rain.
Duckywhanau
June 2021
This was a really fun experience that the family loved doing together. Justin kindly agreed to go out with us even during some pretty spectcular rain. The hot pools on the other side of the lake are just amazing and perfect for a winter day. Justin is a knowledgeable and experienced guide with a good knowledge of the area. I'd recommend this experience to anyone!
help_me
January 2019
As a strictly indoors family I was a little hesitant at the start having never kayaked before, neither had my daughters. But with Rachael's expert guidance, experience and good sense of humour we had a fantastic night, managing the kayaking just fine in rougher than ideal conditions. The hot springs were fantastic with temperatures to suit everyone and the view over looking the lake was magic and meant I could watch the kids jumping off the pier from my chosen pool. The return trip was on sunset and then under an almost full moon and a sky full of stars, the glow worm cave was cozy but great to see. An unforgettable experience that we would all love to do again. We can't recommend it enough 😀, thank you Rachel and the River Rats team
paige h
January 2018
There were several mix-ups regarding our reservation, but that didn't affect our incredible time with the River Rats. The owner ended up taking our family of 7 back early because we were placed in the wrong group. The two guides were so insightful and knowledgable of the lake, hot springs, New Zealand, and many more topics. I would definitely recommend River Rats for adventure lovers!! It's not easy paddle :)

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