Riverside Adventures Waikato: Explore on land and on water

Did you know that Lake Karapiro near Matamata is a lake not for natural reasons but because it’s a dam that helps keep Auckland’s electricity up and running?

That’s just one of many facts you’ll learn on a tour with Riverside Adventures. Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Karapiro, about a 20-minute drive from both Matamata and Cambridge, the Waikato River Trail passes right past them as well. The perfect location to base yourself for an active day of biking and kayaking.

Bike or walk Waikato River Trail

The Karapiro Section of the Waikato River Trail is 12km one way and is graded at Level 2 – 3 (easy – intermediate). It’s a shared trail which means you can either walk or bike it as you please.

Bring your own bike, hire one from Riverside Adventures (they have regular bikes and e-bikes) and off you go. For one way trips, you can hop on their shuttle or just do the 24km return ride.

Guided bike tours are available as well for those who like learning more about the river trail.

Relax your legs sitting at the lake or going for a swim before heading back to Riverside Adventures for your next experience.

Lake Karapiro Glow worm kayaking

Silently gliding past the millions glow worms in the dark is hands-down one of the most magical things you’ll ever do!

Starting from Riverside Adventure’s base, you’re kitted out for your kayaking outing (= warm, rainproof outer clothing in winter, and of course your kayaks and paddles). The kayaking is tour is easy and doesn’t require special fitness.

You start in the evening when it’s still light (departures depend on sunset times). After a short paddle on the lake, you turn off and up a quiet stream between moss-covered cliffs. At the top of the kayakable part of the stream, you’ll take a snack break and wait for darkness before silently floating down the stream again, past the mossy walls that suddenly sparkle with galaxies of glow worms. True magic!

Click here to read more about the magic of Lake Karapiro glow worm kayaking

PS: You can also explore the canyon by day, either by renting a kayak and see for yourself or by joining one of the daytime tours of the canyon. You won’t see any glow worms that way but the Jurassic feel is still worth your time.

With Weekend Getaways NZ, you’ll get 10% off all of the Riverside Adventure products, bikes, kayaks and tours. Just go to their website and enter WGNZ10 when you book.

Make it a weekend getaway to the Waikato

Don’t feel like driving back to Auckland or wherever you stay after a long and active day? Why not stay in charming Cambridge or Matamata for the night? You could visit Hobbiton the next day, for example, or ride the Cambridge jet boat.

Message us and we’re happy to tailor a weekend to your wishes!