Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour | New Zealand
- Take a scenic boat trip across Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in South Island
- Witness hundreds of glowworms illuminate pitch-dark limestone caves
- Adventure during the day or night depending on your itinerary
- Travel in a small group and enjoy quality services from an experienced guide
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Firefly watching, Eco-tourism |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Walking |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
- Due to a large number of visitors, please provide 2-3 alternative time slots at the time of booking. The confirmed final time will be sent to you and displayed on the voucher
- This tour is suitable for all ages with exception of infants
- Children under 5 years old are not allowed to participate in this tour
- Absolute silence and lights-out are required inside the caves as glowworms are sensitive to lights and noise
- Please be advised that this tour entails extensive walking and travelers may need to bend down at the entrance and certain areas of the caves
What To Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (non-slip)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm clothing (8 - 12ºC cave temperature)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen/ sunglasses
- Camera (note: photography and video filming are not permitted inside the cave)
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Cave temperature is between 8–12ºC; waterproof jackets and warm clothes are recommended for this tour
Please wear non-slip footwear, boots, or shoes fit for walking as certain areas of the caves are slippery
Travelers may bring sunscreen and insect repellent
Travelers who suffer from motion sickness are recommended to take proper precautions in advance (i.e. medication)
Please arrive before the designated meeting time; travelers who arrive late will not be able to participate in the tour and refunds will not be granted
Photography and filming are prohibited inside the glowworm caves
Please keep valuables with you at all times. KKday or the local agency will not be liable for any loss or damages that occur during the tour
Please refer to your voucher for exact information
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves typically lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The experience includes a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side, followed by a guided walk through intricate limestone passages. The highlight is a silent boat ride into the grotto, where hundreds of glowworms illuminate the dark cave ceiling, creating a mesmerizing display.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer a distinctive experience due to their geological features and access method. Visitors journey across Lake Te Anau by boat, then explore the active underground river system on foot and via a small punt. This intimate tour showcases intricate limestone formations and a dense glowworm display, distinguishing it from other caves that might feature different geological structures or broader visitor access.
Glow worms are a natural phenomenon present year-round, so the Te Anau Glowworm Caves can be visited at any time. The visibility of the glow worms is not significantly affected by the season, as the cave environment maintains stable conditions. However, the warmer months from spring to autumn (September to May) may offer more comfortable weather for the scenic boat trip across Lake Te Anau.
Visitors to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves embark on a multi-faceted adventure. It begins with a picturesque cruise across Lake Te Anau. Inside the caves, you'll walk through a labyrinth of limestone passages carved by an underground river, witnessing impressive rock formations. The tour culminates in a serene boat ride through a grotto where thousands of glowworms create a magical, star-like illumination in the darkness, all guided by an experienced professional.
To reach the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, visitors must take a guided tour that departs from the RealNZ Visitor Centre on the lakefront in Te Anau town. The caves are situated on the western shore of Lake Te Anau and are only accessible by boat. The scenic cruise across the lake is an integral and enjoyable part of the journey to the caves.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer a truly captivating and memorable experience. The unique combination of a scenic boat trip across the pristine Lake Te Anau, exploring an ancient limestone cave system with an active underground river, and witnessing the breathtaking natural illumination created by hundreds of glowworms, makes it an exceptional natural wonder. The guided small group tours enhance the experience with expert insights into the caves' geology and ecology.
Yes, guided tours to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves typically offer multiple departure times throughout the day, providing flexibility for visitors' itineraries. Both daytime and evening tour slots are usually available. Since the glowworms thrive in complete darkness inside the caves, their brilliant display is equally impressive regardless of the time of day you choose to visit.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are characterized by their intricate limestone geology, shaped over thousands of years by the powerful flow of an underground river. This active river continues to carve and transform the cave system. The dark, damp, and sheltered environment within these caves provides an ideal habitat for the Arachnocampa luminosa, commonly known as glow worms, which produce their unique bioluminescent light.
Get Help
