Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
- Journey into the fascinating Te Anau Glowworm Caves on this half day tour
- Explore the caves' complicated limestone passages, whirlpools, and an underground waterfall
- Ride a small boat and visit a grotto that’s inhabited by thousands of glowworms
- Discover this geological wonder safely with your English-speaking tour guide
- Check out other Real NZ products [here] https://www.realnz.com/en/experiences/ including rafting, the world famous Earnslaw and experiences to Milford and Doubtful Sounds
What to Expect from Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour
Hop on a scenic cruise vessel and travel to the Glowworm Caves of New Zealand's Lake Te Anau on this half day tour! With your English-speaking tour guide, explore its complex limestone passages, see its many whirlpools, and marvel at its roaring underground waterfall. Learn about this relatively-young geological waterfall including its fascinating history. The tour concludes on a boat ride that will take you to a hidden grotto where thousands of glowworms live. Be amazed by the unique and natural glow that they display.





Reviews
Reviews summaryWorth the journey to have a look at the glow worms in pitch black darkness. The boat ride is about 45 mins each way. The walk into the cave wasn't that far as highlighted. The guides were excellent and friendly, providing entertaining explanations on the cave and the glow worms.
The event was completely beyond expectations. Since photography and photography are prohibited in the Glowworm Cave, most of the information I could see beforehand was only text descriptions. I was dubious about how spectacular it was. I was very moved after actually participating! The check-in location is easy to find. It is near the Takahe statue, the landmark of Te Anau. You can stop by to take photos and take a boat to the glowworm cave. Because photography is prohibited in the cave, photos taken during the ride are provided. The staff will explain the precautions before entering the cave. It is simple and clear. After entering the cave, you will be amazed by the special landforms in the cave, such as undercurrents, stalactites, etc. You are even lucky enough to see wild eels. After you get on the boat and turn off the lighting, It was completely dark before my eyes, and then I saw dots of fireflies that looked like blue stars. In order to avoid sound interference, the whole process of watching fireflies is kept quiet, and the staff will not explain aloud. After watching, go back indoors to drink hot drinks, and then listen to the staff's explanations, paired with videos and vivid introductions, so that tourists can not only watch Go to the mysterious glowworm cave and get to know this special creature.
Tours in the cave are divided into small groups, with the minimal impact to the environment. No photos nor videos allowed in the cave, just bear in mind.
This trip exceeded our expectations! it was an amazing and unusual opportunity to go deep inside a cave system and observe glowworms. It was well organised and informative with small groups of 12 people being taken by a guide into the cave on a small boat. Our guide, Lucy, was excellent - she spoke clearly so everyone could hear, and was interesting and knowledgeable. The boat trip to and from the caves was also enjoyable and the views of Lake Te Anau were beautiful - we were lucky to have perfect weather! I would definitely recommend the Glowworm Cave Tour. It’s not allowed to take photos inside the caves, so the pictures are only of the journey to and from the caves..
Embarking on a Glow Worm tour with RealNZ is like stepping back in time to a world straight out of a fairy tale. Exploring a cave formed over 35 million years ago, encountering thousands of twinkling glow worms, and being guided by an exceptional tour guide made this experience truly unforgettable. From the moment I descended into the depths of the cave, I was immediately struck by its otherworldly beauty. Stalactites and stalagmites adorned the cavern walls, creating an ethereal atmosphere that felt both ancient and timeless. RealNZ's attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the tour, from safety to comfort, was meticulously handled, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the encounter with the glow worms. As our knowledgeable guide explained, these luminescent creatures create a magical spectacle as they emit a soft, blue-green light to attract prey. Walking through the cavern illuminated only by the glow of these tiny creatures was a mesmerizing experience, transporting me to a realm of wonder and enchantment. Speaking of our guide, their passion for the cave and its inhabitants was infectious. Their expertise and enthusiasm brought the cave to life, as they shared captivating stories about its formation, the ecology of the glow worms, and the history of the area. Their warmth and humor added an extra dimension to the tour, making it not only educational but also highly enjoyable. Overall, my Glow Worm tour with RealNZ was a journey into a mystical world that exceeded all expectations. From the ancient beauty of the cave to the mesmerizing glow of the worms and the exceptional guidance of our tour guide, every moment was filled with wonder and awe. If you're looking for a truly magical experience that will leave you spellbound, I highly recommend embarking on a Glow Worm tour with RealNZ.
The whole itinerary is more interesting than expected, especially for those who have never seen fireflies. At the beginning, we will take a boat to Glowworm Cave. The scenery along the way is already beautiful. After arriving, there will be a simple hot drink provided, and someone will explain the background of the cave and what the glowworm is. After that, it will take you into a cave to see fireflies for real. When you enter the middle of the cave, you will get on a small boat, then turn off all the lights, and watch the fireflies quietly. This scene is like seeing the sky full of stars up close, it's really beautiful. A guide is like Disney fantasy but in real.
amazing, a very good experience uniquely in New Zealand. learned the difference between glowworm and firefly.
well arranged your. good explanations. punctual departure. The small boat itself definitely help to get closer to the falls.
No photos allowed inside the cave, nonetheless good experience and first time seeing glowworms! It was cold there so remember to bring warm clothes
After checking in at the pier, we took a boat to the island. We happened to choose a time close to sunset, and the scenery from the boat was incredibly beautiful. You could walk to the outdoor area of the boat to enjoy the views. Upon arriving at the island, we were briefly divided into groups, and then each group was led away to be briefed on the precautions for entering the cave. The cave's topography was very unique and eye-opening, but be aware that some areas require you to bend or duck your head and protect your head for safety. There will be water on the ground, and no photos are allowed inside. It's recommended not to take anything out and to hold onto the handrails tightly to avoid slipping. When entering the cave by small boat, you need to be very quiet and eliminate all light sources. If you have any electronic devices that emit light, it's best to put them away before entering the cave. Inside, you can't see anything except the fireflies. Keep your bag zippers closed. After seeing the fireflies, we went to a small cabin for an explanation of their habits, which was excellent. However, after this, you need to head straight back to the boat. The overall experience was great, but the time spent on the island felt a bit rushed, which was a shame. If you need to use the restroom, it's recommended to go after seeing the fireflies, while everyone is in the cabin getting drinks, otherwise, you won't have enough time. On the way back at night, you can see a sky full of stars from the boat, making for a very beautiful and memorable experience.
Good to know
What To Wear:
- Non-slip shoes or boots
- Waterproof jackets and warm sweaters or fleece jackets
What To Bring:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
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