Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars.
An unique experience for all your senses.
Highlights
• Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing.
• New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness.
• Small group, relaxed atmosphere.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Minimum age is 6 years old
Supportive footwear such as trainers or hiking boots is recommended
This tour includes a 2 kilometer walk, a good level of fitness is require for all participants
Risk Disclosure: We operate a strict safety management system that is audited to New Zealand standards. It is important for you to be aware of the risk and hazards of this tour which are: Uneven grounds, tree roots, rocks and slippery surfaces that could result in slips, trips and falls causing injury / strains /sprains / or broken bones. Low light conditions, use torches / flashlights accordingly
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Rotorua
Our Nocturnal Glow-worm tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours and includes a 2 kilometer walk. We will depart from Rotorua in a minivan, small group (8 people). Depart times vary depending on season. Once there after a walk through the darkness of native bush you will be guided by the sound of running water. Soon towering banks will rise up around you. Then in this moment turn off your flashlight and you will not be disappointed. Literally thousands of glow worms lite up like night sky, forming their own constellations all around you. At any time of the year it is unlikely that the glow worms will be the only wildlife that you encounter. Wallabies and Possums patrol the area and their rustling, along with the eerie call of the morepork, will provide the sound effects for you night walk. Out of the forest the 'star' gazing is at is best on a clear dark night sky. Come along, soak up the atmosphere and learn about New Zealand's incredible night life.
What‘s Included
Light refreshments
Driver/guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Options
Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
Reviews
702 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing
juliehO4184MA,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour given by Stephen! Well explained and amazing views of Glow-worms , great photos taken, would highly recommended!
THE Glow-worm Experience
Freedom20332104199,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phantastic tour given by Stephen! Well explained and stunning views of Glow-worms as we have never seen it before - highly recommended!
A magical, fun night with great people
Kashmira P,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very well planned, and Stephen provided everything we needed to move through the dark forest comfortably and safely. He explained everything clearly, and pointed out beautiful natural phenomena all along the way. And because it had just rained, we got to see the glow worms extra bright!!! It was truly magical and stunning. I felt like I was in another world, maybe Pandora from Avatar. Stephen allowed pauses for us to take photos, and even gave us tips to capture the glow worms better. Even though I went alone, I felt safe and comfortable in the group. Everyone was kind and friendly, and Stephen is a great guide, and a natural comedian too haha. He even picked us up and dropped us off, which was so appreciated. And his wife made hot chocolate for us to enjoy at the end of the tour under the stars. I felt very well taken care of, and grateful to experience such stunning natural beauty that I've never seen before. I even made a new friend who I'm still in touch with. Stephen, thank you so much for one of the best nights of my life. It was like a dream.
Fantastic Glowworm Experience in Rotorua
D3285NTrobertb,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The glowworm tour in Rotorua, New Zealand, was simply fantastic. It was an impressive experience to see these fascinating glowworms up close. Our guide was excellent – he explained everything clearly and in a very interesting way, and showed us many exciting things that we probably would have missed otherwise. Overall, it was a wonderful tour and definitely an experience I can recommend to everyone.
Amazing experience and touching impressions during the glow worm tour
silkelindenberg,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen is an incredible guide as he is knowledgable , passionate and great care taker of the group. After a long day and rainy & cold conditions, we were reluctant about the evening event and came home full of wonderful and special impressions about Flora and Fauna in the forests of New Zealand. Strong recommendation to join this authentic tour.
Awesome!
Mulga-and-Shaz,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Opted for this more intimate forest walk rather than the more commercial caves options and am so happy with the choice. not only heaps of glow worms but an excellent informative and educational tour. The best!
Magical and educational glow worms
calverth2022,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magical and educational! Forest walk to see glow worms not in a cave! Learned so much more than just about glow worms. Amazing trip given by an experienced guide. Small group allowed experience to be more personal and fun. There is walking involved, so if you are physically challenged, pick a different glow work tour. Guide is English speaking, so if you don't understand English, don't pick this trip. I would do this experience once a year if I lived close. Highly recommend!
Great Way To See Gloworms Plus
Edward J,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You will see hundreds of gloworms. In addition you will have an nice hike through the reserve learning about the native trees and ferns. If it is a clear night, you will also see a sky full of stars. Stephen was very informative, enthusiastic, and personable.
A unique experience you shouldn't miss!
tomhendrican,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen did a great job teaching us about the geology. plants, and animals of the area and showing us all there was to see on our night walk - some animals (hedgehog, possum, wallaby); silver ferns; glowworms (ghag looked like the night sky!); waterfalls; hiw the forest grows and evolves. I would highly recommend this experience and would do it again! I do suggest hiking shoes rather than sneakers as there are a lot of tree roots and uneven footing!
Great Tour! More than just Glowworms!
Fred F,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best tours I've ever taken. Steven was so entertaining and informative. We were picked up promptly on time from our hotel lobby and we were given a wonderful description of our entire trip to the GlowWorm tour. But there was much more than just the glowworms. We saw a Wallaby on the drive in, and a possum on the way out. During the tour, Steven pointed out all sorts of wildlife and plant life. He even stopped for one of a kind photo opportunities that I would have never thought of. Highly recommended!
From NZ$125.00
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Operated by Real Rotorua