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 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!
Amazing and Unique
debbiegM5596PG,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steven picked us up at our accommodation promptly and provided the most interesting and unique nighttime tour to the glow worms. He provided equipment we needed to have the best experience. We are so glad we chose this tour. Steven introduced us to the plants along the walk & took some amazing pictures. When we completed our walk, we were treated to a delightful starry sky & Steven identified the constellations & satellites as we enjoyed The hot cocoa he provided. We highly recommend this tour.
Personal tour let by enthusiast.
Cakebreadt,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic personal tour let by Stephen. A real enthusiast. He is very knowledgeable and limits the numbers to 8. You really get to find out about glow worms but also the flora and fauna.
Five Star “Glowing” Review
lynnmE2358HT,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Have just come back from the Nocturnal Adventure Glow-worm Tour with Stephen. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience - we not only saw loads of glow-worms but Stephen told us many more interesting facts about the forest. We were in a group of 6 people which was much more preferable to some of the large tours we have done in the past. We would highly recommend this Tour!
Highly enjoyable and unique experience
ktrehub,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly unique experience that exceeded expectations. Learned a lot of fun science while enjoyed our host Stephen’s humor and expertise. Great experience all around!
From NZ$125.00
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