Private Tour
See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We’ve been tracking and monitoring a thriving colony of bush glow worms for a while now and they are magnificent, strange and magical all at the same time! Our unique species of glow worm lights up after dark like the stars to attract it's prey, it's very special.
The atmosphere is pretty electric in there as we first allow our eyes become accustomed to the dark before we walk past and hear running water close by and then it's just us, and the glow worms.
The luminescent larval is endemic to these shores, so it's a one off for most at a very cool piece of native forest. This local bush reserve is to remain a secret, phones are turned off. You may even be asked to wear a blind fold on route. This is an exceptionally sensitive area. Thanks for your help preserving this. This is an easy flat bush walk, you will not be on a boat
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please let us know prior to booking if you are visually impaired or have trouble getting around so we can make sure this experience is right for you.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Auckland
We take a 25 minute car ride to a secret forest, in Auckland, to view the glow worms in their natural habitat. This is a unique experience to go visit and hang out with real life glow worms without even leaving the city. We go in small groups, we are very careful where we tread and what we touch, it’s an intimate and special experience every time. It is an easy 30 minute walk around a unique section of bush teeming with Glow Worms, led by your guide by torch light. You'll see glow worms and experience native New Zealand bush and it's wildlife by night.
What‘s Included
Experienced Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking for your vehicle, Please contact us if you are using a vehicle in Auckland
Options
See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An incredible forest...
Barbara W,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An incredible forest experience where we saw so many glowworms! We learned so much about them. And standing under the giant silver ferns was so memorable!
Glow worms is a must do in Auckland
Betty F,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our glowworms tour was amazing. Our tour guide was very punctual and knew a lot about the glowworms. This tour is highly recommended for anyone coming to Auckland
Glow worms in Auckland
Reyes P,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I can’t say enough about how wonderful this tour was. Kate was amazing from start to finish. She was extremely knowledgeable, warm and friendly. The experience itself was incredible. Felt like I was in another world. Absolutely worth every penny. I loved it.
10/10 Experience
Brittney A,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kate was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The glow worms were absolutely amazing and it was great to not have to travel too far outside of Auckland to see them. Would recommend this tour to everyone!!
Grear experience
megmar27,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience. It was smaller yesterday very impressive. It was like seeing them in the wild versus is a zoo in the more touristy spot Guide was very personable and dropped us off at hotel instead of origination point
Hundreds of Glow Worms in the woods
Jane J,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kate was amazing, so passionate about nature, and ecosystems. The tour was on a nature trail, magical to see. +10 must do
Glow worms without the drive
Elizabeth C,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to experience glow worms without have to drive hours out of Auckland. Kate was amazing, super friendly and knowledgable.
Seeing the glow worms was...
MICHAEL L,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Seeing the glow worms was unforgettable! We booked last minute, and a couple of hours was the perfect amount of time. Our guide, Kate, was enjoyable—knowledgeable and full of fun surprises along the way. Highly recommend!
Fascinating tour.
MaryS L,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Liz was an extraordinary guide. She knows the woods like the back of her hand even in the dark. We learned so much and got to experience a unique natural phenomenon. Great tour!!
Magical !
Elizabeth E,,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We feel very lucky to have seen the glow worms in this environment. Our guide Kate picked us up in the city and we had an easy walk into the area where the glow worms are located. We had optimal viewing conditions, new moon, cloud cover, and there had been good conditions for the glow worms. Kate was very knowledgeable and is really invested in creating and maintaining an environment for the glow worms to have an area in the city to thrive. We saw other native flora and fauna as well and heard the tiny native owl calling in the forest. Seeing glow worms was one of my must dos visiting NZ, and this experience exceeded my expextations with a fabulous display of many glow worms in a peaceful forest setting. Highly recommend !
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Operated by Locals New Zealand