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‘s Included
Experienced Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking for your vehicle, Please contact us if you are using a vehicle in Auckland
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.
Options
See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fascinating tour.
MaryS L,
Oct 26, 2025
- 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
- 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 !
A short easy walk in the...
Susan B,
Oct 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00A short easy walk in the dark of course, through a bushy reserve to see glow worms and learn about their lives. Slightly muddy.
I would highly recommend...
John O,
Feb 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who doesn't have the time to make the trip to the glow worm caves but still wants to see the glow worms in the Auckland area. Our guide Kate was punctual, informative, friendly and enthusiastic about showing off the glow worms and the lovely nature park in which they are found. For a short trip, a lot was packed in and I would definitely do it again if I am back in Auckland.
Magical!
Lucy K,
Dec 28, 2024
- Viator
5.00My partner and our 8-year-old booked this for our last night in Auckland, and I’m so glad we did! It was absolutely magical to see the glow worms in a beautiful hidden forest! Kate was a wonderful guide, pointing out native bird calls and explaining local legends. We loved getting the experience from a local perspective, off the main tourist drag. There was even a friendly cat who joined us for part of the tour, offering a little furry affection. My 8-year-old was enchanted by the whole thing, and we were both amazed that such a magical forest exists so close to the city. It was a perfect way to end our stay in NZ.
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Operated by Locals New Zealand