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2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
The fascinating Te Anau caves system on the western shore of Lake Te Anau offers an underground adventure that charms visitors of all ages. This tour takes you to a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms.
Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children aged 0-15 must be booked with at least one adult.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
View glittering glowworms in an underground cave system.
Lake Te Anau
Take a scenic cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau on the luxury catamaran Luminosa to Cavern House on the lake's western shores.
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Lake cruise on Lake Te Anau
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
970 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sharon W,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
Very fun excursion. Catamaran ride to the caves, informative presentation & guided toyr through the caves, as well as on a small boat within the caves. Note: wear a hat or hoodie(lots of water rushing thru the caves & so lots of drips)& not a bad idea to have waterproof pants on, as seats on boat in the cave were quite wet. Also, there are about 3 or 4 spots where you have to bend way down to get under low hanging rock, so if this will be difficult for you, this trip isn't for you. FYI, I'm only 5'3" & I had to bend over by approx 45 degrees. But if none of that is an issue, it is a very cool excursion!
Debra M,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
A very unique experience that we thoroughly enjoyed. It exceeded our expectations and highly would recommend.
V3917OQmichael,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A truly magical inside the caves! And well conducted by all the staff. I recommend this adventure highly. A medium level of fitness is required.
Sarah K,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
Such a well organized, cool tour! Was awesome to walk through the caves and the glow worms are simply amazing! Great guides and an overall awesome tour! Highly recommend!
Robert D,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
Amazing! I love how the glowworms lit up the darkness inside the cave, just like stars and galaxies in the night sky.
cindynadineg,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
Wear something warm or wind proof depending on the time of day you go. Don't expect to take photos when inside the cave. Otherwise, this was a really cool experience for all ages.
katebJ6728KL,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A great trip. The boat ride across Lake Te Anau offered magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. When we arrived at the caves we saw a few glowworms but it was when we went in the boat in the cave that we saw hundreds of them all around us. It was magical and something I'd not experienced before visiting New Zealand.
634lanc,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A lovely family trip on cruise through magnificent landscapes of New Zealand to a very nice surprise little boat trip in the dark cape, seeing the most beautiful sparkling lights in the ceiling from the tiny glowing worms 😊 absolutely stunning and amazing experience. Highly recommended.


pepeeeeee,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I really enjoyed this trip. Boat ride was about 40 min one way, then short introduction, safety procedures and we started exploring the cave, divided into groups of 12. First 15 minutes we walked along the cave and then we embarked small boats to see glow worms in total darkness. That boat ride was very short, it was around 50-meters and up to 10 minutes. But that was kind of magical, other worldly experience, as we were in total darkness and in total silence, and the ceiling of the cave was enlightneded with thousands of these little shining animals. We were told that during our visit, number of glow worms was at its peak and as they grow bigger, they would fight for territory and their number may decrease. The Real NZ staff was super professional and knowlegable. Our guide was also very funny - big thank you to y'all! The benefit of this trip is that you can do it in the evening and regardless of the weather, so it may well fill some empty slots in your itinerary. The reason I rated it 4 stars is because it's not that level of experience as Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. But if you have spare time - dont hesitate.
Stephen B,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
Really cool I would go again next week, it was worth it for the boat ride alone but the caves are amazing
Operated by RealNZ