Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour
Overview
Available languages
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Lake cruise on Lake Te Anau
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Glowworms - Te Anau Departure
Reviews
956 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Go see the Glows!
Kathryn D,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was better than I expected! We had a nice boat ride to/from the island where the glow worm cave is. The tour was extremely well organized. We were broken into smaller groups with dedicated guides who were very knowledgeable. Then the groups rotate through "stations" like a nature walk and the boat trip into the caves with the glow worms. There were so many glow worms - it was just incredible. Wear a raincoat and something warm. You need to be comfortable with total darkness and some tight spaces. At the end of the tour we had a lecture on the glow worms with close up video that was fascinating. Highly recommend. The only bummer was NO PHOTOS allowed.
Totally worth it!
Ann M,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was windy and rainy and still totally worth the trip. Being on the boat going over was fun, and the caves are magical.
Amazing trip
Reerobr,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip and highly recommended. My family did this trip and all enjoyed it. It was very informative and the cave and glow worms were stunning, we will be back.
Well worth it.
Discover578457,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience from start to finish. Lovely time on the lake then the glow worm experience was unbelievable. Thoroughly recommend
Tour to glowworm caves in Te Anau
Matthias W,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Tour to glowworm caves starting in Te Anau. You first sail over the lake with beautiful views followed by a app. 30 minutes - 1 hour tour through the caves. The cave tour is amazing and you are guaranteed to see plenty of glowworms. Only downsides are the price and the fact that you must not take any pictures. This is a bit weird because with modern smartphones you could easily take pictures without disturbing anyone. Parts of the cave tour are pretty noisy. But all in all a great experience if you haven't seen glowworms before.
Excellent value and hugely informative
Sightsee62268541545,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning from beginning to end! The boat trip to the caves gave the guide the chance to fill us in about Lake Te Anua. The division into parties of twelve was filled with hot chocolate and information about glow worms!
Well worth the time and money!
Brad S,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic excursion! The boat ride was smooth and comfortable. Guides were very knowledgeable and friendly - especially appreciated the Canadian guide! Glow worms were so beautiful! Like looking into outer space on a very dark night!
Wonderful happy experience
Kym C,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Experienced friendly staff and very informative with regards to Glowworms They were happy to answer any questions asked
Magical glow worm experience. Even if you have done glow worms before, do this one.
Jacqueline B,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall, fantastic experience. The silent boat inside the cave is intense, and markedly more interesting than any of my previous glow worm experiences. Like everything with RealNZ, the timing is designed to maximise the number of people they can pump through. Quantity over quality. This means a fair bit of waiting around at different points. But overall, it’s worth it.
Great day out!
Y6561NRbenr,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Baby glow worms have hatched. Caves glowing best ever. Jaimie and Emmy giving a high quality energetic and nature connecting tour. Don’t miss a must do in Te Anau. Real immersive experience! Keegan was excellent, super friendly and insightful on the boat rides over
From NZ$129.00
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