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.
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.
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Lake cruise on Lake Te Anau
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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.
886 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
TaniaMaree B,
Oct 18, 2025
- Viator
Our trip to the caves started off good we had a lovely boat ride over to the caves then our walk into the caves was exciting and interesting the waterfall was nice. But our boat ride into the glow worms was very underwhelming there wasn’t many glow worms. We expected more after seeing this tour advertised. Not really worth the money.
Sandi H,
Oct 10, 2025
- Viator
Thrilling surreal experience. Loved the commentary as we travelled over Lake Te Anau. Very informative and excellent delivery. The guides over at the caves are obviously passionate about the glow worms. The actual guided walk was a memorable adventure.
Jeremy S,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
It was an amazing and informative experience getting to see the glow worms up close. The cruise was also very comfortable and engaging.
Georgia E,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
Advertisement felt misleading as the actual viewing of glow worms only goes for 10 minutes while the rest of the time was travel to and fro. Disclaimers were also not provided that the caves would be pitch black (picture shows the experience as being very light in the caves) and also that no photos were allowed either. Also would have preferred if the tea and coffee with presentation was given at the start.
Lizzie H,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
I didn’t know what to expect from this experience but it was better than I could have imagined! Not only did we get to see lots of glow worms, but we got to see a sunset cruise from the boat on the way to the cave, and then tour the cave itself which featured waterfalls. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and trustworthy - I felt very safe with them. They made an effort to guide us in smaller groups of 12 to make the experience feel personal. The glow worm tour itself was conducted in the dark (of course) and we were asked to be silent which meant the whole experience felt peaceful and meditative. I left feeling a sense of wonder and enchantment. You must do this if you are in Te Anau!
Operated by RealNZ