Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

2 hours 15 minutes • Admission Included

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.

Admission Not Applicable

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

4.48

1,005 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

691

196

Rushing water in cave while experiencing a dark sky of glow worms
shomisaraj,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great evening with RealNZ guides as we traveled through lake Te Anau and walked through this unique cave system w rushing water below us and glow worms above us! Highly recommend this activity in the Te Anau area.
We visited as a group of...
Abhijeet V,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We visited as a group of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) and all loved it. The glowworm experience in the caves is magical and the educational video afterward about the glowworm lifecycle was fascinating. The ferry ride also has great views. The guide was entertaining. Highly recommended.
Search if it is the best option
Kathia M,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
It's a well-organized walk. The boat gives us a beautiful view of the area, but we found the cave less interesting than expected
Fun tour!
deborah c,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A truly unique experience. Right on schedule. Well run tour. All employees we interacted with were wonderful. The glow worms were fun to see and learn about.
Highly recommended
M6420LWjohno,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very well organised Boat staff and cave guides were excellent. Gloworms were stunning. Viewing them from the little punt boat in total darkness was wonderful. Highly recommend this tour
Awesome Glow Tour
Eva H,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful tour, not only for the glow worms, but also for the waterfalls, cave, and boat ride across the lake. Very interesting tour, highly recommend it. Not very suitable for those with mobility problems, as quite a few stairs. Guide was terrific🤗
Very unique experience....
Mudita B,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very unique experience. Loved the walk in the caves and learning about the Glow worms . The tour team was very helpful.
Very crowded, but well-organized
ne0lac,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
A very commercial, crowded activity, but well-organized. If this is your only opportunity to see glow worms, then do it. A large, comfortable boat takes you across the lake to the cave, which would be impressive even without the glow worms, as a river with waterfalls (with well-placed lighting) rushes through the various parts (unfortunately, making the guides' commentary impossible to hear). The actual glow worm cavern, which you traverse by boat) is much quieter, but there's no talking (or photos), so as not to disturb them. Luckily, there's a presentation in a comfortable, heated building (with hot cocoa) at the end, where you can ask questions and see various exhibits. Several large groups were in the caves at the same time, making for very crowded conditions on the many walkways and stairs, but this could have been because we were there during the height of the summer holidays. As our boat was leaving, another full one was coming in - at 10:00 at night.
Not worth the time or the money.
Stephen F,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00
Taking pictures is not allowed, but none of the literature spells this out in advance. There is not nearly as many glowworms in the cave as is advertised. We were told that in December, there was only about two handfuls of glowworms. Even on February 15, the glowworms were sparse. The glow worms numbers are determined by the lifecycle of the glowworm. We felt that this was well over sold and in reality we would skip this, had we known what it was like. We saw other travelers pictures of different glowworm caves that were much better and they were allowed to take pictures.
A unique and interesting experience, not to be missed
pl741,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour was an unexpected delight. The boat trip over to the caves was great, with interesting and amusing commentary along the way. The glow worm cave was like nothing we have ever seen, the amount of water rushing through the cave was amazing and very loud. The small group boat ride through the cave to view the glow worms was fascinating to behold. The presentation and narrative that followed was informative and entertaining. Thanks to all of RealNZ team for a great and unique experience.