Excellent experience ! Kids and parents loved it !
48 hours (approx.)
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
From
NZD $824
Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Queenstown, New Zealand
Top-Rated Reviews
4.80 (66) ReviewsAlexandre Comtois
Ceri Creffield
Really enjoyed this. Boat journey was very scenic. The approach to the cave was very atmospheric and the cave was impressive - no rock formations as such but a striking waterfall and river. The glow worms were magical. I loved the reflections in the water. If I have any criticism, it was that at times, being hearing-impaired, it was hard to catch what was being said, especialy above the roaring water. Also felt a bit rushed at times.
Jacqui Evans
Excellent tour, well organised and informative. Our guide Genevieve was great, friendly and informative. Highly recommend
- Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us!
- Beautiful scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the caves entry point
- Admire the glow worms in pitch black darkness
- Learn about rock formations, cave networks, and Maori legends
- View limestone passages with whirlpools and underground waterfalls
- Learn about the unique flora of the region on an optional forest experience
- Guided tour through the caves
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau. At the entry to the caves, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you head underground. On the tour of the caves, your friendly guide will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. The caves are 12,000 years old which by geological standards is still very young and they are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Departure info
Trips to the Glowworm Caves depart from the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.
- In the event of a cancellation or amendment to your booking, refunds will only be granted when The Operator receives notification at least 24 hours prior to departure date.
- Please note that a reasonable agility level is necessary as some bending is required due to low cave entrances and steps being involved
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair passengers or heeled shoes
- This tour is not suitable for infants
- Light refreshments are available to purchase from the Cavern House and on the cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available.
- Please be at the meeting point to check in at least 20 minutes prior to the departure time.
- Photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave.
- Some bending is required at the cave entrance and steps are involved.
- Recommend non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket
Customer Reviews
4.80
Total Reviews and rating
Alexandre Comtois
Excellent experience ! Kids and parents loved it !
Ceri Creffield
Really enjoyed this. Boat journey was very scenic. The approach to the cave was very atmospheric and the cave was impressive - no rock formations as such but a striking waterfall and river. The glow worms were magical. I loved the reflections in the water. If I have any criticism, it was that at times, being hearing-impaired, it was hard to catch what was being said, especialy above the roaring water. Also felt a bit rushed at times.
Jacqui Evans
Excellent tour, well organised and informative. Our guide Genevieve was great, friendly and informative. Highly recommend
Huai-Ching Liu
Excellent experience! Friendly and helpful tour guide. Amazing views inside the cave!
Lucas Smith
The glowworms felt like nature’s own light show—so surreal and peaceful. I loved how the tour started with a boat ride across the lake, adding to the adventure. Organizing everything was simple, and I left the caves feeling completely awestruck by nature’s creativity.
Ethan Johnson
I’d heard about the glowworm caves in Te Anau, but seeing them in person was something else. The boat ride across the lake was beautiful, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Inside the caves, the glowworms made the whole place feel magical, like being in a fairy tale. The guide shared so much interesting info but didn’t overdo it, which I appreciated. Sorting the tour out was easy, and the whole thing ran like clockwork. I’m so glad I made the time for this.
Olivia Turner
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the Te Anau Glowworm Caves completely blew me away. Floating under the glowworms felt surreal, like being surrounded by tiny stars. The boat ride across the lake was beautiful too, a perfect start to the trip. Booking was straightforward, and the whole thing felt really well-organized. A highlight for sure.
Sophie Taylor
The kids were mesmerized by the glowworms, and honestly, so were we! The combination of the boat ride, the stunning caves, and our guide’s stories made this such a memorable family outing. Booking here was seamless—we had everything sorted with no fuss. This is one of those experiences the whole family will talk about for years!!
Mason Wright
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves were absolutely magical! Booking with Backpacker Deals was really easy, and the cashback offer was a nice bonus. The boat ride across the lake was so peaceful, and the caves themselves felt like stepping into another world with all those tiny glowing lights. Our guide was fantastic—super knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely worth it!
Megan Chism
The experience was different to the Waitomo one in the north island but it was a good different, it was still very interesting and a fun experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It’s always dark inside the caves, so you’ll be able to see the glowworms on any departure.
Daylight hours do vary significantly in NZ so for evening tours, it may be dark for the cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the caves, or on your return. Just choose a departure which fits best with your itinerary.
Inside the caves the temperature is a fairly constant 8 - 12º Celsius, so bring a warm sweater/fleece jacket.
Yes, however please note at the entrance to the caves there is a large rock overhang and bending is required to pass this section.
There are also steps and often the walkways are wet, so care is required in the subdued light.
Te Anau is about a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Queenstown and around 5 hours from Dunedin.
From Manapouri, it's around a 30 minute drive.