Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Enjoy a return scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau
- 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
Full description
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.
Included / Excluded
- • Beautiful scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the caves entry point
- • Guided tour through the caves
- • Complimentary tea and coffee
- No hotel pick up, please meet our team at the RealNZ Visitor Centre
Meeting point
Start Location
RealNZ - Te Anau Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, New Zealand
Important information
Know before you book
- • 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.
Know before you go
- 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
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
The Day trip was absolutely fantastic and Brendan our guide was brilliant! I left my umbrella on the bus unfortunately but they are keeping it for me when I go back to Queenstown. Brendan had a great knowledge of the area.. we did lots of stops more than anticipated because everyone on the bus was super organised at getting OFF taking photos and getting back on in a timely manner .good lunch. When we got on the boat initially we were a bit worried that we wouldn’t have good visibility but the whole front area opened up after we got on the water.
enjoyable and interesting activity. got to learnt more about the glowworms
Awesome trip! Definitely worth the long drive it was absolutely stunning! The guide was also very friendly and informative! A must see in New Zealand.