Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Te Anau Glowworm Caves
4.5
About
Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves - an underground network of limestone caves lit by hundreds of glowworms. In the darkness they produce a glittering display. Carved out by the force of the river, the underground world is surprisingly beautiful with whirlpools and roaring waterfalls. Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau and then our nature guides will take you in groups through the caves and then in a small boat into the grotto.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Te Anau Glowworm Caves
The area
Address
See what travellers are saying
  • Rookie Ching Chong
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Eerily beautiful natural wonder
    Our guide was wonderful. The Te Anau caves are noticeably smaller than the Waitomo caves, but still amazing - both the glowworms in the dark and the underground waterfalls. Boat ride across the lake is a bonus.
    Thank you for sharing your experience at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with us! We're thrilled to hear that you found our guide to be wonderful and that you enjoyed the boat ride across the lake. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
    Written 9 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 February 2024
  • Cliff S
    Safety Harbor, Florida162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very Enjoyable
    The first bit was confusing. We had to low-walk through the opening to the cave and I couldn’t see the glow worms that our guide was pointing out. As soon as we got on the little boat, things improved dramatically. The ceiling and some of the sides of the cave had thousands of little green dots. The presentation after was very well done also. This was a fun way to spend the afternoon in Te Anau.
    Thank you for sharing your experience at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves! While the initial confusion may have been disorienting, we're delighted that the glowworms, beauty of the caves and the presentation afterward made up for it. It's fantastic to know that you found the experience fun and enjoyable overall.
    Written 9 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 March 2024
  • Andrew B
    Levin, New Zealand37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good experience.
    The boat trip to the caves had a running commentary by one of the boat crew which was informative. We sat on the top deck and there were plenty of opportunities to take photos. Unfortunately, photos were not permitted in the caves but totally understandable. The hosts at the cave tour site provide entertaining and informative detail of what to expect. I was a little underwhelmed perhaps as I had previously visited when I was very young so did not have the same wow factor. The walk was easy, just had to bend down in a couple of places.
    Thank you for sharing your experience at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with us! We're glad to hear that you found the boat trip to the caves informative, and that you had plenty of opportunities to take photos from the top deck. We understand that the no photography policy inside the caves may have been disappointing, but we appreciate your understanding. We apologise if the experience felt underwhelming compared to your previous visit, but we're glad that the walk was easy for you, with just a few moments of bending down. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences in the future!
    Written 9 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 March 2024
  • Jared M
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    We had our tour with Sean and he was amazing! So enthusiastic and knowledgeable, any questions he could answer for us. We were lucky with sunshine and a rough lake on the way home which made it so exciting! Great set up with hot drinks and a slideshow before going into the caves loved it!
    We're delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with Sean as your guide! It's fantastic to know that he was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and able to answer all your questions, enhancing your tour.
    Written 9 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 March 2024
  • Renee S
    Colorado Springs, Colorado22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thrilling Underground Adventure
    The glow worms themselves are not the main event in my opinion, but I highly recommend this excursion. First, we had a wild ride across the lake with spectacular views even with fog. There is an interesting explanation before entering the cave. Do not expect an American style tour. Underground, it is narrow and you walk over a roaring underground river on a metal walkway in parts. In other parts, you have to duck down around overhangs. It is pitch black and silent in the cave with the worms, and you have 12 people shoulder to shoulder in a small dory. You have to entirely trust your guide to get you back to the light. A few people who were claustrophobic turned away. Even for the adventuresome, it is a bit tense, but that is what made the tour so extraordinary. Great experience.
    Thank you for sharing your experience at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with us! We're thrilled to hear that you highly recommend the trip, despite the unique challenges it presents. It sounds like you had an adventurous and memorable journey, from the wild ride across the lake with spectacular views to the interesting explanation before entering the cave. While it may be tense for some, we're glad to hear that you found the experience extraordinary.
    Written 9 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2024
  • lovetheoutdoors061
    Oldsmar, Florida135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow. You have to see the glow worms to believe it
    This is a must do if you are in the area of Lake Te Anau. A 30 minute boat ride gets you to the glow worm caves where you have a guided tour on catwalks then in a boat in the pitch dark. Guide gave us a brief history before the tour started. Maximum of 12 people per tour. Interesting video afterward in the station where they offer tea and coffee. This place is amazing.
    Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience exploring the glowworm caves with us in Te Anau. We're delighted that you found the guided tour and the subsequent video presentation engaging and enjoyable. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more amazing experiences in the future!
    Written 5 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 April 2024
  • momof2wildchilds
    Denver, Colorado837 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    They are not actually worms but amazing
    Great tour with our teen/adult kids. We took the 4:30 boat ride across the lake to the caves. It was a wet, foggy day so despite our cheery guides history of the area it was hard to see much on the 20 min. ride over to the caves. We were taken in groups of 12 thru the caves 250 meters. The glow worms were amazing & our last 50 meters by boat were the best. It was like the night sky illuminating with stars all the glow worms. I loved the swirling water. A magical tour. Bring plenty of wet weather gear. Alex our cave guide told us it rains over 300 days a year in the area. So fun, we would definitely go back.
    Visited November 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 November 2024
  • Atkos
    Pershore, United Kingdom290 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Always special to see the glow worms!
    A fab 2.5hr overall experience, starting and ending with a 25min catamaran cruise across the lake. Group split up into groups of 11 or 12 & each given an enthusiastic, knowledgeable guide. Into the cave systems you go with dramatic rushing water & underground waterfalls. Then the main event, actually seeing the glow worms in all their glory including a dark and wonderfully quiet boat ride up and down one of the cakes so you can get really close to them and be fully immersed in the experience. Once out the cave a short nature walk concludes with some complimentary hot drinks & a brief presentation on glow worms before heading back to Te Anau. A worthwhile experience!
    Visited November 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 November 2024
  • Bruce P
    Ontario, Canada70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Te Anau Glowworms with Real NZ
    We decided not to do the North Island glowworm tour because of time restraints but found ourselves with some time in Te Anau and opted to take this tour at the last minute with RealNZ. The tour starts at the waterfront in Te Anau and includes a fast and fun boat ride across the lake. We found the tour amazing - as much for the cave experience as for the actual glowworms. Each group of 12 shared a guide (thanks Sophie from SC!) and the trip in the caves up to the glowworm cave was informative and the cave dramatically lit and stunning. Once at the glowworms we sat in a boat silently as the guide pulled it through the cave on a chain in absolute darkness. No one was allowed to talk and you are not allowed to take photos or video inside the glowworm part of the tour. Instead you enjoy the experience old school - with your eyes and ears open! The worms themselves are the larva stage of an insect and they "fish" for flying gnats using a sticky hanging fishing line and then gobble up what they catch. They exude a truly eerie blue colour and are in patches across the entire ceiling of the cave. It's a bit like seeing the stars on a clear night but deep in a cave. No one seemed to feel claustrophobic on our trip and certainly we did not feel that way. A magical experience. Glad we saw it!
    Visited November 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 November 2024
  • kmprasanak
    Bengaluru, India162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome experience Glowworm caves in Te anau /Newzeland
    Te Anau Glowworm caves are a must for every visitor to Newzeland/South islands. It is a fascinating experience and value for money. Take a 2.5 hours trip from theTe Anau lake on a cruiz . You are taken ina group of 12 and the experience in exhilarating. The history of caves and the waterfall is worth listening to. Dont take this trip if you have claustro-phobia ( fear of Darkness). No filming/ camera or mobile phone allowed to take photos. There is a short documentary as to how the Glowworm lives and catches its prey. It is interesting. Every one young to old can enjoy this trip.
    Visited December 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,585 reviews
Excellent
1,462
Very good
766
Average
255
Poor
69
Terrible
33

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Sabrina D
44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Highly recommended trip! In contrast to the caves in Waitomo on the North Island, the journey to the caves is absolutely breathtaking. We had booked a tour in the early evening and before you reach the caves you take a boat from Real Journeys across Lake Te Anau, spectacular views included. After the boat trip, our guide Sean met us, gave us a short and entertaining introduction to the caves and then we went into the darkness.

We crouched down and walked into the atmospherically lit caves; the sound of the water was always in our ears. The path led over underground streams, past small waterfalls, beautiful rock formations - always accompanied by lots of information about the caves and the glowworms from Sean.

The highlight of the tour followed: We all took a seat on a small boat on a small, underground lake and finally Sean put out the last bit of light. Darkness. Absolute darkness. And absolute silence. You couldn't see, only the little lights of the fireflies sparkled on the cave walls.
A surreal, beautiful experience.
We won't forget the absolute darkness any time soon. Unique.
After the boat trip we went back into the light after a tour that went by far too quickly.
At the end there was a short, very nicely designed video presentation about the life cycle of the fireflies by the super friendly guides in a warm room.
Great touch: hot coffee and tea were also free. :)
After that we went back to Te Anau on the boat with the last rays of the sunset.
Highly recommended. Wonderful trip!
Google
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for recommending the Te Anau Glowworm Caves! It's great to hear that you found even the journey over to the caves breath-taking, with spectacular views of the lake. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to Sean and the rest of the team.
Written 24 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tim K
110 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
This is a pretty limited tour, but it is not something you can do at home, so going to one of these (several around New Zealand) is probably sensible, although not cheap. There is a boat ride across Lake TeAnau and then a lecture about the glowworms at the center before going into the cave in small groups. The cave walk is confined at the beginning, but roomy once inside. There is rushing river, stairs to climb with some worms en route and it is pretty dark but safe. At end you board a small boat in dark (to become light adapted) and are puled around a limited area to see the glowing worms. then you return. the views from the lake are nice, but not really different form on shore.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and for coming to visit these unique glowworms during your visit to New Zealand :)
Written 16 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

D and J
Perth, Australia55 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
This is a brilliant experience with several openings every day. It began with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau during which a member of the crew gave a commentary about the lake, the surrounding National Park and the Glowworm Caves. On arrival we were split into groups – Talia, our excellent guide took us aside for an information setting – the sand flies were persistent – so glad we had bug spray! After the introduction and safety briefing about the low ceilings we walked into the cave. It was very loud with the water flowing through the cave below the walkway. Talia shouted her information at each highlight spot, erosion tubes, the striations of sandstone and limestone, glowworms ‘webs’, until we reached the ‘silence’ section – from here on no talking. We boarded the punt to float to the best viewing place – the glowworms were awesome – magical! The punt returned to the dock and we walked out – was that a zebra? What colour were the glowworms? We had a complimentary hot drink and watched an information video back at the visitors centre then it was back on the boat for the return to Te Anau. This is a fascinating experience – do go – you will be amazed!
Written 22 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RealTalk
Kalamazoo, MI9 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
This is the breakdown of how this tour went:
-25mins boat cruise with occasional commentary about the surrounding landscape

-Rushed right into a “safety briefing” that covered some safety things. We were designated the first group into the cave (60 plus people came over on the boat, so we were split into smaller groups) so perhaps the later groups had more of a naturalist briefing?

-Walked into the cave with rushing water so hard to hear the guide, but he did his very best.

-Got onto a boat and pulled into the “glowworm part” for about 15 minutes. Glowworms weren’t particularly active, not anyone’s fault. But depending on where you were on the boat, like me, you didn’t get to see much anyways.

-Hustled out of the cave to in an interpretation area where I read about other animals in the area. Some history things too I think. Guide did stop to point out a native tree that was pretty cool.

-Lead to a warming cabin with free hot drinks and more exhibit panels about glowworms and some history of the caves. And waited. And waited. And waited for the rest of the groups to finish for an 8 min talk about glowworms. Enthusiasm of presenter was meh.

-Back on the lake boat for 25 minutes.

Opinion from a trained naturalist and interpreter: Book something else. This is not worth the time or money.
Written 4 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom L
Sydney, Australia74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
First encountered the caves 24 years ago and each time we've visited it has remained a special experience. Just the cruise across Lake Te Anau is worth it with some beautiful scenery but the glow worms are spectacular, too. The underground boating trip is great,. The numbers on the tours are high but the whole operation runs very smoothly.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nothing makes us happier than guests returning to our experiences. Thank you, Tom. It's always a pleasure.
Written 23 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Amberley_Kent
London, UK20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was a surprise highlight of our stay in Te Anau. The guide at the caves was excellent, delivering interesting insight and guidance with enthusiasm and a nice element of fun. Seeing first-hand how the underground water flows had carved out the caves over thousands of years was fabulous and then witnessing the glowworms themselves in total darkness was magical. The visit was completed with a brief but fascinating presentation on the glowworms while we enjoyed a complimentary hot drink. Overall, our visit to the Glowworm Caves pleasantly exceeded expectations and I would highly recommend
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Knefknok
Delft, Nederland141 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
I really wanted to do the glowworm tour. I had seen some pictures of what it is like, but that doesn't quite match reality. However, it is cool to see, in the (very small) boat in the dark. You are so uncomfortable that you just get cramps and when you get out your leg falls asleep. You are not allowed to take photos or videos, unfortunately, but understand. This was the highlight of the excursion. Around there and what takes the longest is a boat trip of half an hour or so and you also have to go back another half hour of course. Inside you get a chat from some unmotivated staff. They didn't think they came across as friendly at all, they've probably told the same joke 100 times so it doesn't get across and they can no longer laugh at it themselves. Staff can make or break it and unfortunately here it was cracking. It is also a pure conveyor belt excursion. All in all, expected more.
Google
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're sorry to hear that your experience with us fell short of your expectations. While we're glad that you found the glowworm tour to be cool and the highlight of your excursion, we apologise for any discomfort you experienced during the boat trip and inside the cave. Your feedback regarding the staff's demeanor and the overall atmosphere is valuable to us, and we will address it with our team to ensure improvements are made. We strive to provide memorable and enjoyable experiences for all our guests, and we regret that we didn't meet that standard during your visit.
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tony W
Cambridge, UK449 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was our first visit to any Glowworm caves, and we were very impressed. It's a busy trip, but extremely well organised. The boat ride along the lake is a nice bonus, with spectacular NZ Fjordland scenery.
The cave tour started with a safety briefing and explanation of the origin of the caves. Then a walk into the caves with a guide explaining about the geology etc. It's quite cool, dark & damp so a jacket is well advised. Then it's into a boat for a short river ride in almost pitch blackness - except for all the glowing worms on the walls & ceiling.
Then its back to the reception area for hot drinks & a talk about the worms - which are much more interesting than we expected !!
Highly recommended.
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your thoughtful review of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves! We're thrilled that you had a great time and found the experience informative.
Written 14 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emily NZ
Christchurch, New Zealand68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Couples
Fabulous afternoon with fantastic tour guides. We started our tour with a quick trip across Lake Te Anau in a comfy catamaran with commentary and complimentary tea / coffee or water. Then it's a short walk and wait before your tour guide takes you into the cave. The walk is easy and gentle ducking under a few low ceilings lasting about 10 minutes before getting into a small boat to see the glow worms. They are magical and so close. It's incredible. We got a huge discount by booking the Milford Sound and Glow Worms tours together. Highly recommended for a great afternoon out.
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ann C
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Friends
This is the most magical experience I have ever had, it was definitely one of the most special trips we had during our visit to New Zealand.

From Te Anau you board a boat that takes you across the lake providing an interesting commentary enroute. A guide also gives information about the glowworms before your trip into the caves begin. And then you start your journey into an unforgettable enchanted world!

From start to finish it was an incredible trip, and all the staff, crew and guides were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The only tip is that you do need to be quite agile, once entering the caves, there are some very low areas that you need to bend down to get through.
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 2,293
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

TE ANAU GLOWWORM CAVES (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

All Te Anau HotelsTe Anau Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Te Anau
All things to do in Te Anau
Spas & Wellness in Te AnauDay Trips in Te AnauZoos & Aquariums in Te Anau
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday homesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire