Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Where the stars shine all day Te Anau Glowworm Caves Book now Te Anau

A tranquil lake reflects forested islands and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky, creating a stunning backdrop on the start of a Te Anau glowworm caves tour.

Journey across Lake Te Anau Scenic Cruise Book now

A woman walks along a forest path surrounded by lush greenery and dappled sunlight, enjoying the serene natural beauty near the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

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A woman stands on a walkway surrounded by moss-covered rock walls, gazing upward as she enters the lush and enchanting entrance to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

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A small boat glides through the Te Anau glowworm caves, where visitors gaze at thousands of glowing blue lights on the cave ceiling, reflecting off calm waters.

Float beneath a sparkling canopy Small Boat Tour Book now

Home / Experiences / Glowworm Ca… / Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Embark on a guided journey into the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where rushing underground streams and luminous glowworms create a magical experience unlike any other.

Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau aboard one of our purpose-built vessels, taking you to the remote western shores.

At Cavern House, explore fascinating displays that uncover the caves’ geology and history before your guide leads you into the underground labyrinth. Along the way, our knowledgeable guides will highlight the caves’ unique features and share captivating stories about their formation and discovery.

Step into a world of natural wonder. These geologically young caves, just 12,000 years old, are still being shaped by the powerful river carving through them. Marvel at twisting limestone passages, sculpted rock formations, swirling whirlpools, and a thundering underground waterfall.

The journey culminates in a hidden grotto, where you’ll drift silently by boat beneath a sparkling canopy of glowworms unique to New Zealand. In the stillness and darkness of this subterranean realm, their bioluminescent display is nothing short of extraordinary.

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What’s included

Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
Guided tour of the caves by path and by small boat
Complimentary tea and coffee

Departure Location

Trips to the Glowworm Caves depart from the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.

Getting to Te Anau

Self-drive - Te Anau is about a 2.5 hour drive from Queenstown and around 5 hours from Dunedin.

What to bring

Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket (It’s always cold in the cave 8 - 12ºC), sunscreen/ sunglasses, insect repellent, camera and personal medication (including for asthma and allergies).

Important Information

Please note that photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave, to enhance the visibility of the glowworms for all our guests.
There is significant bending required at the cave entrance and steps are involved throughout the experience, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
This experience involves a section where all guests must be silent for some time, within the spectacular glowworm cavern! Please consider this experience may not be suitable for younger guests.

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

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How long does it take to travel to Te Anau?

From Queenstown to Te Anau by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins and from Manapouri around 30 minutes. For more information refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Can you use cameras or videos in the Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

Photography and video cameras are not permitted in the Glowworm Caves because flash lights affect the glowworms and visitor acclimatisation to the dark.

What is the best time of day to visit the Glowworm Caves?

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.

What are conditions like in the caves ?

Inside the caves the temperature is a fairly constant 8 - 12ºCelsius, so bring a warm sweater/fleece jacket. At the entrance to the caves there is a large rock overhang and bending is required to pass this section. There are steps and often the walkways are wet, so care is required in the subdued light.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions.
We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator).
In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations:
•    Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
•    RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri
•    Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves)
•    Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak
•    TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
•    Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)

Family and Guide on small boat in the Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Destinations

Fiordland

Queenstown Lakes

Rakiura Stewart Island

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

Experiences

Conservation

The Takahē Relocation Project

Specials

Summer Combo Deals

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Images

More information

What’s included

Departure Location

Getting to Te Anau

What to bring

Important Information

FAQs

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

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