Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Guided Tours

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
Guide with people at Cavern House, Te Anau
 People and guide looking at information at Cavern House, Te Anau
Guide with people at the Glowworm Caves, Te Anau

Discover the luminary magic of Te Anau's Glowworm Caves on a guided tour that combines a tranquil lake cruise, forest walk, and underground spectacle.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a small-group guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with your family, a 2.5-hour journey exploring New Zealand's famed subterranean wonder.

  • Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau, leading to the Cavern House on the Western shore, featuring informative displays about the caves.

  • Venture into the heart of the Glowworm Caves, a mesmerizing natural light show created by bioluminescent gnats, a quintessential Fiordland experience.

  • Go on a serene forest walk with your guide, learning about native flora and fauna, before cruising back and enjoying complimentary tea or coffee.

  • Did you know? These caves are relatively young, at just 12,000 years old, and are still being sculpted by the river flowing within them.

Inclusions

  • Glowworm Caves tour

  • Forest walk

  • Return cruise across Lake Te Anau

  • Expert guide

  • Small group (max 14 people)

  • Complimentary tea & coffee

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

A journey into nature’s nightlight

Are you looking for an offbeat family experience? Hop on this 2.5-hour tour of Te Anau Glowworm Caves with a small group for an intimate and personalized experience. Your guided tour begins with a refreshing cruise across the serene Lake Te Anau, aboard a purpose-built vessel. As you soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake, prepare to be intrigued by the informative and engaging displays at the Cavern House, your first stop on the Western shore. On this astounding journey, you'll be accompanied by an expert nature guide who will illuminate the wonders of this unique ecosystem.

A luminary exploration

Descend into the heart of the Glowworm Caves, a place where hundreds of bioluminescent gnats, mistakenly called glow worms, create an ethereal light show. Traversing the underground network, you'll pass by the rushing water of an underground stream, an experience that is sure to leave you awestruck. Post the subterranean adventure, complimentary tea and coffee serve as a warm, comforting conclusion. This tour beautifully combines the tranquility of Lake Te Anau, the enchantment of the Glowworm Caves, and a fascinating forest walk, promising a memorable exploration of New Zealand's Fiordland region.

What to bring

  • It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.

  • It is advised to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.

What's not allowed

  • Photography and video filming are not permitted inside the cave.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not suitable for wheelchair passengers or those wearing heeled shoes.

  • A reasonable agility level is necessary as some bending is required due to low cave entrances, and steps are involved.

  • This experience is not suitable for infants.

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet your guide at RealNZ - Te Anau Visitor Centre.

  • Address: 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point

Similar experiences you'd love

 Passenger enjoying on the Doubtful Sound Cruise
Sightseeing Cruises
From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Instant confirmation
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5.0 from 117 ratings.
from
NZ$339
Free cancellation
Milford Sound cruise boat on scenic fjord with mountains, Te Anau day trip.
Day Trips
From Te Anau: Milford Cruise & Return Transfers
Instant confirmation
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5.0 from 70 ratings.
from
NZ$220
Free cancellation
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Sightseeing Cruises
Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne
Instant confirmation
New
from
NZ$239

Top things to do in Te Anau

World at your tap.

Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
Download iPhone appDownload Android app
iphone

We've served 33 million+ guests and we are here for you

33 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime