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Te Anau

Manapouri

Nearby destinations

South Island tours

Otago tours

Southland tours

Fiordland tours

Fiordland National Park tours

Canterbury, New Zealand tours

Tekapo tours

Nearby sights

Mount CookAttraction in MacKenzie District, New Zealand

Lake WakatipuAttraction in Queenstown, New Zealand

Franz Josef GlacierAttraction in Franz Josef Town, New Zealand

Lake WanakaAttraction in Otago, New Zealand

Tekapo LakeAttraction in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Tasman GlacierAttraction in MacKenzie District, New Zealand

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Top rated
4.6527987 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.6527987 out of 5 stars
2019 reviews
Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Top rated
4.6527987 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.6527987 out of 5 stars
2019 reviews

Enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains’ network of natural caves. Explore an underground world of sculptured rock, underground waterfalls, and a silent hidden glowworm grotto.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 135 minutes
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

P
Paul – United Kingdom

Fantastic informative trip on the lake and to the caves 2 adventures in 1 trip -excellent guides and boat trip Do not miss

E
Eric – United States

Tour ran very smooth. Might have rushed short presentations a bit.

Select participants and date

Participants

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

Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.  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.

Includes

  • Beautiful scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the caves entry point
  • Guided tour through the caves
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, New Zealand. The Visitor Centre is by the water, near a small roundabout in town. Please see address above which can be put into google maps for directions. Our team will check you in before you board the cruise to the Glowworm Caves.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Insect repellent
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

  • Cameras

Know before you go

  • Please check in at the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.
  • 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.

From $78 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 2019 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

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P
Paul – United KingdomJune 16, 2025 – Verified booking
Fantastic informative trip on the lake and to the caves 2 adventures in 1 trip -excellent guides and boat trip Do not miss
E
Eric – United StatesApril 23, 2025 – Verified booking
Tour ran very smooth. Might have rushed short presentations a bit.
A
Allison – AustraliaApril 22, 2025 – Verified booking
An adventurous experience with a cool, young team. Big thank you to our guide Warren.

Product ID: 126038

Activity provider:RealNZ
  • New Zealand
  • South Island
  • Things to do in Te Anau
  • Tours in Te Anau
  • Lake Te Anau

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