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Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Experience a mysterious underground world with a guided cave tour past the rushing water of an underground stream before drifting in silent 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 on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.

At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.

This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards, the caves are very young (12,000 years) and 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 hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.

$99 per Adult | $35 per Child

Explore Map
Includes return lake cruise

Cruise across picturesque lake Te Anau.
Small group tour

Enjoy a personalised experience with a maximum of 14 guests per guide.
Forest walk

Learn about the unique flora of the region (summer only).
2hrs 15 mins

A great family trip, suitable for all ages with the exception of infants.

More information

What’s included

  • Cruise across Lake Te Anau
  • Guided tour of the caves by path and by small boat
  • Unlimited hot drinks

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 and camera.

Note: Photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave.

Note: Some bending is required at the cave entrance and steps are involved.

FAQs

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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