Te Anau Glowworm Caves

In the glowworm grotto at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves

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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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Risk Disclosure

Entering caves comes with natural hazards and risks. Learn more here.

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.

Amazing experience 21 June 2025

We booked our tour through RealNZ and it was amazing right from the start, my kid loved it, he got all his questions answered by the friendly tour guide as well.
Preethi B, Via TripAdvisor

Great experience 22 March 2025

Cool little cruise across the lake. Adorable guide who explained the process in the caves. We went a couple days after the rain. The start of the cave had roaring water and was gorgeous. After getting on the little boat in the dark, the guide pulls you around in the dark and quiet. The glowworms were like stars in the night. After the tour we went to the education center where they described the lifecycle of the glowworms. All in all one of my favorite experiences.

Barbara H, Via Google

Lighting up our visit! 26 February 2025

This visit took us by surprise being something we'd never seen before. We didn't quite know what to expect but when you see all these little blue lights hanging from the tops of the caves you don't quite know what to say! The male are blue, I find the female are amber. They're just like the fireflies in Japan which I've found can be yellow, green, blue, red.

Lynn G, Via Tripadvisor

Very Special ❤️ 18 February 2024

Very special experience. Our local was very knowledgeable and we really got the sense we were witnessing something so remarkably special, like National Geographic up close.
Highly recommend!
carolyn, Via TripAdvisor

An underground sky full of stars 6 February 2025

Once the eyes are accustomed to the darkness, the spectacle of these larvae the insects that constellate the ceiling of the caves of bright points is striking. To see!
Jean-François V, TripAdvisor

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

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