Begin with a calm cruise across Lake Te Anau, before travelling through the caves by path and small boat. Deep inside the caves thousands of glowworms inhabit a silent hidden grotto.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 135 minutes
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy a return scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau
- See the glow worms in pitch black darkness
- Learn about the rock formations in the caves
- Listen to the roaring water flowing through the caves
- Learn about the unique flora of the region on an optional short guided 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 cave 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
- Guided tour through the caves
- Beautiful scenic cruise from the meeting point to the caves entry point
- Various language handouts in English, German, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, New Zealand.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Cameras
Know before you go
- 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 Luminosa. Complimentary tea and coffee is available at Cavern House
- From 1 November – 26 December the departure at 9:30 PM will only operate with 20 or more paying passengers on board. Guests will be notified on the day of departure if it is not operating and will be offered the earlier departure time of 8:15 PM
- Your tour time may be different to the one requested. The local operator will confirm your exact tour time by email after booking.
