Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour



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.

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

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 their 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

Excludes

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Important Information

  • 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 anyone wearing 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

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Available Dates

November 2026 22 dates
Mon 9th Nov Tue 10th Nov Wed 11th Nov Thu 12th Nov Fri 13th Nov Sat 14th Nov
December 2026 31 dates
Tue 1st Dec Wed 2nd Dec Thu 3rd Dec Fri 4th Dec Sat 5th Dec Sun 6th Dec
January 2027 7 dates
Fri 1st Jan Sat 2nd Jan Sun 3rd Jan Mon 4th Jan Tue 5th Jan Wed 6th Jan

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a return scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau, guided cave exploration to see glowworms, and optional forest experience to learn about local flora.
The cruise departs from Te Anau township, which is accessible from Queenstown by road.
Tour durations vary, so check the official website for the most current schedule and timing details.
Yes, the cave experience includes drifting silently in complete darkness under the glowworms' luminescent display.
The tour is family-friendly, but check age restrictions and suitability on the provider’s website before booking.
You will see limestone passages, underground waterfalls, and swirling water formations inside the caves.
No special equipment is required; comfortable shoes and a jacket are recommended due to cave conditions.
Yes, the guide shares stories about rock formations and Maori legends connected to the cave area.
Yes, an optional forest experience is available to learn about the unique flora of the region around Lake Te Anau.
Tours operate year-round; check the website for current hours and seasonal availability.

Top Things To Do in Queenstown

See All →

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again