




Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Explore Tours
Cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau and join a guided caves adventure underground by path and small punt through limestone caverns to the glowworm grotto.
The fascinating caves system on the western shore of Lake Te Anau offers an underground adventure that charms visitors of all ages.Following a scenic cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau, informative and friendly guides take you on an exploration of the caves by path and small punt. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of hundreds of tiny glowworms is a magical sight.
Tour Plan
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.
- 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.