Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
Features
Overview
RealNZ offers an amazing opportunity to view the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. The tour begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before the friendly guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups.
As you explore by path and small boat, your senses will be overwhelmed. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight.
Experience the underground beauty of the Glowworm Caves on your next visit to the South Island of New Zealand, this is one tour not to be missed.
Highlights
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Lake Te Anau scenic cruise
- Limestone passages with whirlpools and underground waterfalls
- Small group tour
Inclusions
- Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
- Guided tour of the caves by path and by small boat
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Times
Departs: daily at 11.30am (returns 1.45pm), 2.00pm (returns 4.15pm), 3.15pm (returns 5.30pm), 4.30pm (returns 6.45pm), 5.45pm (returns 8.00pm), 7.00pm (returns 9.15pm), 8.15pm (returns 10.30pm) from the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau (1 October 2025 - 30 April 2026).
Departs: daily at 10.15am (returns 12.30pm), 2.00pm (returns 4.15pm), 4.30pm (returns 6.45pm), 7.00pm (returns 9.15pm) fom the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau (1 May - 30 September 2026).
Other departure times may be available and subject to demand. Schedules are subject to change.
Additional Info
Children: This tour is not suitable for children 0 - 4 years. Minimum child age is 5 years.
What to Bring: Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, camera, personal medication.
Note: Te Anau is about a 2.5 hour drive from Queenstown and around 5 hours from Dunedin. Photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave. 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.
Operated By: RealNZ