Te Anau Glowworm Caves & Lake Te Anau Cruise
Updated 30 th January 2026
Te Anau Glowworm Caves & Lake Te Anau Cruise
Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau before exploring the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves, one of Fiordland’s most popular natural attractions. This guided experience takes you through limestone caverns, underground waterfalls, and into a glowworm grotto illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.
Suitable for families and visitors of all ages, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour is an easy and memorable way to experience Fiordland’s underground landscapes without the need for hiking or specialist skills.
Cruise Across Lake Te Anau and Explore the Glowworm Caves in Fiordland
Discover the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Hidden beneath Fiordland National Park, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer one of New Zealand’s most memorable underground experiences. This guided tour begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau, where native forest and mountain scenery provide a peaceful introduction to the adventure ahead.
After arriving at the remote western shore of the lake, you’ll step into a young and dynamic limestone cave system shaped by flowing water over thousands of years. As you explore on foot, your guide leads you through twisting passages, past sculpted rock formations, and alongside an underground waterfall that highlights the power of this evolving landscape.
The highlight of the experience is the glowworm grotto. Here, you’ll board a small boat and drift silently through darkness as thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling with a soft blue light — a calm, otherworldly moment that’s unique to Fiordland.
Led by experienced RealNZ guides, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour combines natural beauty, geology, and storytelling in an experience suitable for families, couples, and visitors of most ages.
Most people book this Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour as a half-day Fiordland experience, combining a Lake Te Anau cruise with guided cave exploration.
Best for:
Families, first-time visitors to Fiordland, and travellers wanting an easy, guided nature experience without hiking.
Good for:
Rainy days, short stays in Te Anau, couples, and anyone looking for a relaxed indoor-outdoor activity.
Price: Adults: $145:00 pp – Children $69:00
Duration: 2 hour 15 mins
Departs: 10:15 am & 2 pm
Highlights of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Experience
Glowworm Grotto
Drift quietly beneath a canopy of glowing blue lights as glowworms illuminate the cave ceiling like a star-filled night sky.
Limestone Caverns and Underground Waterfall
Explore a fascinating cave system carved by water, featuring narrow passages, sculpted rock formations, and a powerful underground waterfall.
Expert Guided Tour
Your RealNZ guide shares insights into the caves’ formation, the glowworm life cycle, and Fiordland’s unique environment, bringing the experience to life.
Scenic Lake Te Anau Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing boat journey across Lake Te Anau, surrounded by native forest and Fiordland’s dramatic mountain scenery.
Plan Your Visit
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Please note that there are steps and low ceilings within the caves, which may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility. The tour operates year-round and is an easy half-day experience that fits well into any Fiordland itinerary.
What to Expect on the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour follows a clear and easy-to-enjoy journey, making it suitable for visitors of most ages.
Your experience begins with a comfortable boat cruise across Lake Te Anau, offering scenic views of Fiordland’s native forest and surrounding mountains. This short lake crossing provides a relaxed introduction before reaching the caves.
Once ashore, your guide leads you through a limestone cave system shaped by flowing water over thousands of years. Expect narrow passages, sculpted rock formations, and the sound of an underground waterfall as you move deeper into the caves.
The final and most memorable part of the tour is the glowworm grotto. Here, you’ll step into a small boat and drift silently beneath thousands of glowworms glowing softly above you, creating a calm, star-like effect in complete darkness.
Throughout the tour, experienced RealNZ guides share insights into the caves’ geology, the glowworm life cycle, and Fiordland’s natural environment, helping you understand what makes this underground world so special.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
1. How long does the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 30-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to the caves.
2. Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. However, it’s not recommended for infants or those who may have difficulty navigating low ceilings or stairs within the caves.
3. What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a light jacket. You might also want to bring a camera to capture the stunning views on the boat ride, though photography isn’t allowed inside the caves.
4. What makes the Te Anau Glowworm Caves unique?
The caves are geologically young at just 12,000 years old, with a fascinating network of limestone passages, a roaring underground waterfall, and a silent glowworm grotto illuminated by hundreds of shimmering glowworms.
5. Are the caves accessible year-round?
Yes, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tours operate year-round, offering daily departures.
6. Is the tour weather-dependent?
The tour typically operates in all weather conditions. However, in rare cases of severe weather, departures may be delayed or rescheduled.
Return To Te Anau Page
Nearby Activities to Enhance Your Adventure
Fiordland Helicopters
Soar above Fiordland’s dramatic peaks, hidden lakes, and untouched wilderness on an unforgettable helicopter flight. Perfect for travellers seeking incredible views and a true sense of Fiordland’s vast scale.
More information here.
Doubtful Sound Cruise
Venture deep into Fiordland’s remote wilderness on a full-day Doubtful Sound experience. Cruise through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene, untouched landscapes known as the “Sound of Silence.”
More information here.
Milford Sound Day Tours
Relax and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most scenic alpine drives before boarding a cruise beneath the sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound. A must-do experience for anyone visiting the region.
More information here.
Explore More Around Te Anau & Fiordland
Make the most of your time in Te Anau by combining your Glowworm Caves Tour with these unforgettable Fiordland experiences. From breathtaking scenic flights to peaceful wilderness cruises and world-class fiord journeys, there’s something here for every traveller.