Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour and Cruise
Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour & Lake Cruise
Experience the Te Anau Glowworm Caves – A Magical Fiordland Adventure
Cruise across Lake Te Anau and explore the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves, home to twisting limestone passages, underground waterfalls, and a mesmerising glowworm grotto. A must-do Fiordland experience for nature lovers and families.
Discover the Magic of Te Anau’s Glowworm Caves
Hidden deep within Fiordland National Park, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer one of New Zealand’s most enchanting underground experiences. This unique adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau, where native forest and mountain vistas set the scene for what awaits beneath the surface.
Stepping ashore on the lake’s remote western edge, you’ll enter a fascinating world shaped by water over thousands of years. Twisting limestone passages, sculpted rock formations, and the gentle sound of an underground waterfall lead you deeper into a truly remarkable cave system.
Perfect for families, couples, and curious explorers, this RealNZ-guided tour is a magical encounter with Fiordland’s hidden wonders. Glide silently into the glowworm grotto and watch as thousands of tiny blue lights illuminate the darkness — a sight you’ll never forget.
Book your glowworm cave adventure today and immerse yourself in the wonders of Fiordland’s underground world!
Explore the Subterranean Magic of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Price: Adults: $145:00 pp – Children $69:00
Duration: 2 hour 15 mins
Departs: 10:15 am & 2 pm
Your journey begins with a relaxing 30-minute cruise across Lake Te Anau before arriving at the cave entrance. From here, knowledgeable guides lead you through a young cave system, estimated to be around 12,000 years old. Narrow passages, whirlpools, and cascading water reveal the raw power that shaped this underground landscape.
Highlights of Your Glowworm Cave Experience
1. The Magical Glowworm Grotto
Board a small boat and drift beneath a canopy of twinkling glowworms. Their ethereal blue light creates a serene, star-like atmosphere — truly the highlight of the tour.
2. Sculpted Limestone Caverns
Discover a dynamic cave system carved by water over millennia. Feel the energy of the underground waterfall and admire intricate rock formations unique to Fiordland.
3. Expert Guided Experience
Your RealNZ guide brings the caves to life with stories, geology, and insights into the glowworm’s bioluminescence. It’s educational, immersive, and unforgettable.
4. Interactive Displays
Before entering the caves, explore informative displays explaining the region’s geology, formation processes, and the unique ecosystem that makes this environment so special.
Plan Your Visit
This tour is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, though infants and those with mobility challenges may find the low ceilings and stair sections difficult. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves operate year-round and offer a truly memorable half-day Fiordland experience.
Book your Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour today and discover the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland’s hidden underground world.
What to Expect on the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
Your Te Anau Glowworm Caves adventure begins with a relaxing 30-minute cruise across Lake Te Anau. Surrounded by native forest and dramatic Fiordland scenery, the crossing sets the tone for the magical experience ahead. Keep your camera ready — the lake views alone are worth the journey.
Arriving at the remote western shores, you’ll step into a young and dynamic limestone cave system carved by powerful water flows over thousands of years. As you move deeper underground, twisting passages, roaring waterfalls, and sculpted rock formations reveal the sheer force of nature that shaped this hidden world.
The highlight of your tour is the glowworm grotto. Board a small boat and drift silently into darkness, where thousands of tiny blue lights illuminate the cave ceiling like a starry night sky. It’s a peaceful, almost otherworldly moment — a true Fiordland must-do for families, couples, and anyone who loves the natural world.
Led by knowledgeable RealNZ guides, the tour blends storytelling, geology, and wildlife insights to give you a deeper understanding of this remarkable ecosystem. From start to finish, it’s an immersive experience that showcases the beauty and mystery of Fiordland’s underground realm.
Price: Adults: $145:00 pp – Children $69:00
Duration: 2 hour 15 mins
Departs: 10:15 am & 2 pm
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.
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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.