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RealNZ - Te Anau Glowworm Caves

4.7
424
Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.

Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.

Highlights

  • Cruise across Lake Te Anau
  • Guided tour of the caves by path, and by small boat in the grotto
  • Complimentary hot drinks

Your magical journey begins in Te Anau with a relaxing cruise to the glowworm caves onboard one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.

Relax on board, enjoy the scenery as we cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau. There is no road access to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Upon arrival at the glowworm caves, you'll meet your guide and be able to view the interesting displays in Cavern House and learn about this mysterious underground world.

Venturing underground in small groups, you will soon appreciate that the Te Anau Glowworm Caves date back over 12,000 years and are home to a vast network of twisting limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.

Your experienced and friendly guide will share the fascinating history of the cave and point out interesting highlights along the way.

The highlight of the tour is when you transfer to a small boat in a silent secluded grotto inhabited by hundreds of tiny glowworms, unique to New Zealand - a truly extraordinary sight.

There is time for an optional short nature walk in view of the lake edge.

After a dazzling tour you can reflect upon your experience on the return cruise to Te Anau.

Adult ¤145.00
Child ¤69.00 (5 - 15 years)
Infant ¤0.00 (0 - 4 years)

What's included

  • Return cruise across Lake Te Anau
  • Optional short guided forest experience to learn about the unique flora of the region
  • Guided tour of the caves by path and by small boat
  • Complimentary hot drinks

Location

  • 85 Lakefront Dr
  • Te Anau 9600
  • New Zealand

Notes

  • Duration: 2.hrs 15mins

    Please Note: Some bending is required at the caves entrance and steps are involved.

    Departs: RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.

    Te Anau is a 2.5 hour drive from Queenstown, so ensure you allow sufficient time to travel between the two locations.

    Check In: Please check in a minimum of 30 minutes prior to departure.

    Note: Photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave.

    Please note, bending is required to enter the caves.

  • Suitable for all 5 years and over. Child rates apply 5 -15 years.

Available Bookings from 25 Apr to 8 May 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Sat 25 Apr
Sun 26 Apr
Mon 27 Apr
Tue 28 Apr
Wed 29 Apr
Thu 30 Apr
Fri 1 May
Sat 2 May
Sun 3 May
Mon 4 May
Tue 5 May
Wed 6 May
Thu 7 May
Fri 8 May

Bookings close in 7 hours...

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

Bookings close in 11 hours...

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$145.00
  • Child$69.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$129.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant Free

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

424 reviews

Showing all 424 authenticated Bookme reviews

YONGKYU KIM from South Korea wrote on 11 March 2024

1시간 늦게 도착하여 돈만 날리다

자동차 결함 문제로 1시간 늦게 도착하였다고 리셉션에서 이틀 후에나 예약이 가능하며 돈을 다시 내야한다고 하여서 결국 헛걸음하게 되었답니다. 그것도 5시간을 차로 이동하고서 말이죠 . 회사 규칙상 늦게 도착한 고객에게 귀책사유가 있어 탑승이 안된다고 말할 수는 있습니다. 다만, 그 리셉션에 있는 중국인 여직원의 태도는 어렵게 도착 한 고객을 마치 비아냥거리듯 귀찮다는 듯 탑승이 안된다고만 말하고 다시 예약금을 지불하라는 오만한 태도에 몹시 화가 납니다. 또 한가지는 옆에 있던 뉴질랜드인 여직원이 stand by를 말하니까 그제서야 25분 후에 출발하는 배에 결원이 있으면 탑승시켜주겠다고 마지못하여 알려주었으며 시간 후에는 그냥 쏘리,,,, 그게 다였슴....

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mt.bang from Singapore wrote on 18 April 2026

Glow Worm Cave

The experience was amazing. Phenomenal sight coming from a city dwelling people.

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Quintin from New Zealand wrote on 07 April 2026

Excellent!

We had an amazing time at the Glowworm Experience! Our guide was excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole tour feel relaxed and enjoyable. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and added to what was already a magical experience. Great value for money. We would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and memorable outing.

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chloe26 from New Zealand wrote on 18 April 2026

Disappointing

I remember doing this as a kid and was excited to take my kids to experience it. Unfortunately it was a big let down. It's way overpriced for what you get (even one of our guides agreed with me about price). We did a lot of activities while on our trip and this ended up being the most expensive but the most disappointing. There definitely should be an opportunity for a photo stop, even if it's just at the first platform once in the caves. There is so much artificial light and a lot of noise going on so to say no photos because of the light or noise is bull. Just turn the flash off! The staff were friendly and the boat ride comfortable but I definitely wouldn't be recommending it. There seemed a lot less glowworms to what I remember as a kid 😞

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Peter from Australia wrote on 23 August 2025

Magical Experience

The rushing water in the cave, the natural formation of the cave, and the stunning glowworms made this a magical experience.

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