Scenic cruise across Lake Te AnauGuided tour of the caves by path and by small boatComplimentary tea and coffeeWhat to bringNon-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket (It’s always cold in the cave 8 - 12ºC), sunscreen/ sunglasses, insect repellent, camera and personal medication (including for asthma and allergies).

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

South Island

RealNZ

from

NZ$145

per adult

Book Now

Te anau glowworm caves family watching glowworms

Experiences

Caving & Underground Adventures

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Te Anau

Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Your Te Anau Glowworm Caves adventure begins with a relaxing cruise across the stunning waters of Lake Te Anau to Cavern House. Here, you'll learn about the region’s geology and the fascinating glowworms that light up this underground world, before heading into the heart of the cave system.

Led by expert guides, you’ll wind through narrow limestone passages formed by underground rivers over thousands of years. Along the way, witness natural wonders like sculpted walls, swirling whirlpools, and even a hidden underground waterfall—each step revealing the cave’s ever-evolving beauty.

Lake Cruise, Guided Cave Walk and Glowworm Grotto

Once the sound of the waterfall softens, you’ll step onto a small boat and glide silently through a pitch-black grotto illuminated by thousands of native New Zealand glowworms. Their soft blue glow mimics the night sky, creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Te anau glowworm caves luminous clusters

Te anau glowworm caves guided walkway jpg

Te anau glowworm caves limestone formations

Te anau glowworm caves lit walkway stream

Te anau glowworm caves silk threads closeup

Te anau glowworm caves underground stream

Highlights

Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
Guided walk through limestone caves
Silent boat ride through the glowworm grotto
See glowworms, underground rivers and waterfalls
Learn about Fiordland geology and native glowworms
Family-friendly Te Anau activity

Please Note: Photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave. Some bending is required at the cave entrance and steps are involved.

Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
Guided tour of the caves by path and by small boat
Complimentary tea and coffee

What to bring

Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket (It’s always cold in the cave 8 - 12ºC), sunscreen/ sunglasses, insect repellent, camera and personal medication (including for asthma and allergies).

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 4-15 years
Infant: Under 4 years

Please note: Parts of the cave are completely dark, so this experience is not recommended for children under 4.

More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
Within 24 hours: No refund

**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Frequently asked questions

The tour takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including the Lake Te Anau cruise and guided cave experience.

Yes, the tour includes a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the cave entrance.

No, photography and video are not permitted inside the cave.

Parts of the cave are completely dark, so the experience may not be suitable for children under 5. Infants under 4 are listed as a fare category, but families should consider whether the darkness and cave environment will suit their child.

Wear non-slip shoes, warm clothing and a waterproof jacket. The cave is cold year-round, usually around 8–12°C.