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South Island

Start: Te Anau
Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour is a 2-hour 15-minute experience combining a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau with a guided cave walk and a silent boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms. Suitable for adults and children aged four and over, the tour also reveals sculpted limestone passages, underground rivers, whirlpools and a hidden waterfall. The experience is not recommended for children under four.

Discover Te Anau’s Hidden Underground World

The adventure begins with a relaxing cruise across Lake Te Anau to Cavern House, where guides introduce the region’s geology and explain the fascinating life cycle of New Zealand glowworms. From here, follow a pathway through narrow passages shaped by flowing water, passing sculpted rock formations, rushing streams and an underground waterfall.

Play

The most memorable part of the tour is a quiet boat journey into a completely dark grotto illuminated by the soft blue light of thousands of glowworms. The caves remain cool throughout the year at approximately 8–12°C, so warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and non-slip footwear are recommended.

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: 5-15 years
  • Infant: Under 5 years

Please note: Children are welcome on this experience; however, it may not be suitable for every young visitor. During the glowworm cavern portion of the tour, guests must remain completely quiet to preserve the peaceful atmosphere and allow everyone to appreciate the natural display. Parents and guardians should consider whether their child will be comfortable with the darkness and able to remain silent before booking.

  • 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.

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