Te Anau Glowworm Caves

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves have been a beloved tourist spot for many years, drawing people from all over the globe with their natural charm and the intriguing life cycle of glowworms.

How to Get There

Visitors can drive from Queenstown to reach the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, which takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, bus services are available from Queenstown, and some tour packages offer transportation from Queenstown to Te Anau. In Te Anau, the tour departs from the Real Journeys Visitor Centre at 85 Lakefront Drive.

Attractions

1. Scenic Boat Ride: The tour kicks off with a 45-minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau, showcasing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Guided Cave Tour: Visitors take a short walk and a punt ride through the caves, learning about glowworms and witnessing their magical glow.
3. Glowworm Grotto: The tour’s highlight is the mesmerizing glowworm display in the cave’s grotto.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour cost around $76USD. The tour includes the boat ride, guided cave tour, and complimentary tea or coffee. Some packages from Queenstown include round-trip transportation for an extra fee.

Tips for Visiting

1. Book in Advance: It’s wise to book tickets ahead of time to ensure availability.
2. Dress Warmly: The caves and boat ride can be chilly, so bring warm clothing.
3. Silence Required: Visitors should remain silent during the cave tour to avoid disturbing the glowworms.
4. Accessibility: The caves aren’t fully wheelchair accessible due to steps and narrow passages.
5. Children: While children under 5 are generally not recommended, exceptions might be made for well-behaved children.