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Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour with Lake Cruise

Fiordland, New ZealandAbout 2.25 hoursGuided in English

Cross Lake Te Anau by boat and follow a guide into living limestone caves to a silent grotto lit by thousands of glowworms.

About 2.25 hoursExplore at your own pace
Small guided groupsKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • A cruise across Lake Te Anau
  • A guided walk through living limestone caves
  • An underground waterfall
  • A silent boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms
  • Learn about the glowworm's life cycle

Full description

The Te Anau glowworm caves lie on the far side of Lake Te Anau, inside the mountains of Fiordland National Park. The trip starts with a cruise across the lake from the Te Anau waterfront, with views of the Murchison Mountains, to a cave centre on the western shore.

From there a guide leads small groups into the caves, along walkways and past an underground waterfall where the river is still carving the rock. The highlight is a ride in a small boat into a pitch-dark grotto whose ceiling is lit by thousands of glowworms. Back at the cave centre you learn about the glowworm’s life cycle before cruising back to town.

Itinerary

  1. Cruise

    Cross Lake Te Anau to the cave centre.

  2. Into the caves

    Walk in with your guide past the underground waterfall.

  3. Glowworm grotto

    A short boat ride in darkness beneath the glowworms.

  4. Return

    Cruise back to Te Anau.

Included

  • Return lake cruise from Te Anau
  • Guided cave tour including the glowworm grotto boat ride

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Transfers from Queenstown

Meeting point

The Te Anau lakefront visitor centre (exact address confirmed with your ticket)The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • Photography is not allowed inside the caves, to protect the glowworms
  • The cave paths include low ceilings and steps; wear sturdy shoes
  • Bring a warm layer; the caves are cool all year
  • Departure times change with the season; we confirm yours with your quote

Frequently asked questions

Can I take photos?

Not inside the caves; light and flashes harm the glowworms. Photos are fine on the cruise.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it is suitable for most ages; tell us if anyone has limited mobility.

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