What’s the best way to experience the Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Te-Anau/Te-Anau-Glow-Worm-Caves-Tour/d22016-2264RJ400" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Auckland/10-Day-Auckland-to-Queenstown-Private-Tour-from-Auckland/d391-453440P6" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">10 Day North to South Island NZ Private Tour From Auckland</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Queenstown/3-to-5-Day-South-Island-Private-Tour-from-Queenstown/d407-453440P5" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour From Queenstown</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Auckland/6-Day-New-Zealand-South-Island-Private-Tour-from-Auckland/d391-453440P4" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour From Auckland</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Auckland/12-Day-Ultimate-New-Zealand-Tour-from-Auckland-to-Stewart-Island/d391-453440P13" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">12 Day New Zealand Private Tour From Auckland to Queenstown</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves in 2026?

Prices for admission and a guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are seasonal. During the low season (May to September), tickets cost NZ$129 for adults (from 16 years old and above) and NZ$65 for children aged 5–15. In the peak season (October to February), tickets cost NZ$145 for adults and NZ$69 for kids. Under-5s are always free, but all kids must be accompanied by a paying adult.

How long does the full Te Anau Glowworm Caves experience take?

Guided tours of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves typically take around 2.5 hours. The experience begins with a boat ride across Lake Te Anau, which is the only way to reach the caves. Your guide then leads you inside the caves, both on foot and on a small boat, before you return to Te Anau by boat.

Do I need to book Te Anau Glowworm Caves tickets in advance?

While it’s not always necessary to book a Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour far in advance, it is advisable, especially in peak season. Each tour can accommodate 12 participants, and tours are often fully booked during busy times. The area is less busy in winter, so you may be able to get onto a tour with less planning if visiting then.

How do I get to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

The only way to get to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves themselves is by boat on a guided tour. The village of Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park—it’s about 106 miles (170 kilometers) from Queenstown and 72 miles (117 kilometers) from Milford Sound. You can drive yourself there or join a tour from Queenstown.

Is photography allowed inside the Te Anau Glowworm Caves?

No, you’re not allowed to take photos or videos inside the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. This is because you need a dark environment to see the glowworms properly, and your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness. Taking out brightly lit phones and using a flash can disturb the tour for other participants, as well as yourself.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tours and Tickets

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Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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Get ready for one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable road trips! This self-guided drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes you through the heart of Fiordland a land of snow-capped peaks, mirror-like lakes, roaring waterfalls, and ancient rainforests. Along the way, explore local legends, hidden lookouts, and short scenic walks that capture the raw, untouched beauty of the South Island. Cruise past the Devil’s Staircase, stop at Te Anau, stroll the Mirror Lakes, and end your journey at the spectacular Milford Sound where cliffs rise straight from the sea. Every turn of the road promises a new adventure, a photo-worthy view, and that pure Kiwi magic you’ll never forget.

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Queenstown to Milfordsound Self Guided Drive Tour with an APP

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5% savings

from

$15$14

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Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the adventure capital Queenstown and conclude in the vibrant city Christchurch. Enjoy ride to Arthur's Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, enjoy the hospitality of a knowledgeable guide-driver, a comfortable vehicle, and scenic drives.

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4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Queenstown

4 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's South. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South New Zealand in a relaxed way. Enjoy the comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting 10 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, Milford Sound or Doubtful cruise, a tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a visit to transport museum, round-trip ferry & flight ticket between Stewart Island and Bluff, guided exploration in Stewart Island, alpine horse trekking, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve, and a private hot soak experience. Start and finish at Queenstown.

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5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

5 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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3 Day Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Glowworm Tour from Queenstown

Make the most of your time in Fiordland on a 3-day tour with an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Departing from Queenstown, head to tiny Te Anau, where you’ll visit the glow worm caves and spend the night in accommodation near the lake. On day two, head to remote Doubtful Sound. Many tours only spend a few hours here but you’ll experience the tranquility after the day-trippers have left.

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3 Day Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Glowworm Tour from Queenstown

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Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions. Start your tour in Auckland, one of the major gateways to NZ, and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Experience Queenstown's beauty while exploring Lake Wakatipu, Gardens, and lakeside streets. Thrill at 360-degree spins on a jet boat and enjoy panoramic views from Skyline Queenstown. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford Sound. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Drive to Arthur's Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Throughout the tour, enjoy hospitality of a knowledgeable guide-driver, a comfortable vehicle, and scenic drives.

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4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Auckland

4 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

12 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to Queenstown

This ultimate 12-day, 11-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Wellington) and South Island (Kaikōura to Stewart Island). It includes a transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities and luxury hotels, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning, coordinating endless details, and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in an ultimate style for a lifetime memorable trip. Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a curated mixture of 19–21 optional activities, ensuring an ultimate and diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you throughout the tour. Start in Auckland and finish in Queenstown, both cities with international airports.

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12 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to Queenstown

12 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to Christchurch) and North Island (Rotorua to Auckland). The tour includes convenient transfer flight ticket, and optional must-do activities & luxury accommodations, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in New Zealand without the hassles of planning endless things and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of New Zealand in a relaxed style within an ideal number of days. Besides visiting and experiencing many of the top attractions in New Zealand, you may also opt for an unbelievably long list of renowned and carefully selected 14-16 activities, ensuring a diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you. Start at Queenstown and finish at Auckland.

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9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

9 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland

This immersive 6-day tour gives a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy included arrival flight, and optional handpicked activities & places to stay, without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Enjoy the comfort of a private tour for your group. Benefit from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting 9-10 optional activities, like a helicopter ride, TranzAlpine train ride, stargazing, thrill jet boating, a scenic Gondola ride, Kiwi park or Hot pool soak, a cruise in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, a tour of Te Anau Glowworm caves, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & visiting an Alpaca farm. Choose to finish at Auckland or Christchurch or Queenstown.

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6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland

6 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Enjoy comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of handpicked 8-9 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, Milford or Doubtful Sound cruise, a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a scenic gondola ride, thrill jet boating, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserves, the TranzAlpine scenic train ride, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & visiting an Alpaca farm. Start at Queenstown and finish at Christchurch.

...More

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

5 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

10 Day North to South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland

This signature 10-day, 9-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Rotorua) and South Island (Christchurch to Milford Sound). The tour includes transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities, hotels & departure flight, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning endless things and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in a relaxed style within an ideal number of days. Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for unbelievably long list of 15-17 optional activities, ensuring a diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour for your group, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Choose to finish at Auckland or Christchurch or Queenstown.

...More

10 Day North to South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland

10 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary is designed to showcase the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Start your tour in the charming city of Dunedin and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Enjoy comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting, handpicked 7 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, a cruise in Milford or Doubtful Sound, a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a scenic gondola ride, thrill jet boating, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserves, and the TranzAlpine scenic train ride.

...More

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

5 daysFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

What are people saying about Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Adrienne_B, Nov 2026

Glow worms -unique experience!

I’ve traveled around the world and have never seen anything like it! Recommend going in the Spring/Summer when the glow worms are prevalent. Be aware of the sand flues which are in abundance outside the cave.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Olivia_M, Nov 2026

Great experience

What a great experience going to see the glow worms in complete dark and silence. It is really a must do activity if you’re in the area, and if not then go out of your way to do it! Unfortunately you can’t take photos once you’re inside, but it’s such a memorable experience. Be mindful that you are going inside a cave and have to duck under some large rocks, and there is also a lot of gushing water. Don’t let that put you off though.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Will_M, Nov 2026

Laid back but very cool experience. Worth the price

Not a very strenuous activity and a well put together trip! Seeing the glow worms as super cool and appreciate the emphasis on not using phones/cameras in the cave as it would detract from the experience (and make it harder to see the worms)

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Andrew_S, Oct 2026

Fabulous Experience

Amazing experience. The crew were fabulous and our Guide was extremely knowledgable. The whole excursion was meticulous from start to finish despite awful weather for the crossing. Would definitely recommend. Do not miss.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

marcelaf_c, Oct 2026

Saw glow worms!

I was worried about the entrance to the cave because it was low and I wasn’t sure if my family and I would feel claustrophobic once in it, but it was only a short distance and it opened up. Once in, we enjoyed the walk to the boat. We saw an eel! We had enough time to sit in the dark and see the glow worms. Only wish we had time at the end to do the nature walk. Probably a short walk, but it would have been nice to do it.