See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Auckland, New Zealand

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Reyes_P ·

Dec 2025

I can’t say enough about how wonderful this tour was. Kate was amazing from start to finish. She was extremely knowledgeable, warm and friendly. The experience itself was incredible. Felt like I was in another world. Absolutely worth every penny. I loved it.

· megmar27 ·

Nov 2025

This was a great experience. It was smaller yesterday very impressive. It was like seeing them in the wild versus is a zoo in the more touristy spot Guide was very personable and dropped us off at hotel instead of origination point

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Overview

There’s no need to travel far out of Auckland to see glowworms as there are great places to see them right in the city. On this small group tour, you’re taken to a hidden glowworm dell in a bush reserve. The walk is easy, once your eyes adjust to the dark. Learn more about the cool little creatures on a short evening tour that leaves time for other activities.

Receive personalized attention on an intimate private tour
Get to the glowworm dell in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Nature lovers will especially enjoy this tour to a lesser-known spot
Best suited to mobile travelers, although the bush walk is easy

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced Guide

Parking for your vehicle, Please contact us if you are using a vehicle in Auckland

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Auckland 1010, New Zealand
We will meet you in the vehicle drop off/ pick up parking zone for the Ferry terminal. This is down the side of the building by the red gates. Address is 99 Quay street

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.8:30 pm

Itinerary

Auckland

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Please let us know prior to booking if you are visually impaired or have trouble getting around so we can make sure this experience is right for you.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Eric_B

No need to do the 5+ hours drive round trip to Waitomo Caves, as there are tons of glowworms all within a 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland. Our guide Kate was very cordial, knowledgeable, and passionate about the tour. She drove us to the secluded area where there were hundreds of glowworms. Kate did a great job of explaining how and why glowworms 'glow' and provided a unique and up-close experience. Highly recommend the tour, not only because it will save you a ton of time, but more for Kate's information and the overall experience.

Reviews

4.8

based on 23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great but not as private as it sounds

Taylor_M, Feb 2026

The actual experience was great! It was very rainy which was a bit more difficult to navigate with all the mud and flooded paths however the glow worms were amazing to see! This tour is NOT private. My husband and I booked this thinking it would be just us but then another group of 4 showed up for the tour. I was disappointed in this for sure, but overall had a good time.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Hi 👋 not sure what gave the impression that it would be a solely private tour? This is a small group tour, no more than 6 guests at any one time. I'll revisit the experience description. Thanks for the heads up! **Update i have found out that Viator actually writes the description. I had not put the word private in their at all which is why i was so confused!!! I am requesting it to be removed.

Must-Do Tour!

Eric_B, Feb 2026

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks so much for your lovely review - it is so appreciated!

Had a great time, this...

Mark_G, Feb 2026

Had a great time, this was a very neat little excursion and the host was so down to earth and friendly.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Really appreciate you taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to have you.

Definitely a unique thing...

Jeff_P, Feb 2026

Definitely a unique thing to do only in New Zealand. Guide was great and she was full of knowledge. Hard to get pics, but something that has to be experienced in person.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks Jeff! It was such a pleasure taking you guys out to the forest!

Absolutely Magical

Heather_H, Feb 2026

This was an absolutely amazing tour. Kate our guide was excellent, knowledgeable and her passion for the environment and preservation was very evident when she was explaining what we were about to experience. Sensible shoes are definitely required. Also be prepared to meet Beef the cat, he sneaks out of the bushes! He thinks you are there for his amusement. The added bonuses you see are quite unexpected and being lucky enough to see the Southern cross brightly in the beautiful clear sky last night was just amazing. Kate was very caring while we were on the walk pointing out any potential hazards and making sure we stayed safe and dry throughout the evening. The pick up was smooth and on time. The transport was comfortable and the journey to the location took around 25 minutes. Kate insisted on taking us back to our hotels which was greatly appreciated.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thanks so much for the lovely reveiw Heather! It was so wonderful to take you guys out to see the forest!

An incredible forest...

Barbara_W, Feb 2026

An incredible forest experience where we saw so many glowworms! We learned so much about them. And standing under the giant silver ferns was so memorable!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Such a lovely review, thanks so much for coming with me to the forest. I dont ever tire of taking people to the place.

Glow worms in Auckland

Reyes_P, Dec 2025

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Naw, thanks so much for your kind words. I really loved taking you out to see the forest it was awesome. all the best!

10/10 Experience

Brittney_A, Nov 2025

Kate was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The glow worms were absolutely amazing and it was great to not have to travel too far outside of Auckland to see them. Would recommend this tour to everyone!!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

I am so glad you loved the forest i love it too! Thank you so much for your lovely reveiw.

Grear experience

megmar27, Nov 2025

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thanks! i dont like to advertise it but if your accomidation is in the city then i do lock to drop you back at your hotel to make sure you get home safe. Glad you enjoyed the forest thanks for your lovely review.

Glow worms without the drive

Elizabeth_C, Nov 2025

Great way to experience glow worms without have to drive hours out of Auckland. Kate was amazing, super friendly and knowledgable.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thanks so much for your kind words!

Seeing the glow worms was...

MICHAEL_L, Nov 2025

Seeing the glow worms was unforgettable! We booked last minute, and a couple of hours was the perfect amount of time. Our guide, Kate, was enjoyable—knowledgeable and full of fun surprises along the way. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thanks Michael! Appreciated~

Fascinating tour.

MaryS_L, Oct 2025

Liz was an extraordinary guide. She knows the woods like the back of her hand even in the dark. We learned so much and got to experience a unique natural phenomenon. Great tour!!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

You Are so kind, thanks so much for your words. -Kate

Magical !

Elizabeth_E, Oct 2025

We feel very lucky to have seen the glow worms in this environment. Our guide Kate picked us up in the city and we had an easy walk into the area where the glow worms are located. We had optimal viewing conditions, new moon, cloud cover, and there had been good conditions for the glow worms. Kate was very knowledgeable and is really invested in creating and maintaining an environment for the glow worms to have an area in the city to thrive. We saw other native flora and fauna as well and heard the tiny native owl calling in the forest. Seeing glow worms was one of my must dos visiting NZ, and this experience exceeded my expextations with a fabulous display of many glow worms in a peaceful forest setting. Highly recommend !

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Amazing thanks so much for your kind words!

A short easy walk in the...

Susan_B, Oct 2025

A short easy walk in the dark of course, through a bushy reserve to see glow worms and learn about their lives. Slightly muddy.

I would highly recommend...

John_O, Feb 2025

I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who doesn't have the time to make the trip to the glow worm caves but still wants to see the glow worms in the Auckland area. Our guide Kate was punctual, informative, friendly and enthusiastic about showing off the glow worms and the lovely nature park in which they are found. For a short trip, a lot was packed in and I would definitely do it again if I am back in Auckland.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thanks John that is really lovely of you to say. Would love to see you again if you are ever back in Auckland!

Magical!

Lucy_K, Dec 2024

My partner and our 8-year-old booked this for our last night in Auckland, and I’m so glad we did! It was absolutely magical to see the glow worms in a beautiful hidden forest! Kate was a wonderful guide, pointing out native bird calls and explaining local legends. We loved getting the experience from a local perspective, off the main tourist drag. There was even a friendly cat who joined us for part of the tour, offering a little furry affection. My 8-year-old was enchanted by the whole thing, and we were both amazed that such a magical forest exists so close to the city. It was a perfect way to end our stay in NZ.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thanks for the review! And i am happy to report that Beef is still inserting himself into the tour with his "Main Character" energy. Pleasure to have you guys!

Glow worms

Annabelle_V, Dec 2024

One of a kind, unforgettable experience with a fantastic tour guide, Kate. She was very knowledgeable and friendly.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thanks Annabelle, it was lovely to spend time with you!

Loved it!!!

Robert_M, Dec 2022

Would re-take this tour over and over again. Loved it! Would highly recommend this one for any nature lovers. Tūīs, moreporks, and a waterfall serenaded us during our walk to the secret spot. Saw crayfish along the way, an eel, silver fern... and of course glow worms all over the place. Small group size ensured Covid safety and maximum time with the worms.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thanks So much!

Very good

Donald_M, Jan 2020

I already did this review but will do it one more time. FANTASTIC, AMAZING. Our guide was the BEST. Looking fwd to glow worm pics she might send us. Would do this again and again. Loved that it was a small group/so intimate, so informing.