Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Highlights
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Enjoy a return scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau
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Admire the glow worms in pitch black darkness
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Learn about rock formations, cave networks, and Maori legends
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View limestone passages with whirlpools and underground waterfalls
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Learn about the unique flora of the region on an optional forest experience
Summary
Enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains’ network of natural caves. Explore an underground world of sculptured rock, underground waterfalls, and a silent hidden glowworm grotto.
Tour info
Duration
2 hours 15 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Why take this tour?
Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau. At the entry to the caves, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you head underground. On the tour of the caves, your friendly guide will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. The caves are 12,000 years old which by geological standards is still very young and they are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau. At the entry to the caves, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you head underground. On the tour of the caves, your friendly guide will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. The caves are 12,000 years old which by geological standards is still very young and they are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
What’s included?
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• Beautiful scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the caves entry point -
• Guided tour through the caves -
• Complimentary tea and coffee -
No hotel pick up, please meet our team at the RealNZ Visitor Centre
Things to know
Before you book
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• Please note that a reasonable agility level is necessary as some bending is required due to low cave entrances and steps being involved
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• This tour is not suitable for wheelchair passengers or heeled shoes
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• This tour is not suitable for infants
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• Light refreshments are available to purchase from the Cavern House and on the cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available.
Before you go
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Please be at the meeting point to check in at least 20 minutes prior to the departure time.
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Photography and video filming are NOT permitted inside the cave.
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Some bending is required at the cave entrance and steps are involved.
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Recommend non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket
Cancellation Policy
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Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
About operator:
Our family business was founded in Fiordland in the 1950’s by tourism and conservation pioneers Les and Olive Hutchins.
Sixty years later, we offer tourism experiences from Stewart Island to Queenstown; including world renowned cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
For us, the aim is still quite simple – to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.
Sixty years later, we offer tourism experiences from Stewart Island to Queenstown; including world renowned cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
For us, the aim is still quite simple – to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.
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