Visit Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
for a Shimmering Heads Up

Te Anau explorer Lawson Burrows once said of area glow worm caves, ” … it was a fantastic sight … like a page out a space fiction picture book, a weird place but not at all frightening.” This description captures the silent essence of this special New Zealand environment — perfect for seekers of adventure and New Zealand outdoor activities.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are a unique display of tiny bright lights reflected onto the water from limestone grotto ceilings, emitted by thousands of small insects commonly known as New Zealand glow worms. Only the sound of dripping water reminds the observer of being underground, and not under a star-filled night sky.

The flies’ lights flicker in response to hunger, unusual noises, lighting conditions, temperature and humidity, thus simulating night sky lightning.

Better than the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are light shows in the Waitomo Caves of the North Island’s King Country region, 2 hours driving distance from Auckland, and world famous for this species unique to New Zealand. Tens of thousands of these creatures light up the walls, ceilings, and stalactites of the grotto there, where a breathtaking boat ride through the caves guarantees brilliant light shows against a backdrop of dripping water.

No match for Waitomo and famous giants like Mammoth Caves or Carlsbad Caversns, NZ South Island caves reveal fewer stalactite and stalagmite formations and more water than their North Island counterparts. Still, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are equally popular as city attractions found in Queenstown and Christchurch for exploring caverns in South Island travel.

It takes longer to get to and from the caves than to actually explore them via a short walk and by boat access past a river and nice waterfall. But the glow worm grotto is the standout feature worth the wait. Those creatures giving the best light displays are concentrated in the Waitomo Caves, but any chance at all to view these unique, sparkling shows is a real treat.

Experienced guides escort tourists underground in small groups past limestone passages sculpted by rushing water, fossils, rock formations, whirlpools, and towering cavern walls to the highlight feature. The incandescent display of these tiny insects creates an awesome sight that overwhelms the senses with unforgettable starry shimmer. The light show is certain to enchant all who seek a cave adventure on their New Zealand vacation.