Description
Hidden below the magnificent mountains on the shores of Lake Te Anau lie an intricate network of caves, deep underground, lit by the glowing light of an astounding number of glow worms. Sydney Morning Herald once stated that a visit to the glow worm caves was one of the most unusual limestone cave experiences ever.
The adventure starts with a cruise across the beautiful Lake Te Anau on a purpose built boat made to experience the scenery as best as possible. Once you depart the boat you will be taken to Cavern House's informative exhibits before your guide takes you into the caves in small groups.
Inside the underground cave, you will be astonished by the wonders that lie before you. The river that courses through has produced an intricate web of limestone tunnels filled with whirlpools, sculpted rick and a wild underground waterfall. Once deep in the caves, a small boat will take you to a secret grotto populated by thousands of glow worms.
History of the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
For the longest time, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves were the stuff of legend. The only indication of their existence lay in the name “Te Ana-au”, which the ancient Maoris had named it and which means “caves with a current of swirling water”.
The caves were undiscovered until Lawson Burrows found them in 1948. His curiosity was stirred by ancient Maori tales and he searched for three years before stumbling upon a stream travelling from beneath a rock on the western shores of Lake Te Anau. The intrepid explorer submerged himself in the water, crawled through the opening and emerged in a cave lit with the light of thousands of glow worms.e now know that these caves form the lower part of an enormous cave system which stretches all the way to the Fiordland National Park.
Trip Includes
- Return coach transfers from Queenstown
- Cruise across Lake Te Anau
- Guided glow worm cave tour with informative commentary
- 4 hours free time in Te Anau
Duration
- Allow 13 hours from Queenstown
Departures
- 6:55 am from Queenstown (returns by 7:30 pm)
- Departs from central Queenstown accommodation
- Operates September - April
Other Information
- Some bending is required at caves entrance & steps are involved
- No film/photography permitted inside caves
- If catching the coach from Queenstown you will have 4+ hours of free time in Te Anau before your Glowworm Cave Tour
- Please wear non-slip shoes/boots & bring a waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/ sunglasses, insect repellent & camera
- Infants under the age of 4 travel for free, however, are not permitted in the caves. There is a cafe on the other side of the lake after the boat ride where you can wait with your infant while your partner visits the caves & you can then swap as the cave tour is always split into two groups
- If you are making your own way to Te Anau & do not require transfers from Queenstown you can book the tour only, click here
Normal Retail Prices
- Adult (15yrs+): NZD$195.00
- Child (5-14yrs): NZD$98.00
All prices shown in NZD$.
