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Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Natural Attraction

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Queenstown
4.7
(850 reviews)
12
Tours Available
$65
Adult Entry
2.5 hours
Recommended Duration
December-April
Best Time

Overview

Te Anau Glowworm Caves offer a magical experience with thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling, creating a star-like effect. The cave system includes underground rivers and waterfalls, with a scenic boat ride included in the tour.

The caves are known for their unique glowworm display, which is a natural phenomenon and a major tourist attraction in New Zealand.

Caves Glowworms Boat Tour

Location

Address

85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, Southland

Neighborhood: Lakefront

Coordinates

-45.433300, 167.150000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
$65
Children
$35

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-April

Best Time of Day

Afternoon

Fewer crowds and better lighting for viewing glowworms

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1.5 hours
Recommended
2.5 hours
Full Experience
Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild

  • • Mild weather
  • • Lush greenery

summer

Warm

  • • Long daylight hours
  • • Warm weather

autumn

Cool

  • • Fall colors
  • • Cooler weather

winter

Cool

  • • Cozy indoor cafes
  • • Holiday decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets in advance
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring a jacket

What to Bring

essential

Tickets ID Water bottle

recommended

Camera Binoculars Warm jacket

seasonal

Raincoat Sunscreen

not allowed

Large backpacks Food Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

  • • Uneven surfaces
  • • Low ceilings in some areas

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Typical Costs

entry $65
parking $5
food $15
souvenirs $20

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable walking shoes and warm layers, Closed-toe shoes, High heels, Inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • At least 1 week in advance
  • • Official website
  • • 48 hours in advance for a full refund
  • • Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Official App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Glowworm facts

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Invercargill Airport

Distance: 100 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

car
$20-30 1 hour 30 minutes
shuttle
$40 1 hour 30 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

walking
$0 25 minutes
bicycle
$0 10 minutes
taxi
$10 5 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique natural phenomenon and a sense of pride

Historical Significance: The caves have been a significant part of local Maori legends and history

Insider Tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience
  • The best views are from the middle of the boat

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local kiwi cuisine at the on-site cafe
  • • Ask for a local guide for more insights

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Kia ora
thank_you Kia ora
where_is Kei hea
how_much He aha te utu
beautiful Māwhero
ticket Tikiti

Guide Languages: English, Maori, Other languages upon request

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Boat ride entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Capture the boat and reflections

Result: Stunning scenic shot

#glowwormcaves #teanau #newzealand

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Boat ride, Glowworm cave
prohibited areas Restricted areas as guided
flash photography Not allowed in glowworm cave
commercial photography Permit needed
drone policy Prohibited
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Fiordland National Park

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: National Park

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Wildlife Sanctuary

Reviews

4.7

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book tickets in advance"
  • "Wear warm clothes"
  • "Enjoy the boat ride"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

12

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

850

Adult Entry

$65

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