Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Te Anau: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re interested in outdoor activities and eco-tours, then a Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Te Anau should definitely be on your travel itinerary. A visit to New Zealand’s South Island wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the eeriely beautiful Glowworm Caves of Te Anau National Park. This captivating experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers, giving them the chance to explore the depths of a majestic cave as it is illuminated by thousands of glowworms that adorn every wall and crevice.

While it may be tempting to explore the Glowworm Cave on your own, it’s important to note that you should only venture inside when accompanied by an expert guide. Not only will a guide ensure your safety while exploring the cave, they will also be able to tell you the stories behind the formations, answer any questions that you may have, and point out the various species and ecosystems that exist inside. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about a Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Te Anau, New Zealand, so that you can make the most of your special experience.

What are Glowworm Caves?

The area of Te Anau is home to hundreds of Glowworm Caves and Grottos, which are located on the northern shore of Lake Te Anau. The Glowworm Cave is one of the best-known cave systems in New Zealand and consists of two underground limestone caves – Top Road Entrance Cave and Hidden Valley Cave.

The caves are composed of limestone, which is calcium carbonate that has been deposited over millions of years. The tiny lifecycle of the glowworms was discovered by British explorers in the late 19th century, who were struck by the luminescence creatures emit from every surface inside the cave. The major elements inside the caves include streams, waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, helictites and various other scientific formations.

What Can You See Inside the Cave?

A guided tour through the Glowworm Cave is an unforgettable experience that allows travellers to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures and explore the hidden secrets of this subterranean world. Upon entering the cave, visitors will be confronted by thousands of glowworms that cling to every surface, creating seemingly endless swathes of luminescence across the cave walls.

In addition to admiring the glowworms, visitors can explore several fascinating underground caverns and enjoy stunning views of subterranean lakes. Not only will you get to wander around magnificent stalactites, stalagmites and columns, but you’ll also learn all about the unique wildlife that calls this cave network home.

What is a Guided Tour?

As we’ve already mentioned, it’s highly recommended that you embark on a tour of the Glowworm Cave rather than attempting to explore it on your own. During a guided tour, a certified guide will accompany you throughout the entire experience and provide detailed information about the various species and formations inside the cave.

Guided tours typically begin with a short walk from above ground to the entrance of the cave. This short walk allows for stunning views of the area’s nature and wildlife and provides vital information about how amazing this area is. Your tour guide will then lead you inside where they will provide information about what features to look out for inside the cave.

At the beginning of each tour, visitors are equipped with protective coverings for their shoes and with lifesaving harnesses for extra safety during their tour of the cave. The entire tour typically takes around 2 hours and can be done in either small or large groups depending on what suits your preference best.

Are There Any Restrictions?

As with most tour experiences, there are certain age restrictions in place for visiting the Glowworm Caves. All children aged between 5 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of their tour, while children aged under 5 cannot join. It’s alsoworth noting that all visitors must be able to climb up and down several staircases throughout their tour, so this is something that must be taken into consideration when planning your visit.

It’s also worth mentioning that tourists are not allowed take pictures or videos inside their cave system due to conservation laws, however you will surely take some incredible memories away with you after your tour!

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of a Glowworm Caves Guided Tour in Te Anau usually varies depending on what type of package you decide to avail of and how many people will be taking part in it. However, typically it costs around $80 per person and can be reserved on sites such as GetYourGuide website.

Our Verdict

In conclusion, when supplemented with a guided tour, visiting a Glowworm Cave in Te Anau can be an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget. Not only will you get to witness some of nature’s most amazing creatures up close, you’ll also gain a greater understanding of life underground while exploring one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and unique cave systems. What’s more, once you finish your tour, you can enjoy additional activities such as hiking or boating on Lake Te Anau and relish in one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience during your visit to Te Anau then consider signing up for a Glowworm Caves Guided Tour and making sure that your trip is truly unforgettable! And if you want to book an activity like this one, click here now to book with GetYourGuide!