How to Experience the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Are you looking for a unique experience during your visit to Te Anau? Then don’t miss out on the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour! Step into an underground world of rushing water and shimmering glowworms that is sure to leave you in wonder. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves:

Experience

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour is an unforgettable underground adventure that takes you into a mysterious world of waterfalls and limestone formations. Your guide will share fascinating facts about the caves and its history as you explore this natural wonder.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights you can expect on the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour: 1. Scenic Cruise: Enjoy a return scenic cruise on Lake Te Anau before heading to the caves. 2. Informative Displays: At the entry to the caves, view the informative displays and learn about the geological wonder you are about to explore. 3. Cave Tour: Your guide will take you on a tour of the caves, pointing out the highlights and sharing their knowledge about the caves and its history. 4. Glowworms: See the glow worms in pitch black darkness and marvel at their luminescent shimmer. 5. Rock Formations: Learn about the stunning rock formations that have been carved out by the force of the water over thousands of years. 6. Waterfalls: Listen to the sound of roaring water as it flows through the caves and discover hidden waterfalls. 7. Optional Guided Forest Experience: Learn about the unique flora of the region on an optional short guided forest walk.

Full Description

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are located on the western shore of Lake Te Anau in the Fiordland National Park. The tour begins with a scenic cruise across the lake to the cave entrance. During the cruise, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Once you arrive at the cave entrance, you’ll have a chance to view the informative displays and learn about the geological wonder that you are about to explore. Your friendly guide will then take you on a tour of the caves, pointing out the highlights and sharing their knowledge of the caves and its history. The underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is astonishingly beautiful. The caves are still being carved out by the force of the water and are 12,000 years old by geological standards, which makes them very young. During the tour, you’ll see stunning limestone formations and hidden waterfalls. But the highlight of the tour is the glowworms. The glowworms are unique to New Zealand and are found only in a few caves. These tiny creatures emit a luminescent light, which creates an otherworldly atmosphere in the darkness of the cave. Seeing them is a magical experience that you’ll never forget. If you have some spare time, you can also take an optional short guided forest walk to learn about the unique flora of the region. It’s a great way to connect with the natural beauty of the area.

Booking the Tour

To book the Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour, head over to GetYourGuide’s website and book the tour here: book the tour here. The tour is operated by a third-party company and is available at different times throughout the day. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes for the tour. Cameras are not allowed inside the caves to protect the glowworms.

Final Thoughts

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Te Anau. The unique underground world of rushing water and shimmering glowworms is sure to leave you in awe. With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of your time in Te Anau.

Frequently Asked Questions about Te Anau

Te Anau is a small town located in the southern region of New Zealand’s South Island. Despite its small size, it is a tourist hotspot due to its beautiful surroundings and access to famous natural landmarks such as Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. If you are considering visiting Te Anau, this FAQ will answer many of your questions.

1. How do I get to Te Anau?

There are several ways to get to Te Anau, depending on where you’re coming from.

• If you’re arriving from overseas, you can fly into Queenstown Airport, which is located approximately two hours from Te Anau.
• If you’re already in New Zealand, you can drive to Te Anau from locations such as Queenstown, Christchurch, or Dunedin.
• You can also take a bus or shuttle from Queenstown to Te Anau.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Te Anau?

The best time of year to visit Te Anau depends on your preferences and what you want to do. Summer (December-February) is the busiest time of year, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. This is a great time for hiking and outdoor activities. Fall (March-May) is a quieter time of year, with cooler temperatures but still relatively mild weather. This is a great time for hiking and enjoying the changing colors of the leaves. Winter (June-August) is the coldest time of year, but it can also be beautiful with snow-covered landscapes. This is a great time for skiing and other winter sports. Spring (September-November) is a great time for hiking and enjoying the warmer weather and blossoming flowers.

3. What are some things to do in Te Anau?

There are plenty of things to do in Te Anau and the surrounding areas. Some top activities and attractions include:

• Take a cruise on Milford Sound, which is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world.
• Hike the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails.
• Visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where you can see thousands of glowworms lighting up the underground cave system.
• Explore Fiordland National Park, which is home to stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
• Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

4. What is the weather like in Te Anau?

The weather in Te Anau can vary depending on the time of year. In general, the town has a temperate climate with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. Summer temperatures usually range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winter temperatures can drop to around 0°C (32°F).

5. Where can I stay in Te Anau?

Te Anau has a variety of accommodation options to choose from, including hotels, motels, lodges, and holiday homes. Some popular options include:

• The Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas – a modern hotel with stunning lake and mountain views.
• Fiordland Lodge – a luxury lodge with beautiful gardens and private suites.
• Milford Sound Lodge – located inside Fiordland National Park, this lodge is a great base for exploring Milford Sound.
• Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels – a family-friendly option with cabins, campsites, and motel rooms.

6. What should I pack for a trip to Te Anau?

What you should pack for a trip to Te Anau depends on what time of year you’re visiting and what activities you plan to do. Some general packing tips include:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Warm layers including a waterproof jacket and warm hat/gloves for colder months
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for the summer months
• A camera to capture the stunning landscapes

7. Can I see the Aurora Australis from Te Anau?

The Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) can be seen from southern New Zealand on occasion, but it is relatively rare. Te Anau is located in a good spot for viewing the aurora, but it still requires the right conditions (clear skies, low light pollution, etc.) to see it. Your best chance of seeing the Aurora Australis is during the winter months (June-August) when the nights are longer and darker. It’s important to remember that even if the conditions are right, there is no guarantee that you will see the aurora, as it is a natural phenomenon that can be unpredictable. In conclusion, Te Anau is a beautiful town that is well worth a visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. With plenty of activities, attractions, and stunning landscapes to explore, Te Anau is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Te Anau

Te Anau, located in southwestern New Zealand, is known as the “Gateway to Fiordland National Park” and is a popular destination for tourists. This charming town offers a plethora of activities and attractions to explore, ranging from hiking and kayaking to scenic flights and boat rides. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary for how to make the most out of your time in Te Anau.

Day One: Exploring Te Anau

On your first day, it’s recommended that you explore the town and its surroundings. One of the best things about Te Anau is its natural beauty, so start by taking a stroll around the stunning Lake Te Anau. This lake is the largest in the South Island, and walking along its shores provides you with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and forests. You can also take a boat ride on the lake and explore the nearby lakeshore tracks. After exploring Lake Te Anau, head over to Fiordland Cinema to catch a screening of the ‘Ata Whenua – Shadowland’ film. This film is about the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park and is a great way to get to know the area and learn more about its history. Afterward, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, which are located just outside of the town. These caves are a must-see attraction and are home to thousands of glowworms that light up the underground caverns. You can take a guided tour through the caves and see the glowworms up close.

Day Two: Scenic Flight and Hiking

On your second day in Te Anau, take an early morning scenic flight over Fiordland National Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as the views from the air are absolutely breathtaking. The flight will take you over some of the park’s most famous landmarks, such as Milford Sound and Mitre Peak. You’ll also see some of the area’s hidden gems, such as Sutherland Falls and Lake Quill. After your scenic flight, head out on a guided hiking tour through the Routeburn Track. This hike is a popular one in the area and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. You’ll see waterfall after waterfall, and maybe even spot some of the park’s native bird species. This hike is challenging, so make sure to wear appropriate hiking gear and pack plenty of water and snacks.

Day Three: Kayaking and Milford Sound Cruise

On your final day, take a guided kayaking tour around Lake Te Anau. This is a great way to get up close and personal with the lake and its surroundings. The guides will take you to some of the best spots on the lake, including hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s history and ecology. After kayaking, head out on a Milford Sound cruise. This is another once-in-a-lifetime experience, as Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in the world. You’ll be surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and playful seals. The cruise usually lasts around two hours and includes a scenic stopover at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.

Book Your Tour Now

Te Anau is an incredible destination, and there’s so much to see and do. By following this three-day itinerary, you’ll get a taste of what the town has to offer and will be able to experience some of its most popular attractions. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water and snacks. And most importantly, enjoy your time in Te Anau!