Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Step into Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where bioluminescent insects light the darkness. Glide through underground rivers as thousands of glowworms create a living constellation above. Experience New Zealand's unique subterranean ecosystem, where water has carved limestone into a hidden world.

Loved by over 56 million guests worldwide

Slide 1 of 11, Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves with rock formations.

Tourist walking through illuminated Te Anau Glowworm Caves on guided tour.

Tourists on boat exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves in New Zealand.

Tourists on a walkway exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves with illuminated rock formations.

Glowworms illuminating the Te Anau Caves in New Zealand.

Glowworm threads hanging from cave ceiling in Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Tourist exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves on a walkway.

Tourists walking through lush Te Anau Glowworm Caves on a guided tour.

Tourists walking through lush forest on Te Anau Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves entrance surrounded by lush forest.

Te Anau Caves exhibit room with timeline displays and seating area.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

2 hrs 15 mins

Enjoy a small-group guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with your family, a 2.5-hour journey exploring New Zealand's famed subterranean wonder.
Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau, leading to the Cavern House on the Western shore, featuring informative displays about the caves.
Venture into the heart of the Glowworm Caves, a mesmerizing natural light show created by bioluminescent gnats, a quintessential Fiordland experience.
Go on a serene forest walk with your guide, learning about native flora and fauna, before cruising back and enjoying complimentary tea or coffee.
Did you know? These caves are relatively young, at just 12,000 years old, and are still being sculpted by the river flowing within them.

More details

Enjoy a small-group guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with your family, a 2.5-hour journey exploring New Zealand's famed subterranean wonder.
Begin with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau, leading to the Cavern House on the Western shore, featuring informative displays about the caves.
Venture into the heart of the Glowworm Caves, a mesmerizing natural light show created by bioluminescent gnats, a quintessential Fiordland experience.
Go on a serene forest walk with your guide, learning about native flora and fauna, before cruising back and enjoying complimentary tea or coffee.
Did you know? These caves are relatively young, at just 12,000 years old, and are still being sculpted by the river flowing within them.

from

NZ$129

Slide 1 of 7, Cruise boat on Doubtful Sound with passengers photographing lush fjord scenery.

Cruise passenger enjoying scenic waterfalls on Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.

Doubtful Sound view from Wilmot Pass with lush green hills and winding waterway.

Dolphins leaping in Doubtful Sound during wilderness cruise.

Seal resting on a rock during Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise, New Zealand.

Fiordland crested penguins on rocky shore, Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise.

Tour bus for Te Anau Premium Doubtful Sound Cruise in New Zealand's fjords.

From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

8 hrs 45 mins

1 more

Set off from Te Anau through rolling countryside and lush landscapes, heading towards the majesty of Doubtful Sound – a dream for nature enthusiasts.
Capture stunning photos as you glide across Lake Manapouri’s crystal-clear waters and cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass through lush rainforests.
Enjoy a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound, passing waterfalls and ancient rainforests, while sipping complimentary tea or coffee on board.
Your nature guide will point out wildlife like curious dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins while sharing local ecology insights.
Fun fact: Doubtful Sound is the deepest fiord in New Zealand, reaching 421 meters!

More details

Set off from Te Anau through rolling countryside and lush landscapes, heading towards the majesty of Doubtful Sound – a dream for nature enthusiasts.
Capture stunning photos as you glide across Lake Manapouri’s crystal-clear waters and cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass through lush rainforests.
Enjoy a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound, passing waterfalls and ancient rainforests, while sipping complimentary tea or coffee on board.
Your nature guide will point out wildlife like curious dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins while sharing local ecology insights.
Fun fact: Doubtful Sound is the deepest fiord in New Zealand, reaching 421 meters!

from

NZ$383

Slide 1 of 20, Cruise ship in Doubtful Sound with misty mountains in the background, Te Anau.

Kayakers paddling in Doubtful Sound fjord, view from Te Anau overnight cruise, New Zealand.

Dolphins leaping in Doubtful Sound during an overnight cruise from Te Anau.

Chef preparing buffet on cruise ship during Te Anau overnight tour.

Cruise ship deck view of Doubtful Sound fjord, Te Anau overnight tour.

Cruise ship cabin with twin beds on Te Anau overnight tour.

Person diving from a boat into Doubtful Sound, surrounded by lush hills, during an overnight cruise from Te Anau.

Platter with grapes, crackers, cheeses, and dips for guests on the cruise.

Passengers enjoying conversation in a cozy dining area on Doubtful Sound overnight cruise.

Buffet with curries and roasted vegetables on wilderness cruise.

Person examining nautical map on Doubtful Sound cruise ship corridor.

Twin cabin interior with two beds, a mirror, and a heated towel rack on a ship.

Cruise ship on Doubtful Sound surrounded by lush mountains, Te Anau.

Tourists on a boat cruise through Doubtful Sound, surrounded by lush green cliffs and calm waters.

Person enjoying the view of waterfalls and mountains on a Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau.

Cruise ship near waterfall in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.

Couple overlooking Doubtful Sound fjord from Te Anau on an overnight cruise.

Kayaker on Doubtful Sound fjord with lush cliffs, Te Anau overnight tour.

Cruise passenger on deck with Doubtful Sound fjord view, Te Anau.

From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

1 day 1 hr

3 more

Ideal for explorers and nature lovers, this overnight cruise includes Te Anau transfers and immerses you in the scenic wonders of Doubtful Sound.
Kayak into serene coves or cruise by tender boat, exploring untouched shores with ancient beech trees and towering cliffs. Swimming is an option too!
Indulge in a gourmet buffet dinner, then unwind on the ship's spacious viewing decks and observation lounges, surrounded by stunning fiord views.
Spot rare wildlife like Fiordland crested penguins, playful bottlenose dolphins, and fur seals as your expert guide gives you insights into the ecosystem.
Fun fact: Doubtful Sound is three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound, making it a more remote and secluded experience in Fiordland.

More details

Ideal for explorers and nature lovers, this overnight cruise includes Te Anau transfers and immerses you in the scenic wonders of Doubtful Sound.
Kayak into serene coves or cruise by tender boat, exploring untouched shores with ancient beech trees and towering cliffs. Swimming is an option too!
Indulge in a gourmet buffet dinner, then unwind on the ship's spacious viewing decks and observation lounges, surrounded by stunning fiord views.
Spot rare wildlife like Fiordland crested penguins, playful bottlenose dolphins, and fur seals as your expert guide gives you insights into the ecosystem.
Fun fact: Doubtful Sound is three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound, making it a more remote and secluded experience in Fiordland.

from

NZ$823

Slide 1 of 13, Cruise boat on Milford Sound surrounded by misty mountains and calm waters.

Couple enjoying a cruise on Milford Sound with mountains in the background.

Cruise boat near waterfall in Milford Sound, New Zealand, surrounded by lush cliffs.

Group of passengers posing for a photo beside a coach with mountains in the background during a trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness.

Cruise passengers on deck with view of Mitre Peak, Milford Sound, New Zealand.

People enjoying a stream in Milford Sound, surrounded by lush mountains.

Couple walking on a boardwalk in Milford Sound, New Zealand, surrounded by lush forest.

Group enjoying a 2-hour cruise on Milford Sound with scenic cliffs in the background.

Passengers enjoying scenic views on a glass-roofed bus during Milford Sound day trip from Te Anau.

Visitors enjoying the view from a boardwalk in Milford Sound, surrounded by lush greenery.

Couple sitting on a bench overlooking Milford Sound with mountains and water, Te Anau departure.

View from Pop's Valley lookout over lush green forest and distant snow-capped mountains.

Dolphin swimming in Milford Sound fjord during cruise, New Zealand.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise & Return Transfers

8 hrs - 9 hrs

2 more

Start your guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau. Start closer and breathe easier: shorter travel times mean a relaxed 8–9-hour day with crowd-beating schedules.
Catch earlier cruise departures, then enjoy quieter afternoon photo stops on the return; more nature, less queue.
Travel in comfort on a coach with live commentary, bringing the region’s stories and landscapes to life.
The short walks and photo ops at sights like Pops Lookout and Christie Falls best highlight Milford Sound’s geology and unique ecosystems.
Marvel at dramatic fjords and waterfalls during your Milford Sound cruise; camera at the ready for every angle.

More details

Start your guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau. Start closer and breathe easier: shorter travel times mean a relaxed 8–9-hour day with crowd-beating schedules.
Catch earlier cruise departures, then enjoy quieter afternoon photo stops on the return; more nature, less queue.
Travel in comfort on a coach with live commentary, bringing the region’s stories and landscapes to life.
The short walks and photo ops at sights like Pops Lookout and Christie Falls best highlight Milford Sound’s geology and unique ecosystems.
Marvel at dramatic fjords and waterfalls during your Milford Sound cruise; camera at the ready for every angle.

from

NZ$230

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Hikers on a guided walk in Te Anau, New Zealand, with mountains in the background.

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What our guests say

Anne-britt B

Australia

Group

May 2026

This was a return visit for us after our honeymoon 15 years ago. The crew of the boat through to the tour guides were all friendly and knowledgeable. And the tour through the caves was a fun experience. We enjoyed it just as much a second time! There are stairs along the sturdy walkways, but it's an easy walk for most .. only two low spots that require ducking quite low, but nothing too arduous.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Sandra O

Couple

Apr 2026

This was a great trip again by RealNZ. Bus pickup early from Te Anau meant we were in Milford Sound before the throngs arrived from QL. Really informative talk on board cruise and from bus driver en route, with some interesting photo stops en route. Good choice of food and snack on board cruise.

From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Ianne B

Japan

Couple

Aug 2026

The tour is fun and i learned a lot about NZ. Milford Sound is breathtaking. Eventhough it is just a day trip, it is worth it! The lunch and snacks are yummy and it is not a tiring trip at all. My husband enjoyed everything.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise & Return Transfers

Kelvin A

Solo

Aug 2026

Absolutely incredible experience. Milford Sound was one of the highlights of my entire New Zealand road trip. The scenery is breathtaking, and the cruise gives you a completely different perspective of the scale and beauty of the fiord. Everything was well organised and the journey from Te Anau was enjoyable as well. A truly unforgettable day and something I would highly recommend.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise & Return Transfers