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Experience the best of the 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.
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Slide 1 of 11, Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves with rock formations.
Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves with rock formations.
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 boat on Doubtful Sound with passengers photographing lush fjord scenery.
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 9, Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves and a cruise ship in Milford Sound waters.
Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves and a cruise ship in Milford Sound waters.
2 hrs - 2 hrs 15 mins
Audio guide
1 more
  • Combine Te Anau's glowworm cave tour with a Milford Sound cruise in one Fiordland combo, ideal when you want two bucket list hits booked together.

  • At Te Anau Glowworm Caves join an expert guided small-group tour, cruise across Lake Te Anau, walk the forest trail, then relax with tea and coffee.

  • Milford Sound cruise up to 2 hours with skipper commentary, multi language audio app, wildlife spotting, open decks, lounge and tea.

  • Split Te Anau caves and Milford Sound cruise across two Fiordland days, with time to enjoy each, one time booking and a small saving on tickets.

  • Upgrade to a Fly Cruise Fly package from Queenstown, swapping the coach ride for 35 minute scenic flights with window seats and pilot commentary.

More details
  • Combine Te Anau's glowworm cave tour with a Milford Sound cruise in one Fiordland combo, ideal when you want two bucket list hits booked together.

  • At Te Anau Glowworm Caves join an expert guided small-group tour, cruise across Lake Te Anau, walk the forest trail, then relax with tea and coffee.

  • Milford Sound cruise up to 2 hours with skipper commentary, multi language audio app, wildlife spotting, open decks, lounge and tea.

  • Split Te Anau caves and Milford Sound cruise across two Fiordland days, with time to enjoy each, one time booking and a small saving on tickets.

  • Upgrade to a Fly Cruise Fly package from Queenstown, swapping the coach ride for 35 minute scenic flights with window seats and pilot commentary.

from Original priceNZ$284
NZ$272.64

4% off

Slide 1 of 9, Te Anau Glowworm Caves exploration and Doubtful Sound cruise in New Zealand.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves exploration and Doubtful Sound cruise in New Zealand.
2 hrs 15 mins - 7 hrs
  • Pair Te Anau's glowworm caves with remote Doubtful Sound, reached via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass, for two contrasting Fiordland days.

  • Cruise across Lake Te Anau and walk through a forest before entering caves illuminated by hundreds of glowworms.

  • Cross Lake Manapouri and travel over Wilmot Pass by coach before cruising through the remote waterways of Doubtful Sound.

  • Spot dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins in their natural habitat with insights from an experienced nature guide.

  • Enjoy complimentary tea or coffee on both experiences, with guided commentary and multilingual interpretation sheets on the Doubtful Sound cruise.

  • Do the glowworm caves and Doubtful Sound on separate days in any order, one booking secures both guided experiences plus cruises and coach travel.

More details
  • Pair Te Anau's glowworm caves with remote Doubtful Sound, reached via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass, for two contrasting Fiordland days.

  • Cruise across Lake Te Anau and walk through a forest before entering caves illuminated by hundreds of glowworms.

  • Cross Lake Manapouri and travel over Wilmot Pass by coach before cruising through the remote waterways of Doubtful Sound.

  • Spot dolphins, fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins in their natural habitat with insights from an experienced nature guide.

  • Enjoy complimentary tea or coffee on both experiences, with guided commentary and multilingual interpretation sheets on the Doubtful Sound cruise.

  • Do the glowworm caves and Doubtful Sound on separate days in any order, one booking secures both guided experiences plus cruises and coach travel.

from Original priceNZ$528
NZ$425.79

19% off

Slide 1 of 13, Cruise boat on Milford Sound surrounded by misty mountains and calm waters.
Cruise boat on Milford Sound surrounded by misty mountains and calm waters.
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 7-hour day on the Coach & Cruise from Te Anau option 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 7-hour day on the Coach & Cruise from Te Anau option 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
Slide 1 of 20, Cruise ship in Doubtful Sound with misty mountains in the background, Te Anau.
Cruise ship in Doubtful Sound with misty mountains in the background, Te Anau.
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 11, Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves and cruising on a scenic fjord.
Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves and cruising on a scenic fjord.
2 hrs 15 mins - 8 hrs 45 mins
Transfers available
  • Link Fiordland's glowworm caves with Doubtful Sound in one combo, combining Lake Te Anau and fiord cruises for two standout water adventures.

  • At Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Lake Te Anau, explore the caverns and river with an expert guide, then enjoy a guided forest walk in a small group.

  • From Te Anau, ride a coach to Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, join Lake Manapouri and 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruises with a nature guide and hot drinks.

  • Plan Glowworm Caves one day and Doubtful Sound the next, with one combo ticket covering cruises, guides, coach legs, plus tea and coffee on board.

More details
  • Link Fiordland's glowworm caves with Doubtful Sound in one combo, combining Lake Te Anau and fiord cruises for two standout water adventures.

  • At Te Anau Glowworm Caves, cruise Lake Te Anau, explore the caverns and river with an expert guide, then enjoy a guided forest walk in a small group.

  • From Te Anau, ride a coach to Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, join Lake Manapouri and 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruises with a nature guide and hot drinks.

  • Plan Glowworm Caves one day and Doubtful Sound the next, with one combo ticket covering cruises, guides, coach legs, plus tea and coffee on board.

from Original priceNZ$512
NZ$486.40

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves and cruising Doubtful Sound from Te Anau.
Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves and cruising Doubtful Sound from Te Anau.
2 hrs 15 mins - 1 day 1 hr
Transfers available
2 more
  • Pair Te Anau's glowworm caves with an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise, a remote fiord that is larger and more secluded than Milford.

  • At Te Anau Glowworm Caves join a small-group guided tour with Lake Te Anau cruise, cave visit, forest walk, expert guide, tea and coffee included.

  • On Doubtful Sound cruise overnight with Lake Manapouri, coach transfers from Te Anau, nature guide, 3-course dinner, breakfast, tea and coffee.

  • Plan this over two days, combining the glowworm caves tour and Doubtful Sound cruise in one booking, with kayak or tender ride if weather allows.

More details
  • Pair Te Anau's glowworm caves with an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise, a remote fiord that is larger and more secluded than Milford.

  • At Te Anau Glowworm Caves join a small-group guided tour with Lake Te Anau cruise, cave visit, forest walk, expert guide, tea and coffee included.

  • On Doubtful Sound cruise overnight with Lake Manapouri, coach transfers from Te Anau, nature guide, 3-course dinner, breakfast, tea and coffee.

  • Plan this over two days, combining the glowworm caves tour and Doubtful Sound cruise in one booking, with kayak or tender ride if weather allows.

from Original priceNZ$952
NZ$913.92

4% off

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What our guests say

Sunnetta C

United States
Group
Last week

+7 more

Steve our driver was courteous, informative, funny and a good driver. He got us to the boat right on time with beautiful stops along the way, providing a boxed lunch upon arrival. The captain of the Adventurer was a great pilot spotting penguins, seals and dolphins for us to see. He got in close to the beautiful waterfalls for great photo opportunities.

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

Emilio C

Couple
2 weeks ago
A phenomenal tour, everything was very well organized and completely stress-free, and the driver was magnificent. That gentleman is phenomenal: he drives, organizes, and gives very clear explanations about both the places we visited and the logistics. During the trip we saw spectacular views, and the driver stopped at strategic spots. And the cruise, what can I say, an absolute must-see, truly phenomenal.

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

Telma A

Switzerland
Couple
Last week

+1 more

We loved the cruise. The boat is spacious, with many options to choose among confortable seats to places outside, were we could enjoy the wonderful landscape. The crew is very helpful and attentive to our needs. Helped us seen details on the way, throughout the wonderful Mildford Sound. We definitely recommend it!!!

Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Milford Sound Cruise Experience

Mark P

New Zealand
Couple
3 weeks ago
Great day on the cruise , good English commentary of the sound formation and history of discovery. Seeing the penguin s leaving the nesting area and seals lazing in the sun in the rocks just made the day . The drive into Milford Sound is also spectacular in scenery with Keas at several of the stops keeping tourists entertained Would recommend to anyone interested in the great outdoors

Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Milford Sound Cruise Experience

Angus H

Australia
Couple
3 weeks ago

+2 more

The day ran extremely smoothly and was very well organised with very little waiting time between the boat across teh lake, the bus and then the boat on Doubtful Sound. Same applied for the return trip. Doubtful Sound is beautiful and although it maybe not quite as dramatic as Milford Sound, it certainly makes up for it for being a lot more quieter, we were the only boat on the day we went. We loved the part when they turn the motors off and ask everyone to enjoy the silence. The food and drinks on board were very good and reasonably priced. Commentary was great on each of the three legs of our journey. A thoughly enjoyable day and highluy recommended for those that want to get away from the croiwds of Milford Sound.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves & Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

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

Christophe C

France
Group
Last week
An exhilarating boat ride, breathtaking views, and an immersion into the world of glowworms that was as astonishing as it was magical—all in the company of very friendly guides.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves & From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Justin R

Australia
Family
2 weeks ago
This tour has it all, a perfect length cruise down the picturesque lake with some commentary from time to time about interesting locations or historical facts. A small forest walk through moss laden trees and across a babbling stream. Videos about our little 'stars' of the show, the glow worms. Caving, I was nervous I would be claustrophobic but it was fine, felt safe and well guided all the way. In my personal opinion you can't skip this if you visit Te Anau.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves & From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

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