Marvel at Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te anau, New Zealand •
Must Do
Must DoTe anau, New Zealand
Must Do






Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
10°C – 20°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 20°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; involves walking, stairs, and bending.
Not wheelchair accessible; involves walking, stairs, and bending.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey, but the experience is uniquely memorable.
Pricey, but the experience is uniquely memorable.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Magical Journey
Couples loved the romantic boat ride and the twinkling glowworms; a must-do experience!
Scenic Cruise
The lake cruise was beautiful, setting the perfect mood for a unique, intimate adventure.
Romantic Setting
Visitors felt the grotto was incredibly romantic, perfect for a special trip for two.
No Photos
Couples found the no-photo policy disappointing, wanting to capture the moment.
Limited Access
Some couples noted the steps and bending may be difficult for some.
Pricey Tour
Travelers felt the tour was a bit expensive for the short duration.
Hours of operation
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
MEDIUM

7-16°C
Cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.
Cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.
Open
Good availability with fewer tourists.
Good availability with fewer tourists.
Recommended
April brings cooler weather and fewer tourists. Prices are generally lower, and availability is better, making it a good time to visit.
April brings cooler weather and fewer tourists. Prices are generally lower, and availability is better, making it a good time to visit.
May
LOW

4-9°C
May in Te Anau is characterized by cool temperatures, with average highs around 8.6°C and lows near 3.6°C. The month experiences significant rainfall, averaging 137mm over approximately 19.8 days. Snowfall is minimal, with about 13mm over 1.2 days.
May in Te Anau is characterized by cool temperatures, with average highs around 8.6°C and lows near 3.6°C. The month experiences significant rainfall, averaging 137mm over approximately 19.8 days. Snowfall is minimal, with about 13mm over 1.2 days.
Open
No significant restrictions; tours operate regularly.
No significant restrictions; tours operate regularly.
Recommended
Visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves in May offers a serene experience with fewer crowds. While the weather is cooler and wetter, the glowworms remain active, providing a captivating display. It's advisable to dress warmly and be prepared for rain.
Visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves in May offers a serene experience with fewer crowds. While the weather is cooler and wetter, the glowworms remain active, providing a captivating display. It's advisable to dress warmly and be prepared for rain.
June
LOW

1-7°C
June brings colder temperatures to Te Anau, with average highs around 7°C and lows near 1°C. Rainfall remains significant, averaging 159mm over approximately 12 days. Snowfall is more common, with about 79mm over 2.8 days.
June brings colder temperatures to Te Anau, with average highs around 7°C and lows near 1°C. Rainfall remains significant, averaging 159mm over approximately 12 days. Snowfall is more common, with about 79mm over 2.8 days.
Open
No significant restrictions; tours operate regularly.
No significant restrictions; tours operate regularly.
Recommended
June offers a tranquil visit to the Glowworm Caves with fewer visitors. Despite the colder and wetter conditions, the glowworms continue to illuminate the caves. Warm clothing and waterproof gear are recommended.
June offers a tranquil visit to the Glowworm Caves with fewer visitors. Despite the colder and wetter conditions, the glowworms continue to illuminate the caves. Warm clothing and waterproof gear are recommended.
July
LOW

1-7°C
July is typically the coldest month in Te Anau, with average highs around 6.5°C and lows near 0.5°C. Rainfall averages 159mm over approximately 12 days, and snowfall is common, with about 79mm over 2.8 days.
July is typically the coldest month in Te Anau, with average highs around 6.5°C and lows near 0.5°C. Rainfall averages 159mm over approximately 12 days, and snowfall is common, with about 79mm over 2.8 days.
Open
No significant restrictions; tours operate regularly.
No significant restrictions; tours operate regularly.
Recommended
Visiting the Glowworm Caves in July offers solitude and the unique beauty of winter. The glowworms are active year-round, ensuring a mesmerizing display. Ensure to dress warmly and prepare for wet conditions.
Visiting the Glowworm Caves in July offers solitude and the unique beauty of winter. The glowworms are active year-round, ensuring a mesmerizing display. Ensure to dress warmly and prepare for wet conditions.
How to get there

Bus
Recommended

Shuttle
Recommended

Boat

Car

Taxi

Walking
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required









