# Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Source: https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/southland/te-anau/te-anau-glowworm-caves-plc_tavsnqwvtrd4g/

Home > Activities > New Zealand > Southland > Te Anau > Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Attraction

Te Anau Glowworm Caves are limestone caves on the western shore of Lake Te Anau, reached only by RealNZ boat cruise from Te Anau township. Visits combine a lake crossing, a walk through cave passages carved by an underground river, and a short boat trip to view glowworms. Photography is not permitted inside the caves.

## Tours and tickets for Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Tours and tickets from an approved affiliate partner. Prices and availability are confirmed by the partner.

- Sponsored (GetYourGuide): [](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Te%20Anau%20Glowworm%20Caves%2C%20New%20Zealand&partner_id=NNYQ1IK&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=place-te-anau-glowworm-caves)

## How to get there

The caves are accessible only by guided RealNZ cruise departing from the RealNZ Visitor Centre on Lakefront Drive in Te Anau township; there is no independent or walk-in access. Te Anau is roughly a two-hour drive from Queenstown via State Highway 6. The full return cruise and cave tour takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, and check-in closes 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Approximate location: -45.41762, 167.71195

## Hotels near Te Anau Glowworm Caves

- [Hotels in Te Anau](https://godosomething.fun/hotels/new-zealand/southland/te-anau/)

## More in Te Anau

- [Things to do in Te Anau](https://godosomething.fun/activities/new-zealand/southland/te-anau/)
- [What to do in Te Anau: caves, fiords and winter trips](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/what-to-do-in-te-anau/)
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Te Anau?](https://godosomething.fun/guides/new-zealand/how-many-days-in-te-anau/)

## Quick answers

**Can I visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves independently?**

No, the caves can only be visited on a guided RealNZ boat cruise departing from Te Anau. There is no walking or driving access to the cave entrance on your own.

**How long does the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour take?**

The full experience, including the lake crossing, cave walk, and glowworm grotto, runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Groups are kept small, with a maximum of around 12 guests per guide.

![A boat gliding through a dark limestone cave passage lit by scattered glowworm lights.](https://cdn.godosomething.fun/media/site__place-new-zealand-queenstown--te-anau-glowworm-caves.webp)
Photo: Go Do Something Fun (/media/site__place-new-zealand-queenstown--te-anau-glowworm-caves.webp) — First-party AI-generated artwork © Suppers Software Limited ()