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Te Anau glowworm guides

What to sort out before you cross the lake: whether the tour is worth it for you, what it costs and when it runs, how it compares with Waitomo, how glowworms work, and what else to do in Te Anau.

Is Te Anau Glowworm Caves Worth It? 2026 Honest VerdictAn honest verdict on the cave, the cruise and who should skip it.Read the guide →

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Prices 2026: Fares, Times & TipsWhat the tour costs, when the boats leave and how long it takes.Read the guide →

Te Anau vs Waitomo Glowworm Caves 2026: Which to ChooseTwo islands, two very different caves. Which suits your trip.Read the guide →

Glowworm Facts New Zealand 2026: Touch, Bites & MythsWhat they are, how they glow, and the myths guides repeat.Read the guide →

Free Glowworms in New Zealand 2026: Where to See ThemRoadside dells, DOC caves and night walks, and what's near Te Anau.Read the guide →

Things to Do in Te Anau 2026: Caves, Fiords & WalksCaves, fiords, free walks and a two-day plan from the lakefront.Read the guide →

Tours

Choose your Te Anau tour

The glowworm caves and the two fiord days most people pair with them. Every tour has its own page.

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Walks

Small group ★ 4.91 dayFree cancellation

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Walks

Max 15Short walksPicnic lunch

A nature guide drives the Milford Road with walks at Lake Gunn, the Hollyford Valley and the Marian Gantry. Then a two-hour small-boat cruise out towards the Tasman Sea.

What's included

Pickup from central Te Anau accommodation
Nature driver-guide, group of 15 at most
Two-hour Milford Sound small-boat cruise
Short walks and photo stops on the way
Packed picnic lunch

Full tour details

From$155per person Reserve

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

The only cave tour ★ 4.62 h 15 minFree cancellation

Te Anau Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Boat access onlyAges 5+No photos inside

Cross Lake Te Anau by catamaran, walk the cave past an underground waterfall, then glide by small boat under the glowworms. RealNZ holds the only licence, so this is the tour.

What's included

Return catamaran cruise across Lake Te Anau
Guided walk through the limestone cave
Small-boat ride into the glowworm grotto
Tea and coffee at Cavern House
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Full tour details

From$73per person Reserve

Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise from Te Anau

Wilderness fiord ★ 4.78.5 hoursFree cancellation

Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise from Te Anau

Lake + pass + fiord3-hour cruiseBring lunch

Doubtful Sound has no road in. You cross Lake Manapouri by boat, ride a coach over Wilmot Pass, then cruise the fiord for three hours.

What's included

Coach from Te Anau to Manapouri and back
Return cruise across Lake Manapouri
Coach over Wilmot Pass with commentary
Three-hour Doubtful Sound cruise
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Full tour details

From$215per person Reserve