Te Anau Glowworm Caves

About

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves were discovered in 1948 by Lawson Burrows, who spent three years following clues in old Māori legends before finally finding the upper entry. By geological standards, the caves are basically infants at only 12,000 years old, and the river that runs through the caves is still slowly carving them out. As the caves lie in the protected Murchison Mountains, the only way to access them is to take a boat across the lake. After getting a brief introduction at the Cave House, you’ll head underground on a guided tour. Walking alongside the river that flows and swirls through the twisting limestone passageways, you’ll learn more about the cave’s geology before hopping on a small boat into a hidden grotto illuminated by hundreds of glowworms. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance at https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/glowworm-caves/te-anau-glowworm-caves/