7 Places To See The Famous Glow Worm Caves in New Zealand
1. Te Ana-au Caves
Experience a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
At the entrance to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards, the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools, and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
What’s included
- Cruise across Lake Te Anau
- Guided tour of the caves by the path and by small boat
- Unlimited hot drinks
Departure Location
Trips to the Glowworm Caves depart from the Real Journeys Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau.
Source — Realjourneys.co.nz
2. Lake Mclaren
Explore the beautiful Lake McLaren and in New Zealand's Tauranga region with a guided scenic kayaking tour. Departing at 9am, this 3-hour tour takes you from Waimarino to the shoreline of Lake McLaren. From here you'll climb into a double sea kayak (single available upon request) to embark on a water adventure that will keep you completely dry.
With the help of a full safety briefing from your experienced tour guide, you'll embark on an adventure to explore this beautiful lake. All members of the group are provided with life jackets, a waterproof splash jacket, a spray skirt for the lid of the kayak so your legs stay dry and a dry bag for your camera.
A scenic, relaxing and enjoyable experience, there's no better way to explore Lake McLaren within the Tauranga region. A must-do tour for all ages, you'll paddle past beautiful flora and fauna as well as into the Mangapapa Canyon, a deep canyon surrounded by towering cliffs.
An incredible journey that will provide you with some amazing photo opportunities, this tour is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness and children of all ages, with those under 5 years of age able to sit on an adult's lap for free.
Exclusions
- Bottle water
- Snacks
- Sun protection
Highlights
- This scenic kayaking tour will have you gently paddling around Lake McLaren, located within the Tauranga region.
- Absorb the serenity of the area and get back in touch with nature with the calming ambiance Lake Mclaren.
- Experience the lush birdlife and bushland, all within a paddles' reach.
- Kayak into the breathtaking Mangapapa canyon where the water is as deep as the towering cliffs which will surround you and the native flora form a canopy overhead.
- The Tauranga Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour is a must-do Tauranga tour.
Source — Experienceoz.com.au
3. Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves is one of the must-see natural attractions in the North Island of New Zealand. There’s so much to do! Above-ground attractions combine with underground attractions to create Two Landscapes and Twice the Fun!
A visit to Waitomo Caves is a visit to one of the must-see natural attractions in the North Island of New Zealand. There’s so much to do! Above-ground attractions combine with underground attractions to create Two Landscapes – and Twice the Fun!
From a relaxing stroll through native forests and spectacular limestone landscapes to thrill-seeking adventures such as black water rafting, abseiling, rock climbing and horse trekking. Waitomo Caves has something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking adventure experiences or a gentle cave tour, the holiday of a lifetime or a weekend trip with friends, coordinating a school camp or just a day in the countryside – whatever it is – you can find all the information you need right here.
The Waitomo Caves i-SITE and Visitor Information Centre is an accredited member of the i-SITE Visitor Information Network. We offer a full range of brochures and free and friendly information for all visitors and locals. We can arrange bookings for all accommodation, transportation, events and attractions.
Source — Waitomocaves.com
4. Paparoa National Park
Discover amazing pancake rocks, lush native forests, delicate cave formations, and limestone canyons – all in one beautifully diverse national park.
This fascinating national park, towards the northern end of the South Island's west coast, runs all the way inland from the ocean to the rugged ice-carved Paparoa Mountain Range.
In the interests of science, the boundaries of the park were carefully established to encompass a complete range of landscapes and ecosystems - from the granite and gneiss summits of the Paparoa Range down to the layered rock formations of Punakaiki.
By following the historic Inland Pack Track, formed originally by gold miners, visitors can discover some of the park's most special places. Camping under a natural rock shelter - the Ballroom Overhang - is an unforgettable experience.
Source — Newzealand.com
5. Kawiti Caves
The Kawiti Caves are owned and operated by the Kawiti family and they will be pleased to take you on an underground exploration of this natural wonder.
The Kawiti caves (formerly Waiomio Caves) were discovered in the early 17th century by Roku. Hineamaru, famous chieftainess of the Ngati Hine Tribe arrived at Waiomio with her aged father, Torongare and her brothers.
Exploring the valley, she discovered trodden Tawa berries which made her curious. No member of her party had come this way. Later she smelt smoke which seemed to come from a nearby hill. She went forward and found that the smoke was coming from a cave. 20 metres in from the entrance she came upon a woman sitting by a fire. Hineamaru learned that she was Roku, the runaway wife of Haumoewarangi of the Tribe Ngatitu.
Today, the Kawiti Caves are owned and operated by the Kawiti Family, direct descendants of the chieftainess Hineamaru of the Ngati Hine Tribe.
Your 30 minute guided tour will follow a wooden boardwalk through a 200-metre limestone cave system. Once inside, you will see thousands of glow worms spread across the ceiling surrounded by breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.
As you enjoy the galaxies of glow worms above, your friendly guide will explain the life cycle of the New Zealand Glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) and the intricate webs used to catch their prey. You'll even get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its stunning blue/green tail light before you make the return bushwalk through a natural corridor of karst rock formations and pristine rainforest.
Included
A guided tour through the caves.
Not Included
There are no meals included in this tour.
Instructions
You should allow 20 to 30 minutes to get to the caves from Paihia by car.
Restrictions
The Caves tour is not suitable for users of wheelchairs or those unable to climb stairs. There is no pushchair or wheelchair access.
Source — Shoretripsandtours.com
6. Lake Karapiro
When Lake Karapiro was chosen as the venue for the 2010 World Rowing Championships, the international selection panel described it as one of the most picturesque lakes in the world.
Surrounded by bush and luscious green hills, the lake attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year whether it’s to participate in a major sporting event or simply to have a picnic beside the water.
The man-made lake was formed behind the Karapiro hydro dam in 1947 and today it provides eight square kilometres of calm water beside 19 hectares of land known as the Mighty River Domain.
The Domain also provides outdoor recreation activities and accommodation including camping, cabins, and lodges.
Lake Karapiro is also used by water ski clubs, kayakers, sailing craft, and swimmers, many of whom are multisport athletes. The domain hosts triathlons, duathlons, and long-distance swims, as well as the Karapiro Half Ironman event.
The lake is also becoming a favourite with anglers. Brown and rainbow trout are thriving in the lake as about 2,000 rainbow trout and 500 brown trout are released annually by Fish and Game, with the average size increasing each year. It’s not uncommon these days to land a ten-pounder (4.5kg).
Source — Cambridge.co.nz
7. Waipu Caves
If you like 'undeveloped, unguided and absolutely free' the Waipu Caves south of Whangarei (Northland) on the North Island are definitely worth a visit. The Waipu Caves area features a karst/limestone landscape and weathered rocks and is characterised by depressions, sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage.
Karst landscapes are significant in Māori culture and are enshrined in Tikanga and Kawa (sacred customs and ceremonies). Karst areas are also important sites for geological, geomorphological, palaeontological and climatological studies.
The Waipu Caves are considered important for geomorphology because they include the largest cave passage in Northland. Bones of bats, birds, amphibians, and reptiles may be found along with the remains of fossil invertebrates. The cave entry is wide and ground can be muddy.
Stalactites hang from the ceiling and to the left of the entrance is an enormous stalagmite. Even with torches, it is recommended that you pause inside the cave’s entrance for a few minutes to allow your eyes to adjust.
There are no tracks or paths in the cave and wading through water and clambering over mud banks may be necessary. There is a cold shower outside the cave that you can use to clean up afterward. In places, it will be narrow and tight. The cave is in three sections with the third chamber being the best for viewing the ‘galaxy’ of glowworms.
Source — Tourism.net.nz
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