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BEST Places To See Glow Worms In New Zealand 🌟
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items Glow worms are some of the most magical creatures you can see in New Zealand (alongside the Hobbits, of course😉) so here are some of the best free and paid places to see them across the country!
Sections
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⬆️ North Island
⬇️ South Island
⬆️ North Island
Here are the best places to see glow worms on New Zealand's North Island - some of these might surprise you!
Our full collection of places to see glow worms in New Zealand
Want To Save Yourself Some Money? Here's Where You Can Find Glow Worms For FREE In New Zealand!
The Wellington Botanical Gardens are enjoyed by most during the day, but if you stay until night time, you’re in for a treat as they are one of the unexpected places to see glow worms in New Zealand
Wellington Botanic Garden
The Mangapohue Natural Bridge is just a short drive away from the famous Waitomo Glow Worm cave tours , but this glow worm cave is free, often overlooked and worth arriving to just before it gets dark.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
If you visit the famous hot water beach (which you should!) and hang around until after dark you’ll notice the bushes along the track start to twinkle.
Hot Water Beach
The Waipu Caves are the best free place to see glow worms in New Zealand that I’ve visited so far. They are located in Northland, on the way to the Bay of Islands.
Waipu Caves Scenic Reserve
Yep, you read that right. Tongariro National Park is one of the many free places to see glow worms in New Zealand – who knew! They’re only a 5-minute walk from the roadside parking but the path is unmarked, a bit tricky and you’re almost guaranteed t...
Okupata Caves
f you want to check out one of the places to see glow worms in New Zealand but don’t want to stay out after dark, there is a small collection of glow worm caves at Limestone Creek, North of Apiti on the North Island, that might be perfect for you.
Limestone Creek Reserve
One of the reasons this glow worm location is so popular is that it is so easy to access. Whether you have small children or are in a wheelchair, you can go up the short hill, and within two minutes you have reached the beautiful sparkly wonderland o...
Glow Worm Dell
Want an adrenaline rush AND glow worms? This is the tour to join!
Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience
An easy 1.5 hour guided walk through the glow worm caves in Waitomo
Waitomo: Ruakuri Cave 1.5 Hour Guided Tour
A tour with a difference - this one's by boat! Leaving from Auckland, you'll get to see glow worms and a few other iconic sights along the way
From Auckland: Waitomo Caves and Rotorua with Te Puia
Starting in Rotorua this tour takes you through the bush to some of the best glow worm caves in the area!
Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
Probably the most unique glow worm tour in New Zealand. With this tour you get to see them by KAYAK! How cool is that?
Twilight Kayak Glow worm Tour
Kawiti Glow Worm Cave Tour is paired with a scenic forest walk before you reach the magical caves where the glow worms live
Kawiti Glow Worm Cave Tour & Opua Forest Walk
Learn how to take incredible glow worm photos with this 3 hour private tour of the Waitomo caves
3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves
Get even more inspiration for your New Zealand road trip with this free itinerary check list
Free 6 Page New Zealand Checklist
⬇️ South Island
The best places on New Zealand's South Island to see glow worms!
You can reach Mistletoe Bay by car from Picton in 1 hour, take a 20-minute water taxi, or walk from Anakiwa – it’s a 4-hour walk. Although there is a fee for staying overnight at the campsite, entering the forest has no cost.
Mistletoe Bay
This is another adventurous glow worm cave route that could lead to you getting your feet wet as you walk the narrow path next to the stream towards the pool at the end.
Clifden Caves
Smiths Farm Holiday Park was without a doubt, for me, one of the best places to see glowworms in New Zealand. This beautiful, family-run holiday park and working farm is the perfect stop on any campervan road trip around South Island.
Smiths Farm Holiday Park
Hidden on the West Coast of the South Island is Lake Brunner, a stunning area that not too many backpackers StumbleUpon. The Velenski Track starts at Moana and is a short 20-minute stroll, a nice quick way of seeing glow worms for free while enjoying...
Velenski Walk · Moana
One of the few glow worm tours on the South Island. If you're heading to Milford Sound - this is the tour to join
Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour