Wasn't expecting much from the Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour, but the reality far exceeded my expections. I've visited a lot of caves and while I have seen better glowworm displays and there are no decorations, this was one of the best cave experiences I have ever had. Walking up a solution tube on a grate a couple of feet above an active stream was just amazing, then it opens out into a larger cavern with a stunning waterfall that you climb up and around to reach the short boat ride in the dark to see the glowworms. The caves had been closed for the last week due to flooding, so we where really lucky and the creek was at its most boisterous. Absolutely stunning.

We went on the Real NZ tour of the Glow worm caves. Easy going and interesting tour of this iconic NZ experience. The tour guide was knowledgeable and interesting about the caves and the history.

The whole trip was well organised. There was a guided tour boat trip on Lake TeAnau, a screen show about the glow-worms, complimentary tea or coffee and then we were divided into small groups to be escorted into the cave. While inside, we were seated in the dingy and in silence viewed the spectacular twinkling lights.

This was our first visit to any Glowworm caves, and we were very impressed. It's a busy trip, but extremely well organised. The boat ride along the lake is a nice bonus, with spectacular NZ Fjordland scenery. The cave tour started with a safety briefing and explanation of the origin of the caves. Then a walk into the caves with a guide explaining about the geology etc. It's quite cool, dark & damp so a jacket is well advised. Then it's into a boat for a short river ride in almost pitch blackness - except for all the glowing worms on the walls & ceiling. Then its back to the reception area for hot drinks & a talk about the worms - which are much more interesting than we expected !! Highly recommended.

Great trip, highly recommended. Boat trip across Lake Te Anau is gorgeous. Lots of young Glow worms when we went which was cool. We had a great guide who was knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Our guide was wonderful. The Te Anau caves are noticeably smaller than the Waitomo caves, but still amazing - both the glowworms in the dark and the underground waterfalls. Boat ride across the lake is a bonus.

The first bit was confusing. We had to low-walk through the opening to the cave and I couldn’t see the glow worms that our guide was pointing out. As soon as we got on the little boat, things improved dramatically. The ceiling and some of the sides of the cave had thousands of little green dots. The presentation after was very well done also. This was a fun way to spend the afternoon in Te Anau.

The boat trip to the caves had a running commentary by one of the boat crew which was informative. We sat on the top deck and there were plenty of opportunities to take photos. Unfortunately, photos were not permitted in the caves but totally understandable. The hosts at the cave tour site provide entertaining and informative detail of what to expect. I was a little underwhelmed perhaps as I had previously visited when I was very young so did not have the same wow factor. The walk was easy, just had to bend down in a couple of places.

We had our tour with Sean and he was amazing! So enthusiastic and knowledgeable, any questions he could answer for us. We were lucky with sunshine and a rough lake on the way home which made it so exciting! Great set up with hot drinks and a slideshow before going into the caves loved it!

The glow worms themselves are not the main event in my opinion, but I highly recommend this excursion. First, we had a wild ride across the lake with spectacular views even with fog. There is an interesting explanation before entering the cave. Do not expect an American style tour. Underground, it is narrow and you walk over a roaring underground river on a metal walkway in parts. In other parts, you have to duck down around overhangs. It is pitch black and silent in the cave with the worms, and you have 12 people shoulder to shoulder in a small dory. You have to entirely trust your guide to get you back to the light. A few people who were claustrophobic turned away. Even for the adventuresome, it is a bit tense, but that is what made the tour so extraordinary. Great experience.