New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular activities and unique flora and fauna. One of the most extraordinary natural wonders are the glowworms (also known as glow worms). Their magical, glowing light creates an enchanting atmosphere in underground caves. Want to visit a glowworm cave too? These are the 7 best places to spot glowworms in New Zealand.
Contents
Why and how glowworms produce light
Glowworms, actually the larvae of the New Zealand fungus gnat, produce their blue glow for several reasons:
- Catching insects: The light attracts insects like mosquitoes, which then get stuck in the sticky threads that the glowworms secrete. This way they have an easy meal at hand.
- Finding partners: When a female glowworm becomes adult, she uses her light to lure a partner.
- Protecting themselves: The glow scares off predators, giving the glowworms a form of protection.
- Burning waste: Although less known, the light may possibly help break down waste substances in the glowworm.
Bioluminescence is the chemical reaction behind the glow. In special cells, glowworms produce an enzyme called luciferase and a molecule called luciferin. When these come together in the presence of oxygen, energy is released in the form of light. The glowworm can even adjust the intensity of the light by regulating the amount of oxygen to the light organ.
The glowworms in New Zealand only shine their light in complete darkness – bright lights disturb their capture nets and can ruin their nightly meal.
Fascinating, right? Glowworms are not the only ones that use bioluminescence. Fish, squid and certain bacteria also produce light this way. These creatures play an important role in their ecosystems, among other things by providing food for other animals.
Good, back to where you can find the glowworm caves in New Zealand. Below you will find 7 top locations!
1. Waitomo: the #1 hotspot
Waitomo (North Island)
In Waitomo you will find even 2 famous caves. The most popular is the Waitomo Caves. This one is quite commercially set up. In addition, you will find the Spellbound Caves there. This one is much smaller scale, but much more beautiful. I wrote a special blog about the difference between the 2!
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located in 30 million year old limestone, an underground maze with huge stalactites and the iconic Glowworm Grotto, where you glide by boat in total darkness past the light hangers.
2. Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Te Anau (South Island)
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves, with an age of only 12,000 years, are among the youngest glowworm caves in New Zealand. The fun thing about this boat trip through these caves (bookable for example via GetYourGuide) is that you start with a boat trip on Lake Te Anau. You cannot reach it by car. You also learn more about rock formations, cave networks and Maori legends.
3. Lake McLaren
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty (North Island)
To spot glowworms at Lake McLaren, you have to get on the water. You can book various tours with a kayak. Then you paddle in a kayak to an enchanting canyon full of glowworms. This guided tour takes place in stable double kayaks on calm, sheltered waters, perfect for a relaxing discovery trip at dusk. Optionally book transport from your accommodation in Tauranga or Mount Maunganui for a carefree start to your magical evening!
4. Paparoa National Park
Charleston (South Island)
Step aboard a unique rainforest train and travel to the mysterious entrance of the caves. There an exciting adventure awaits you: tubing through an underground world illuminated by thousands of twinkling glowworms! Let yourself be carried by the current and enjoy the magical atmosphere as you pass under this sparkling sky.
Book this activity via Underwater Adventures.
5. Kawiti Caves
Waimio, Bay of Islands (North Island)
Thousands of glowworms, spectacular rock formations and lush rainforest: that’s what you can expect in the Waiomio Glowworm Caves in New Zealand.
Discover the Milky Way: a cave filled with glowworms sparkling like a starry sky. Go on an underground adventure through a maze of stalactites and stalagmites. Visit hidden chambers like the “Waiomio Night Sky”, where the glowworms are so close you can almost touch them.
6. Lake Karapiro
Cambridge (North Island)
Here too you take a kayak to spot glowworms. From Cambridge, various tours are available to spot glowworms.
7. Waipu Caves
Waipu (North Island)
Of the above options, this is the most difficult one to visit. That also makes it a quiet and free cave to visit. There are several of those in New Zealand, but they are often not as spectacular as the paid caves.
Glowworm tours: what can you expect?
A tour through the glowworm caves in New Zealand often starts with a guided walk through dark passages, after which you glide silently by boat under thousands of lights. Your guide tells about Maori legends and the formation of the cave. In some caves you can also tube or raft to make it a bit more exciting.
Taking photos of glowworms is tricky
Do you have experience taking photos with little light? Think for example of the starry sky (which is also perfect in New Zealand). Well, in these caves it works the same way. You have to set a long shutter speed on your camera. The photos in this blog I also took with my iPhone. Not so handy at it? Ask your guide. They know that tourists like to take photos. It can be handy if you have a tripod. Every movement you make during the shutter speed results in a lower quality photo.
Does one or more of these famous glowworm caves in New Zealand fit into your route? Then I wish you lots of fun with this extraordinary natural phenomenon!
