Most people don't come to Rotorua for the glow worms. They're here for the mud pools, geysers, mountain biking, or the Māori cultural experiences. And rightfully so - this place has some of the most iconic landscapes in the country.
But glow worms, hidden in damp caves and native bush, hanging from ferns and cliff faces in their thousands are quieter, far less dramatic … but they often end up being what people remember most from their time here in the Bay of Plenty.
Whether you want to find them on your own or join a guided tour, there are plenty of solid options in Rotorua that are well worth considering.
First up, what are we looking at?
As it turns out, glow worms aren’t actually worms - rather, they’re the larvae of a native gnat, Arachnocampa luminosa, a species unique to New Zealand.
In te reo Māori, glow worms are called titiwai, which translates to “projected over water,” which captures the beauty of seeing their glimmering lights reflected on Rotorua’s lakes.
The glow they produce is called bioluminescence - and it’s a chemical reaction they use to lure in small insects, which are then trapped in the sticky silk threads dangling from their homes. They need damp, dark, sheltered spaces to thrive, which is why they love the dense native bush and secluded lakefront cliffs around Rotorua.
How to see Rotorua's glow worms: two paths to choose
You’ve got two main options for your glow worm quest in Rotorua - either on foot by yourself, or on the water with a guide. Both are great, but they offer very different experiences.
(Psst: We’ll soon be offering a walking glow worm tour in Rotorua, so keep an eye out if you’d like to explore on foot with us!)
1. The self-guided walk
If you've got a car and you're comfortable exploring on your own, there are a couple of spots where you can find glow worms without paying for a tour. Make sure you go when it’s decently dark - at least an hour after sunset - and preferably on a night with little to no moonlight.
Okere Falls Track: Just a 20-minute drive from Rotorua towards Tauranga, this is a popular spot. During the day, it's a nice riverside walk. At night, the mossy banks along the track light up with glow worms. Park at the main car park, bring a torch for the walk in, then turn it off once you're on the path.
Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods): There are several tracks in the Redwoods where you can spot glow worms, especially on the cooler, more sheltered parts of the forest floor.
The biggest mistake I see people make is not giving their eyes enough time to adjust. You need a solid 5-10 minutes in complete darkness before you'll see them properly. Find a spot, turn off everything - torch, phone, all of it - and just wait. The longer you sit there, the more lights appear. It's worth it.
2. The guided kayak tour
I’m biased, of course, but there’s no comparison to seeing the glow worms from the water.
During our tours, we take people out on the lake at dusk to reach coves and cliffs you can't access on foot. Once it's properly dark, we drift in, cut the lights, and wait. The glow worms are hanging from ferns and tree roots above you, and their reflections double across the water surface right next to your kayak.
It's completely quiet, aside from the sound of paddles dipping and night birds settling in. The combination of being on the water in the dark and seeing the lights above and below you makes it different from a walking track.
We provide splash gear to keep you dry, but bring an extra warm layer. The temperature drops fast once the sun's gone, and you'll likely be sitting still in a kayak for stretches at a time.
Things you should know
Don't bother with photos: Unless you've got a proper camera and know how to do long exposures, you won't capture glow worms in a photo. Phone cameras are useless - I've watched people spend half the tour trying to get a shot that never works, and they miss the actual experience. Just be present and enjoy the experience with your own eyes.
Respect the glow worms: Of everything, this is the most important thing to note. Please don’t shine your torch directly at the glowworms or try to touch them - bright light makes them stop glowing (they think it’s daytime and hide), and touching them can damage their delicate feeding lines.
The best time of the year: You can see glow worms all year round! They are most active on warm, humid nights in summer when there are more insects around for them to eat. However, a crisp, clear winter’s night can be just as spectacular, with the added bonus of incredible stargazing and fewer crowds.
No matter how you choose to see them, the glow worms of Rotorua offer a chance to connect with an ancient, delicate, enchanting world. I hope this has helped you plan your adventure, and even more so, I hope I’ll see you out on the water with us sometime soon.
Noho ora mai (Stay well),
Tom
Q: Where can I see glow worms in Rotorua for free?
A: You can see glow worms for free on several walking tracks around Rotorua. The most popular and accessible spots are the Okere Falls Track and certain trails within the Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods). Remember to go well after sunset and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Q: What is the best way to experience glow worms in Rotorua?
A: While free walking tracks are great, a guided kayak tour offers an immersive and unforgettable experience. Kayaking allows you to access secluded coves, see thousands of glow worms reflected on the water, and enjoy the silence and pristine nature of the lakes away from any crowds.
Q: Are glow worms in Rotorua visible all year round?
A: Yes, glow worms are visible throughout the year. They can be more numerous and brighter during the warmer, more humid months (summer), but clear, crisp winter nights also offer spectacular viewing opportunities with the added benefit of better stargazing.
Q: What should I wear for a glow worm tour?
A: Dress in warm, comfortable layers. Even in summer, it can get chilly at night, especially on the water. A fleece or warm jacket is recommended. Your footwear will generally get wet (when climbing in and out of the kayaks on our kayak tours), so we recommend wearing water shoes or crocs. We can supply either of these if needed!
Q: Can I take photos of the glow worms with my phone?
A: Unfortunately, no. The light emitted by glow worms is too faint for a phone camera to capture. To photograph them, you would need a DSLR camera with manual settings, a tripod, and the ability to take a long-exposure shot. We highly recommend putting your phone away and simply enjoying the magical sight with your own eyes.
Q: Are glow worms actually worms?
A: No, they are the larvae (or maggot stage) of a native New Zealand insect called a fungus gnat. They create the light through a biological process to attract prey into their sticky silk lines.
Q: Why shouldn't I shine my torch on glow worms or touch them?
A: Shining a bright light on glow worms causes them to stop glowing as they mistake it for daylight. Touching them or their silky lines can destroy their feeding apparatus and harm them. It's vital to observe them respectfully from a distance to ensure they thrive.
Q: Is a guided glow worm kayak tour worth the money?
A: A guided tour is worth it for the unique experience and access it provides. You are taken to private, pristine locations you can't reach on foot, all safety equipment is provided, and you get expert commentary from a local guide who can share stories and knowledge about the area, the wildlife, and the culture.
