Most people planning a New Zealand trip want to see glow worms at some point. In te reo Māori, we call them titiwai, and they’re one of our most magical natural wonders.
If you're flying into Auckland and spending a few days there, the question becomes: where can you see them without driving halfway across the country? Good news – there are several solid options within a couple hours of the city.
I'm based in Rotorua, so I'm a bit further out, but I've done enough research (and had enough conversations with guests who've been to other spots) to give you an honest rundown of what's actually worth your time.
Waipu Coves (Northland)
Just two and a half hours north of Auckland, the Waipu Caves are one of the most accessible free glow worm caves in the country. And they’re free, which is the main appeal.
You park at a farmland entrance, walk a short track to the cave, and explore on your own with a headlamp.
The catch, of course, is it's completely DIY. The ground is muddy and uneven, and you'll be wading through water in places. If you're comfortable with that and don't mind getting wet and dirty, it's a great option (just make sure you wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch). If you want any kind of structure or commentary, skip it.
Best for: adventurous travellers who don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Nikau Caves (Waikato)
Ninety minutes south of Auckland, near Port Waikato, lies Nikau Cave - a leser-known but incredible glow worm cave.
Visits here are only possible on a guided tour, which adds to the sense of safety and storytelling. The walk takes you through an underground stream (knee-deep in parts), past fascinating limestone formations, and into chambers where glow worms cluster thickly on the cave walls.
The groups are small, the guides know their stuff, and it feels more personal than the big tourist operations. There's a cafe at the site that does decent coffee and baking, which is useful if you need to kill time before or after your tour slot.
Best for: travellers wanting a guided experience off the beaten path.
Taiao Adventures Glow Worm Kayak Tour (Bay of Plenty)
If you want the ultimate glow worm experience, I’d highly recommend making the trip down here to Rotorua.
Our Taiao Adventures tour takes you out on the calm lake water by kayak at dusk to reach coves you can’t access from land. Once it's properly dark, we cut the headlamps and wait. The glow worms appear on the cave walls and ferns above you, and their reflections double across the water surface right next to your kayak.
It’s a peaceful, quiet, and completely immersive experience. With only a small group on the water, the atmosphere is intimate and unhurried, guided by the gentle sounds of paddles dipping and native birds settling in for the night.
The drive from Auckland is about three hours. If you're making the trip, stop at Hobbiton near Matamata on the way - it's directly en route, and you can knock out two major North Island experiences in one.
Best for: those who want a peaceful, nature-focused glow worm encounter.
Tips for seeing glow worms near Auckland
Book ahead for guided tours: Most guided tours book out in advance, especially the smaller operators. Don't just rock up expecting availability.
Come prepared: Caves are damp, cold, and slippery - wear good shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. If you’re not prepared for that, you’ll have a miserable time.
Respect the environment: Glow worms are sensitive. Keep noise down, don't touch the walls, and never shine bright lights directly at them.
Time your trip: Glow worms are visible year-round, but winter evenings get dark earlier, making it easier to fit in a tour before a late drive back to Auckland.
I've never met anyone who regretted seeing glow worms (I have met plenty of people, though, who regretted the tour they picked because it didn't match what they were expecting - so be honest with yourself about what you actually want, whether that’s adventure, convenience, or something memorable, and choose accordingly).
Whichever you pick, you're in for something special. There's a reason people travel halfway around the world to see these beautiful titiwai.
Noho ora mai (stay well),
Tom
Q: Can I do a day trip to Rotorua from Auckland to see glow worms?
A: To enjoy the experience with us, you’ll need to do an overnight stay, as our glow worm tours only run in the evening. During winter, we usually depart at 5pm, and during summer, the earliest we depart is 8pm, and it’s a 3-hour experience, so it'd be a late trip back to Tāmaki Makaurau.
Q: What is the main difference between the Waipu Caves and the Rotorua tour?
A: Waipu is a free, unguided, and rugged caving adventure on foot that you do yourself. Our Rotorua tour is a fully guided, on-water kayak experience where we provide all the gear and take you to otherwise inaccessible spots in a safe, small-group setting.
Q: Do I need to book the Rotorua glow worm tour in advance?
A: Yes, absolutely. Booking ahead is essential for our kayak tour, especially during holidays and the summer season, as spots are limited and they regularly sell out.
Q: What time of year is best for seeing glow worms?
A: Glow worms are visible all year, but winter and autumn evenings tend to be darker earlier, which makes for easier viewing. Summer tours are equally magical but often book out faster.
Q: Can kids join a glow worm tour?
Yes! Waipu is more suited to older children or teens due to the cave conditions. At Nikau and Taiao Adventures, kids are welcome as long as they can manage the walk (Nikau) or paddle (Rotorua) safely with a parent or guardian.
Q: Are there other places near Auckland to see glow worms without caves?
Yes. Some forest walks and streams around the North Island reveal glow worms at night. In Auckland, parts of the Waitākere Ranges and North Shore reserves have small colonies, though caves offer the most dramatic experience.
