Kia ora! Tom here again, from the team at Taiao Adventures.
Glow worms (titiwai in te reo Māori) are one of Aotearoa’s most magical natural wonders. These tiny creatures light up dark caves, forests, and lakesides with their soft bioluminescent glow, turning ordinary places into something that feels otherworldly.
Many visitors think you have to travel far south to see them, but that’s not true - there are some incredible glow worm experiences within easy reach of Auckland. If you’re looking for a day trip or short tour to witness these natural lights, here are a few of my top recommendations.
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. A short walking track takes you through farmland to the cave entrance, where you can carefully explore inside with a headlamp.
Switch off your light and look up - the ceiling comes alive with thousands of glow worms. Unlike guided tours, this experience is DIY, so it’s best suited to those confident exploring caves. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a torch, and be prepared for wet, muddy conditions underfoot.
Best for: adventurous travellers who don’t mind getting a little dirty.
Nikau Caves (Waikato)
About 90 minutes’ drive south of Auckland, near Port Waikato, lies Nikau Cave - a lesser-known but incredible glow worm cave that feels like a hidden treasure.
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 places), past fascinating limestone formations, and into chambers where glow worms cluster thickly on the cave walls. The small group sizes make it a more personal experience than some of the bigger attractions.
A guide’s local tip: After your tour, you can relax at the Nikau Cave Café - a favourite stop for homemade baking and coffee before the drive back to Auckland.
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 water by kayak at dusk. We paddle together across a calm lake to hidden coves and caves only accessible by boat. Once the daylight fades, the cliffs come alive with thousands of glow worms - and the still surface of the lake doubles the effect, with their reflections sparkling right beside 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.
A guide’s local tip: The drive from Auckland to Rotorua is about 3 hours. A fantastic way to break up the journey is to stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, which is right on the way. You can tick off two iconic North Island experiences in one trip!
Best for: those who want a peaceful, nature-focused glow worm encounter.
Tips for seeing glow worms near Auckland
Book ahead for guided tours: Small group sizes mean spaces fill quickly.
Come prepared: Caves are damp and slippery - wear good shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
Respect the environment: Glow worms are delicate creatures. Keep noise to a minimum, avoid touching surfaces, 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.
Why it's worth the trip
Seeing glow worms in person is one of those experiences you can’t quite capture in photos - the camera never does it justice. Within just a couple of hours of Auckland, you can step into a cave or onto a lake and find yourself under a canopy of living light. It’s a moment that feels ancient, peaceful, and uniquely New Zealand.
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.
