Caving and Glow Worms are discovered all through New Zealand, from Waitomo to Te Anau
Explore Rangitoto Island, volcanic history, cave discoveries and summit views
Easy cave exploration for family and friends, see speleothems and glow worms
Whatipu, Bethells Beach and many more, let us show you all of them!
More is known about the stars above than the world beneath our feet.
Auckland caves are Basaltic and there are over 150 having formed in mere days.
There are also many sea caves; New Zealand has the largest ones in the world.
A veil of darkness cloaks the nocturnal beauty of cave lairs with fanciful rock features.
Stone formations called speleothems emerge from the caverns’ floor like mushrooms.
These karst cavities, known as glow worm caves, are delicate dens and prehistoric ancient underground realms known for potholing around the globe.
Caves are mysterious underground chambers home to many fun things.
A treasure trove of delicate and prehistoric formations; stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, crystals, glow-worm galaxies as well as showcasing many fossils!
But the true reason people love to explore caves in Aotearoa (New Zealand) is for the opportunity to see glow worms. You might even find a hidden hole, like Sméagol/Gollom (Trahald!), and admire these incredible creatures.
As active cavern explorers ourselves, these rock chambers are no longer lost worlds, you never know what you’ll stumble on in these natural wonders—and that’s just part of the Spellbound attraction! Lucky for us, Auckland (and beyond) has many honking holes and fun blackwater rafting streamways for all you cavemen/cavewomen to explore. Experience the thrill of glow worm caves in NZ, on one of our Glow worm cave tours or glow worm tours NZ wide.
30 million years ago Mother Nature worked her karst magic and began to form tomo’s; some of the most incredible Limestone Lairs and Marble Mountains. Once a lost world, now discovered dens, join Social Nature Movement on the perfect beginner or family friendly grotto experience exploring this natural underground wonderland!
Caving and seeking Glow Worms in New Zealand is an established hobby as well as being a part of commercial tomo tourism. International potholers have also explored with us these limestone lairs and marble mountains with family and friends.
Let loose your children on a Troll patrol, embracing a real spellbinding cave tour or what is called ‘wild-caving’, beyond the artificial lights and commercial walkways. So expect a cavity to get a little (or a lot) wet through blackwater rafting and muddy, but worry not, we provide all the caving clothing and equipment making your adventure fun, and most importantly safe!
With various stone cavity challenges, there is a grotto route for everyone! Don’t fancy crawling through the stream or blackwater rafting?, then you don’t have too! Fancy challenging yourself through a tight pothole squeeze?, then follow your guide into the most exciting – but not frightening – of den wriggles!
Marvel at the glow worms increasing brilliance as your eyes adjust to spellbound darkness. At Social Nature Movement, we know in tomos you need at least 20 minutes for your eyes to completely adjust to the cavernous darkness. So, we shut down our lamps, letting the glowworm galaxies illuminate the cave holes. See these intriguing nocturnal den creatures up close and marvel at their fascinating life. Be amazed and awed by the spectacle and sheer number of glowworms inhabiting the rock chambers of Social Nature Movement’s caving paradise.
Naturally and sensitively presented, our spellbinding karst cavities make you feel like an explorer from a stone age on a Troll patrol. A fascinating ancient time vault, its not Narnia, rather a nocturnal lost world waiting for your curiosity!
Caving is therapeutic because radiation and bad ions cannot penetrate the rock.
Glowworm galaxies are a must see. Glowworms glow because the chemicals and enzymes from their bodies are reacting with oxygen in the air to create light. Glowworms glow to attract insects. Let your curiosity glow to attract discoveries. The secret world of caving is closer to home than you know.
Glow worms:
– Fire-fly
– Lightning bug
– Lampyridae (Fireflies).
– Noctiluca
– Phengodidae
– Arachnocampa / titiwai (fungus gnat)
– ‘blue-bug’
– ‘lantern-larvae’
– Bioluminescence
– Elateridae, Phengodidae, and Rhagophthalmidae among beetles; as well as members of the genera Arachnocampa, Keroplatus, and Orfelia among keroplatid fungus gnats.
Caving and seeking Glow Worms in New Zealand is an established hobby as well as being a part of commercial cave tourism.
Recreational caving is practised by several hundred members of caving associations all over New Zealand, who take advantage of the widespread limestone karst cave systems present in the country, especially in the Waitomo District of the North Island and in the Nelson-Tasman region of the South Island. There are also several hundred thousands of visitors to various tourist caves and glow worms in New Zealand per year, though a majority of these trips would not properly be called caving.
Caving and Glow Worms exploration in New Zealand is thought to have started with a group of Auckland-area people who started to discover the lava caves in the volcanic cones of the area in the 1940s (though commercialised trips through caves at Waitomo Caves had actually already existed for several decades). The caving group quickly progressed to exploring caves in the Waikato and King Country areas, and the New Zealand Speleological Society was founded in 1949 by Henry Lambert, with the first rough facilities at Waitomo being established in 1955.
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Discover the enchanting world of glow worm caves, a captivating experience that beckons adventurers across New Zealand. The most famous of these caves, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, offer a stunning journey into subterranean beauty. Here, thousands of luminescent glow worms create a mesmerizing display that mimics a starlit sky. As you glide through the dark waters on a guided tour, you’ll be spellbound by the twinkling lights that illuminate the cave‘s walls. This unique natural phenomenon is a must-see for anyone seeking adventure in NZ.
In addition to Waitomo, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves provide another spectacular experience. Nestled in the heart of Fiordland, these caves are home to a thriving ecosystem of glow worms. On a guided Te Anau caves tour, you’ll discover the fascinating lifecycle of these tiny creatures while exploring the dramatic rock formations and underground waterfalls. The experience combines adventure with education, making it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
For those looking for caves near Auckland, the Waipu Glow Worm Caves offer a delightful alternative. Just a short drive from the city, these caves feature breathtaking glow worm displays and are ideal for a day trip. With specialized guided tours available, visitors can delve deep into the caves‘ mysteries while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. The Waipu caves are perfect for both seasoned cavers and casual explorers, ensuring everyone can appreciate the beauty of the glow worms.
Whether you’re embarking on a Waitomo glowworm caves tour or exploring the lesser-known glow worm caves in Auckland, each destination offers a unique caving experience. The thrill of venturing into the dark, damp caves and witnessing the natural light show is unparalleled. So, pack your adventurous spirit and set out to explore the glow worm caves of New Zealand with Social Nature Movement for an unforgettable journey beneath the earth’s surface!
