Where are the best glow worm caves in New Zealand?
The Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves, three hours’ drive from Auckland, offer one of the best glow worm experiences in the country. Take a boat ride underground to experience the magic of thousands of these tiny creatures lighting up the cave roof above you like a star-studded sky.
Do glow worm caves exist in New Zealand?
The species of glowworm that can be found in New Zealand is called Arachnocampa luminosa. They most commonly live in caves, forests and other sheltered, damp areas. The most popular glowworm caves in New Zealand are in Te Anau and Waitomo.
Where is the best place to see glow-worms?
Below are the top 10 glow worm caves, forests, and grottos you don’t want to miss.
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave, New Zealand.
- Dismals Canyon, Alabama, USA.
- Hokitika Glow Worm Dell, New Zealand.
- Wellington Botanic Garden, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Glow Worm Tunnel, Australia.
- Minnehaha Glow Worm Walk, New Zealand.
How much does a ticket for the Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour cost?
Pricing and Conditions
| Adult | $55.00 |
|---|---|
| Child (14 year(s) and under) | $25.00 |
How long do glow worms live?
The Glow Worm adults live for a short time only; 1-2 days for the female and 3-5 days days for the male. The adults cannot eat, only the larvae being able to ingest food. The adult is slightly larger than the mosquito, about 15 mm long.
How many glow worm caves are there?
Three caves to choose from Whilst in the Waitomo region you can explore three caves by foot; the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. Each cave is uniquely magical and comes with its own history and culture.
What do New Zealand glow worms turn into?
adult fungus gnats
Once metamorphosis is complete, glow-worms emerge from their cocoons as adult fungus gnats. Adulthood is the final stage of the fungus gnat’s life. With only 2–5 days to live, fungus gnats must find partners to breed with before they die.
What time is best to see glow-worms?
Glow worm season is during the warmer months of the year, between December to March. They are usually found in wet habitats, so caves and rainforests are usually the places that these little organisms tend to dwell in.
When can you see glow-worms?
The peak time for finding glowing glow-worms is summer evenings in June and July. The adult females live for just two to three weeks. They’re wingless, and use their glow to attract the winged males.
Who owns the Waitomo caves?
In 1906 the administration of the cave was taken over by the government. In 1989, almost 100 years later, the land and the cave were returned to the descendants of the original owners. Many staff employed at the caves today are direct descendants of Chief Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti.
What happens if you touch a glow worm?
Please look, but don’t touch. Glow-worms are sensitive to disturbance and will switch off their lights and retreat into a crack if they or their snares are touched.
