Auckland Glowworm Tour
ID: GYG871759-1373031
Category:
Country: New Zealand
Country: New Zealand
Duration: 01:00 hours
Description
Discover the magical world of the New Zealand glowworm on Auckland's only true guided glowworm tour. Learn about the life cycle of the glowworms in the surrounding nature in central Auckland.
Avoid the one-way 3hr bus tour (6hrs total return for a 45min cave experience).
This tour takes you through Auckland’s oldest park, Pukekawa, a 100,000-year-old ancient volcano (from the Pleistocene era), where you’ll discover waterfalls, lush Nikau palms, and the magical glowworms.
While this tour doesn't feature as many glowworms as Waitomo Caves, it's the perfect chance to experience them in Auckland city without the hassle of long drives, entry fees, or restrictions. You'll get to observe glowworms up close, learn about their fascinating life cycle, and snap some great photos.
Fun Facts about New Zealand's Glowworm:
Scientific Name: Arachnocampa luminosa – a bioluminescent fungus gnat found only in New Zealand.
Magical Glow: Their glowing light is a result of a chemical reaction in their bodies, producing a blue-green hue that attracts small insects to their sticky silk threads.
Natural Habitat: While they’re best known for lighting up caves like Waitomo, glowworms can also be found in damp forests, near waterfalls, or along stream banks.
Sticky Silk Threads: The glowworms produce silk threads up to 30-40 cm long that are coated in mucus, trapping tiny insects for food.
Short Adult Life: Adult glowworms live only 2-3 days, focusing entirely on reproduction. They don't eat during this time.
Cannibalism: When food is scarce, glowworms may resort to cannibalism, with larger larvae preying on smaller ones.
Life Cycle: The glowworm spends most of its life as a larva, lasting anywhere from 6-12 months, before transitioning into its very brief adult stage.
Avoid the one-way 3hr bus tour (6hrs total return for a 45min cave experience).
This tour takes you through Auckland’s oldest park, Pukekawa, a 100,000-year-old ancient volcano (from the Pleistocene era), where you’ll discover waterfalls, lush Nikau palms, and the magical glowworms.
While this tour doesn't feature as many glowworms as Waitomo Caves, it's the perfect chance to experience them in Auckland city without the hassle of long drives, entry fees, or restrictions. You'll get to observe glowworms up close, learn about their fascinating life cycle, and snap some great photos.
Fun Facts about New Zealand's Glowworm:
Scientific Name: Arachnocampa luminosa – a bioluminescent fungus gnat found only in New Zealand.
Magical Glow: Their glowing light is a result of a chemical reaction in their bodies, producing a blue-green hue that attracts small insects to their sticky silk threads.
Natural Habitat: While they’re best known for lighting up caves like Waitomo, glowworms can also be found in damp forests, near waterfalls, or along stream banks.
Sticky Silk Threads: The glowworms produce silk threads up to 30-40 cm long that are coated in mucus, trapping tiny insects for food.
Short Adult Life: Adult glowworms live only 2-3 days, focusing entirely on reproduction. They don't eat during this time.
Cannibalism: When food is scarce, glowworms may resort to cannibalism, with larger larvae preying on smaller ones.
Life Cycle: The glowworm spends most of its life as a larva, lasting anywhere from 6-12 months, before transitioning into its very brief adult stage.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Pukekawa volcano, Auckland's oldest park
- Discover the magical world of the New Zealand glowworm
- Learn about the life cycle of the New Zealand glowworm
- See the glowworms in their natural habitat without barriers
- Take photos of the glowworms and the surrounding nature
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring a camera for photos
Flash photography is not allowed inside the cave
Meet at the Wintergarden cafe inside of the Auckland Domain
Bring a camera for photos
Flash photography is not allowed inside the cave
Meet at the Wintergarden cafe inside of the Auckland Domain
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.