RealNZ | Te Anau Glowworm Caves — Attraction in Fiordland Community

This is definitely a trip to take. In fact it’s two trips because there’s the catamaran voyage and the exploration of the glow worm cave.

The boat is fast and the voyage takes 25 minutes each way. The cabin is comfortable and has large windows which provide great views of the mountains and side fjord.

I recommend you go for a window seat on the left-hand/port side on the outward leg to see the coast unfolding. However, if the weather’s ok and you don’t mind bring windswept, travelling on the top gives panoramic views.

I took most of these photos from the small rear quarterdeck because there’s shelter from the elements and you’re not shooting through glass.

Our commentary was by Ryan and was both informative and delivered well with a light touch.

On arrival at the glow worm caves there’s a safety briefing then the passengers are divided into groups of twelve. The first groups go off leaving the remainder to listen to a presentation about the glow worms before going into the caves. (The first groups have this presentation once their tour has finished).

By chance we had the glow worm presentation first and I’m glad we did. It provided the context for what we were about to see in real life.

We were also lucky in having Coleman as our guide. He took us through the glow worm slide/video show with a dry sense of humour and answered questions authoritatively.

I won’t say much about the tour itself as the element of surprise is important to the enjoyment of it. However I can assure you it’s magical.

It’s forbidden to take photos underground, but as we were the last group we were permitted to take a few as we excited without disturbing the glow worms.

During the brief wait for the return boat we had a stroll along the nature trail and saw an arrow-shaped variety of palm which was new to us.

Very good value at...

TOURS DEPART AT 1014am for a 1015 TOUR!?@!?!

Shocking experience. We arrived for our tour 2 minutes late ie 1017 am and told the boat had left.

They then informed us that the boat always leaves at 1014-1015am??? It seems that perhaps communication needs improving?

The front reception team were horrid, rude, with no understanding or empathy as to why we were late and they simply said they did everything possible…. Except hold the boat for 2 minutes.

Had they asked they would have found out our 5 year old had vomited in the car on the way and we had to clean him up before continuing. Unfortunately looking after our son meant that we were going to be 2 minutes late.

When we called them to inform them we would be 2 minutes late it was surprising that the phone wasn’t being answered?? Disappointing when you arrive and there a 6 people doing nothing.

We then informed them we would be arriving in 2-3 minutes. And they said unless we get there in the next 1-2 minutes we would miss the trip. I am unsure exactly what they wanted us to do? Speed and get a speeding fine for this? Would realNZ cover our speeding fine?

When we then asked for a refund they said this was not possible but we could book and PAY AGAIN! For the same tour!!

We then asked about getting alternate transport to the site and front reception was again unhelpful and said no as other transport could not access the beach?

Surprise surprise we managed to find alternative transport on our own accord and joined up with the tour with no problems accessing the location….

I feel operators like realNZ are what is destroying the feel of Queenstown and New Zealand. Out to take $$$ from the masses and providing and sub...

Great trip to see the glow worms, guides were really good and commentary was sprinkled with humour which was lovely. I took the 2pm tour on 19/5/2023, checked in at 1:45pm and boarding started at 1:55pm. We were on the boat by 2pm and was very pleased with the punctuality.

However, the middle aged lady at the front counter of the visitor Center was AWFUL. Asked me for my name for the booking, and when I tried to clarify that I booked it via Klook (and was therefore wondering if she would need the QR code on the app or would my name suffice) she INTERRUPTED me before I could finish my sentence, and repeated ‘I JUST NEED YOUR NAME’ at a raised voice, as though I do not speak English. Why would you choose a service oriented job if you’re just going to scold visitors? Ridiculous. Extremely rude. Very disappointed, especially since all the other staffs and New Zealanders that we met have been extremely friendly and helpful. Honestly ruined the start of an otherwise amazing trip. A pity really. Please consider quitting if you find that the job does not suit you, or if you have preconceived judgements of your visitors. Such a shame to give visitors the wrong impression of a lovely country.

The boat ride in the caves was amazing though, you could get really close to the glow worms! Appreciate that they did not allow any mobile devices as their priority was to leave nature (and the worms) undisturbed. Good reminder for us to detach from our mobile devices every once...