See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms
Description
We’ve been tracking and monitoring a thriving colony of bush glow worms for a while now and they are magnificent, strange and magical all at the same time! Our unique species of glow worm lights up after dark like the stars to attract it's prey, it's very special. The atmosphere is pretty electric in there as we first allow our eyes become accustomed to the dark before we walk past and hear running water close by and then it's just us, and the glow worms. The luminescent larval is endemic to these shores, so it's a one off for most at a very cool piece of native forest. This local bush reserve is to remain a secret, phones are turned off. This is an exceptionally sensitive area. Thanks for your help preserving this. This is an easy bush walk, you will not be on a boat
Tour Options
Itinerary
We take a 25 minute car ride to a secret forest, in Auckland, to view the glow worms in their natural habitat. This is a unique experience to go visit and hang out with real life glow worms without even leaving the city. We go in small groups, we are very careful where we tread and what we touch, it’s an intimate and special experience every time. It is an easy 30 minute walk around a unique section of bush teeming with Glow Worms, led by your guide by torch light. You'll see glow worms and experience native New Zealand bush and it's wildlife by night.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please let us know prior to booking if you are visually impaired or have trouble getting around so we can make sure this experience is right for you.
Reviews(24)
Very knowledgeable Kate took us to a lovely part of Auckland and we saw so many glow worms as well as several other creatures too. Nothing too much trouble, a fantastic experience through and through.
Not an intimate or private tour as the description states: "On this private tour you’re taken to a hidden glowworm dell in a bush reserve". We shared the sentiment with other travelers recently too.
So sorry you did not enjoy this small group tour (6 ppl). I'm not sure what night you attended as all my guests seem happy? I hoped that I am not that Unapproachable! The write up I have found out is done by viator. In no way was I trying to convey its a private tour. For the price that would simply be unaffordable. It is private in the sense this is not a massive tour group. I think that's why viator chose that wording. I have asked for it to be removed. I feel really bad you had a bad time. I had no idea that viator had been advertising this as a private tour.
The actual experience was great! It was very rainy which was a bit more difficult to navigate with all the mud and flooded paths however the glow worms were amazing to see! This tour is NOT private. My husband and I booked this thinking it would be just us but then another group of 4 showed up for the tour. I was disappointed in this for sure, but overall had a good time.
Hi 👋 not sure what gave the impression that it would be a solely private tour? This is a small group tour, no more than 6 guests at any one time. I'll revisit the experience description. Thanks for the heads up! **Update i have found out that Viator actually writes the description. I had not put the word private in their at all which is why i was so confused!!! I am requesting it to be removed.
No need to do the 5+ hours drive round trip to Waitomo Caves, as there are tons of glowworms all within a 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland. Our guide Kate was very cordial, knowledgeable, and passionate about the tour. She drove us to the secluded area where there were hundreds of glowworms. Kate did a great job of explaining how and why glowworms 'glow' and provided a unique and up-close experience. Highly recommend the tour, not only because it will save you a ton of time, but more for Kate's information and the overall experience.
Thanks so much for your lovely review - it is so appreciated!
Had a great time, this was a very neat little excursion and the host was so down to earth and friendly.
Really appreciate you taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to have you.
Definitely a unique thing to do only in New Zealand. Guide was great and she was full of knowledge. Hard to get pics, but something that has to be experienced in person.
Thanks Jeff! It was such a pleasure taking you guys out to the forest!
This was an absolutely amazing tour. Kate our guide was excellent, knowledgeable and her passion for the environment and preservation was very evident when she was explaining what we were about to experience. Sensible shoes are definitely required. Also be prepared to meet Beef the cat, he sneaks out of the bushes! He thinks you are there for his amusement. The added bonuses you see are quite unexpected and being lucky enough to see the Southern cross brightly in the beautiful clear sky last night was just amazing. Kate was very caring while we were on the walk pointing out any potential hazards and making sure we stayed safe and dry throughout the evening. The pick up was smooth and on time. The transport was comfortable and the journey to the location took around 25 minutes. Kate insisted on taking us back to our hotels which was greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much for the lovely reveiw Heather! It was so wonderful to take you guys out to see the forest!
An incredible forest experience where we saw so many glowworms! We learned so much about them. And standing under the giant silver ferns was so memorable!
Such a lovely review, thanks so much for coming with me to the forest. I dont ever tire of taking people to the place.
Our glowworms tour was amazing. Our tour guide was very punctual and knew a lot about the glowworms. This tour is highly recommended for anyone coming to Auckland
Thanks so much for your lovely reveiw Betty. It was my absolute pleasure to take your crew out to see this little magic spot. All the best for your cruise !
I can’t say enough about how wonderful this tour was. Kate was amazing from start to finish. She was extremely knowledgeable, warm and friendly. The experience itself was incredible. Felt like I was in another world. Absolutely worth every penny. I loved it.
Naw, thanks so much for your kind words. I really loved taking you out to see the forest it was awesome. all the best!
