Meet at the Wintergarden cafe inside of the Auckland Domain
Description
Looking for a unique Auckland adventure? This tour blends nature, education, and convenience, all in the heart of the city.
Convenient & Accessible: Skip long bus rides and explore Auckland’s oldest park, without the hassle of long travel times or expensive fees.
Intimate Glowworm Experience: See glowworms up close in their natural habitat—without crowds or long trips to remote caves.
Ancient Volcanic Landscape: Walk through a 100,000-year-old Pleistocene volcano, surrounded by waterfalls, lush Nikau palms, and rich history.
Educational & Fascinating: Learn about glowworms from your guide, including their bioluminescence, life cycle, and role in nature.
Photography-Friendly: Capture stunning photos of the glowworms.
Eco-Friendly: Enjoy an experience that supports responsible tourism and connects you to nature.
This tour offers a personal, enriching experience that’s both convenient and unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to discover Auckland’s glowworms in a unique way!
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
19 times a day, 5:45 PM–11:00 PM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 18–70)
$34
Child (ages 5–17)
$32
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $344.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 7:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 7:41 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Standard Tour
Private Booking
What's included
Included
Knowledgeable and Experienced Guide
Not included
Transport
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
33 reviews
5
30
4
0
3
0
2
1
1
2
How it compares in Auckland
Starting price $34 is 56% below the typical $79 for tours of similar length in Auckland
Excurgo comparison of 889 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
~40 steps up (and down), ~5% gradient, undulating off-track terrain/gravel/tree roots walking over and under rocks and trees, ~1km distance, not lit with lights. Please bring outdoor clothing (warm & waterproof) and footwear (e.g. trail/running/sports shoes) you don't mind getting wet/muddy.
Approximately 1.3km distance of walking
Not recommended for people with poor balance and fitness
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Auckland Glowworm Tours take?
Auckland Glowworm Tours lasts about 1 hour.
How much does Auckland Glowworm Tours cost?
Prices start at $34 per person for this Auckland experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $344. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Auckland Glowworm Tours run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 19 departures a day between 5:45 PM and 11:00 PM.
How much does Auckland Glowworm Tours cost for children?
Children aged 5–17 pay from $32, adults from $34.
Can I cancel Auckland Glowworm Tours for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet at the Wintergarden cafe inside of the Auckland Domain. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Auckland Glowworm Tours offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Auckland Glowworm Tours worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 33 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Social Nature Movement.
Reviews(33)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
A
awolracing
September 27, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Magical
Chris, our guide, is excellent - knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and friendly.
Our tour took place on a cold, windy and rainy night. It did look good when we left our comfortable apartment to go outside in the cold rain, but it turns out that those conditions are ideal for glow worms! And we got to see plenty of them.
Great tour. Totally worth the price. A unique experience that is so peaceful and beautiful it almost seems spiritual.
Highly recommended.
Operator response
We are so happy to read your glowworm our review, thanks! Chris will appreciate your reinforcement of Auckland's magic!
M
Maps22187075050
September 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience
First thing me seeing glow worms.
Matias was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable with a good sense of humour.
I would definitely recommend to other people.
Operator response
Hey thanks for your positive review, "Marius" will appreciate it, go well!
G
GrandTour61752633147
September 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Matías was a really good and funny guide.
He interacted with everyone and answering everyone's questions plus he was extremely friendly
Operator response
Hi there, "Marius" is good and funny, we appreciate your time to review us and hope one day to welcome you back, happy travels
D
Dream03355460432
September 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Surprised in the middle of the city!
I witnessed a wonderful sight in the very center of Auckland city. The rock face was emitting a pale blue light, just like in the anime "Castle in the Sky." I can't believe I can have this experience in the middle of the city! Auckland is a really wonderful place. I'm sincerely grateful to the guide too—actually, today was her first tour!
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We love that you were able to discover such a magical sight right in the heart of Auckland. Your Castle in the Sky comparison is wonderful; there really is something extraordinary about seeing the rock face illuminated by the soft blue glow of the glowworms.
We’re also delighted to hear you enjoyed your guide’s very first tour! We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words; what a fantastic review for her to receive after her first experience guiding with us. Thank you for joining us!
3
319c_tiar
August 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best host
This was a wonderful experience! The guide was so knowledgeable and experienced and you could tell he cared about what he was showing us. I highly recommend it
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the Inner City Glowworm Tour and that our guide’s knowledge, experience, and genuine passion for the natural environment came through. It’s always a pleasure sharing these hidden natural treasures of Auckland with our guests. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back for another Social Nature Movement experience soon!
M
meganhC613DW
July 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Well worth it for locals and tourists alike
Great guide and as a local, it was a surprising, fantastic experience.
Operator response
Thanks for choosing our Auckland Glowworm tour we appreciate you
R
redibier2
July 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Auckland Glow Worms
We didn't know what to expect but our guide was fantastic. She explained the history of the park and the reason why the glow worms were there, and also explained their lifecycle and why they glowed. We went on a great walk through the bush and along the stream in the dark that added to the adventure. Our guide apologised for her English as she had only lived in NZ for two years, but she had nothing to apologise for. If you get the chance then go on this tour. The photos do not do this tour justice.
Operator response
So grateful to have hosted you on our Auckland Glowworm tour. We appreciate your gratitude toward our guide and the detailed experience of the tour itself, thanks!
M
Mashitaar
June 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Glowworm Experience
We had an amazing and unforgettable glowworm experience! Our guide, Legend, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information throughout the tour. He answered all our questions patiently and made sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged.
The glowworms were absolutely magical to see, and Legend's passion for the area and its wildlife made the experience even more special. Thank you for giving us such a memorable adventure. Highly recommended!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
So nice to know that you had such an amazing and unforgettable glowworm experience. It's fantastic to know that Legend's knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for Auckland's hidden natural treasures helped make the tour even more special. We pride ourselves on creating engaging, educational, and memorable experiences, so it's great to hear that all your questions were answered and that you felt comfortable throughout the adventure.
The glowworms truly are one of Auckland's magical hidden gems, and we're thrilled we could share them with you. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for another nature-based adventure with Social Nature Movement
K
Keira_C
April 14, 2026 · via Viator
Great experience. Family...
Great experience. Family friendly activity, our 17, 16, 8 and 7 years olds loved it. Amazing guides with a lot of knowledge. Highly recommend.
Operator response
So happy to know the whole family - even the young ones - enjoyed kiwi spotting with SNM, thanks
N
NANCY_F
April 2, 2026 · via Viator
Great Tour and Guide
Amazing tour and our guide, Maria was very knowledgeable and passionate about her job! She was also very helpful getting my mother down to places to see the glow worms better!
Operator response
Thanks for your lovely review on our Glowworm tour in Auckland. Maria will be pleased to know her efforts in helping your mother had a positive effect
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