www.realjourneys.co.nz Lake Te Anau Cruise Guided Caves Walk Glowworm Grotto Te Anau Glowworm Caves Fiordland, New Zealand
Getting There Your Te Anau Glowworm Caves excursion begins with a scenic cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau to the western shores on board the catamaran Luminosa. This luxury vessel has been purpose-built, incorporating the latest technology for your viewing comfort. The cruise offers views of dense rainforest and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Luxmore. Explore underground by path and small boat A visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on the western shores of Lake Te Anau is a fascinating experience. Discover an underground world of sculpted rock and rushing water, before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms. 3
Te Anau Glowworm Caves a wonderful caves experience which combines a superb glowworm display with one of the most unusual limestone cave experiences on the planet. Blog Journalist Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald n Mt luxmore South fiord Te anau glowworm caves Tunnel burn Lake te anau Te anau upukerora River Route may vary, dependent upon weather Did you know? The light emitted from the glowworm has been estimated to be equivalent to one thousandth of a millionth of a watt (one nanowatt) in intensity. The only time during its life that a glowworm eats is during the larval phase. As an adult it has no mouth. Shhh! Glowworms don t like loud noises! Guided Adventure Hidden beneath the mountains on Lake Te Anau s western shores is an underground network of caves lit by thousands of glowworms. This underground world is surprisingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with whirlpools and roaring underground waterfalls. Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, thousands of glowworms inhabit a silent hidden grotto. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary. After disembarking from your scenic cruise of Lake Te Anau, our nature guides will take you through the caves in small groups (maximum 14) by path and small boat. Timetable TE ANAU GLOWWORM CAVES Depart Te Anau All year 2.00pm & 7.00pm daily Oct - mid Apr 8.15pm daily Nov - Apr 5.45pm daily Nov & late Dec - Feb 10.15am daily* Other departures as locally advertised Duration 2hrs 15mins approx *Morning departure time may vary, please enquire Check in 20mins prior to departure at the Real Journeys Lakefront Visitor Centre VISITOR INFORMATION Shoes / boots (non-slip) and warm clothing / jacket (caves temperature 8 12 C) Complimentary tea / coffee provided Suitable for all ages with the exception of infants Some bending is required at caves entrance and steps are involved Photography and video filming are not permitted in the caves (glowworm protection and visitor safety) Ask about our Kids Go Free promotion that runs during the NZ School Holidays 5
Te Anau Glowworm Caves lost in legend Lawson Burrows at caves entrance 1948 Lawson Burrows (1910 1994) Local explorer who rediscovered the Te Ana-au Caves in 1948 In Maori legend, Lake Te Anau was created by the deception of The meaning of Te Ana-au intrigued local explorer Lawson an unfaithful wife. Te Horo, a Maori chief, discovered a sacred Burrows, leading him on a quest for the lost caves and spring in the area. Recognising its significance he told his wife underground stream. For three years he searched 300 miles of his discovery but swore her to secrecy. However, when Te of lakeshore without success. Then, in 1948, he discovered a Horo departed on a journey, his wife took her lover to the stream emerging from under a rock buttress. Once underwater spring. The instant his face was reflected in its waters, a torrent he pushed himself through the entrance and surfaced into a burst forth, drowning the village and forming Lake Te Anau. cavern of glowworms. Until recently, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves were lost in Burrows later said: It was a fantastic sight it looked like legend. Their presence was hinted at only by the ancient Maori a page out of a space fiction book; a weird place but not at name for the area Te Ana-au which means caves with a all frightening. current of swirling water. Looking at multiple excursions? Save $$ when you buy two different excursions at the same time 7
Stewart Island Queenstown Ask about our 20% Te Anau Milford Sound multi-purchase reward Doubtful Sound Buy 2 or more different excursions and Save 20% off all lower priced! Conditions apply For all enquiries and reservations Contact a Real Journeys Visitor Centre Te Anau: Lakefront Drive Freephone 0800 65 65 01 Phone 03 249 7416 Manapouri: Pearl Harbour Freephone 0800 65 65 02 Phone 03 249 6602 Queenstown: Steamer Wharf Freephone 0800 65 65 03 Phone 03 442 7500 www.realjourneys.co.nz RJCAV 09/11 Booking Conditions: Bookings are recommended and pre-payment is required to confirm a booking. If cancelling, or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when Real Journeys receives notification 24 hours prior to departure. Real Journeys reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant or equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. Printed in New Zealand using environmentally friendly inks and paper