See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms worth booking?
See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms is a 1.5-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $88 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (24)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $88 per person
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 st
What you get
About this experience
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
What's included
Included
- Experienced Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Parking for your vehicle, Please contact us if you are using a vehicle in Auckland
What you'll see and do
Auckland
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.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
We will meet you in the vehicle drop off/ pick up parking zone for the Ferry terminal. This is down the side of the building by the red gates. Address is 99 Quay street
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will meet you in the vehicle drop off/ pick up parking zone for the Ferry terminal. This is down the side of the building by the red gates. Address is 99 Quay street
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Locals New Zealand
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting and amazing trip to see Aucklands glow worms. Who knew they were hiding here!!
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.
via Tripadvisor
Not a private tour
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.
Response from the operator: 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.
via Tripadvisor
Great but not as private as it sounds
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.
Response from the operator: 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.
via Viator
Must-Do Tour!
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.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your lovely review - it is so appreciated!
via Viator
Had a great time, this...
Had a great time, this was a very neat little excursion and the host was so down to earth and friendly.
Response from the operator: Really appreciate you taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to have you.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
- Price range
- $88 to $145
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms cost?
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Prices start at $88 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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