See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms
Auckland, New Zealand

See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms

Outty Ranking 66 4.8 · 28 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $84
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 28 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 $84 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 28 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 (28)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$84 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 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 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

    1. 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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 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

    See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms, photo 2See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms, photo 3See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms, photo 4See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms, photo 5See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms, photo 6See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 28 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    28 verified traveler reviews for See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    26
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Kelly_H · September 2026

    Lovely, easy adventure

    Kate was super helpful and responsive. This tour is a great way to get out of the main part of Auckland and see glow worms without navigating caves. It's a lovely easy adventure.

    via Viator

    Yolanda_L · September 2026

    Our night tour

    It’s an amazing experience! Kate, our guide is very passionate about glow worms and their forest habitat. She is quite accomodating as we are an older and slow group. I highly recommend this, a secret forest so close to the city…. We really enjoyed this night tour!

    via Viator

    Mary_d · September 2026

    A magical evening with a terrific guide!

    I had such an amazing time seeing the glow worms with Kate! Everything about the evening was absolutely perfect. Kate is incredibly knowledgeable and clearly cares so deeply about the environment and these special creatures. Plus, she’s so fun and cool! A great experience as a solo traveler, too. Highly recommend!

    via Viator

    SoniaJameson · August 2026

    Great Tour

    Excellent small group tour. Really intimate and magical experience! We had a comfortable short drive to the forest and the experienced guide showed and told us all about the glow worms.

    via Tripadvisor

    Karen J · June 2026

    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

    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
    $84 to $145
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    10
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)50
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)42
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $84 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 28 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 10 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms?

    +

    Included: Experienced Guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Parking for your vehicle, Please contact us if you are using a vehicle in Auckland. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms?

    +

    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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms?

    +

    Across 28 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for See Auckland's Secret Glow Worms.

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