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Choice of excursions on day 14 in Te Anau
We have a choice of visit to Te Anau: Glow Worm Caves or a scenic boat ride around Fjiordland National Park. Which is a better choice?
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We did both on the North and South Island tour, both were worth seeing. I think only you can make your choice, we all have different favorites.
I thought the North and South Island tour did not visit Te Anau. Perhaps the tour has changed.
Margaret - we took the Grand Australia/New Zealand tour in 2019 and it was wonderful. Upon arrival in Te Anau, we did not have a choice of tours, so this is a great addition to the itinerary. I remember that we had a cocktail reception at a theater, where we then watched a film about the area. Then, we and 4 others from the group walked to the dock and took the glow worm tour, which we had booked independently upon arrival. There was an approximate 45 minute boat ride across Lake Te Anau to the cave location. We then walked down into the cave and stepped into a row boat for the cave tour. There was then a discussion about the glow worms. After everyone on the boat had gone through the cave, we took the boat back across the Lake. It took less than 3 hours. I found the tour to be very interesting, as I had not previously visited a glow worm cave.
If faced with the choice between the two tours, I would try get more information about the Fiordland boat tour. I would assume that it is also about 3 hours. Is it boat only, or does it include a short hike? Perhaps a call to Tauck would help, although the agents do not always have more detail. You could also research short tours from Te Anau to the National Park and get an idea of what is offered.
When we were there last November, my husband did the glow worms and I did the boat ride. I’m claustrophobic, so the glow worms were not an option for me. Loved the boat ride. They do spin outs that were a lot of fun.
When I did this tour (way back in 2018), the glow worm caves were not included on the tour, but Milford Sound boat ride was. Several of us did the glow worm caves on our own in Te Anou. If your tour includes a boat ride, I'd suggest the caves opton. The scenery on the boat rides is beautiful, but the cave is a unique experience.
If I were you, I would take the glowworm tour on day 14 as long as you don't mind enclosed spaces. I looked at your itinerary. On day 15 you sail through Milford Sound and on this trip you will see a beautiful fjord. This is the end of the famous Milford trek and the views here are as pretty as they come. Also, you will see more mountains on day 16 of your trip in Queenstown. I have not done this glowworm tour but did the one in Rotorua. I did the trek and was in Queenstown for two nights. New Zealand is beautiful. Enjoy your tour.