New Zealand's caves, grottos and native forests form the perfect home for glow-worms, a type of insect that glows in the dark.
The Waitomo Caves, three hours’ drive from Auckland, offer one of the best glow-worm experiences in the country. Take a boat ride underground to experience the magic of thousands of these tiny creatures lighting up the cave roof above you like a star-studded sky.
Glow-worms can be found throughout the country, and are often spotted in damp, overgrown places – the banks of lakes, rivers and forest undergrowth are prime places to spot their glowing blue-green lights. Guided night time kayaking, hiking or boating trips are great ways to get to the right places to see them.
You can visit the glow-worm caves all year round. But for fewer crowds, it is best to go outside peak season, which is from March to November.
