Guided Excursion to Otari's Glowworm Cave
Discover the magic of the Otari-Glow Worm Tour, an enchanting night-time event held in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. This unique experience invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of glow-worms at Otari-Wilton's Bush, a 100-hectare native forest and the country's only botanical garden dedicated solely to native plants.
The Otari-Glow Worm Tour is a guided night tour that offers a fascinating exploration of the forest's dark corners, where you'll encounter the mesmerising titiwai/glow-worms. These luminescent creatures emit a soft, ethereal glow, thanks to the bioluminescent fluid produced by their Malpighian tubules.
The next scheduled tour is on August 15, 2025, though it's essential to note that glow-worm tours are typically conducted at night to observe the bioluminescence more clearly. For exact times, duration, ticket prices, and booking, please check the official Otari-Wilton's Bush or local Wellington events pages or ticketing platforms.
Participants should meet at the Ōtari Visitors Centre, located at 150 Wilton Road. To ensure a comfortable experience, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, walking shoes, and a torch. The tour lasts approximately one hour and requires a moderate level of fitness, as it includes numerous steps.
As you traverse the ancient and regenerating native forest, you'll learn about the local ecology, native flora, and fauna. The unique setting of Otari-Wilton’s Bush, combined with the educational insights provided by the guides, makes this tour an unforgettable adventure for all ages, with the event being suitable for individuals aged 5 years and older.
In addition to the Otari-Glow Worm Tour, the Wellington Botanic Gardens also offer glow-worm tours, providing multiple opportunities to experience this natural wonder. So, if you're looking for a memorable and educational experience, be sure to book your spot on the Otari-Glow Worm Tour and prepare to be captivated by the enchanting glow-worms of New Zealand.
[1] Eventfinda.co.nz/2025/otari-glow-worm-tour/wellington [2] Otari-wiltons.org.nz/visit/events/ [3] Otari-wiltons.org.nz/visit/ [4] Doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/wellington-region/otari-wilton-s-garden/ [5] Encyclopedia.com/worms-and-leeches/octochaetus-multiporu [6] Britannica.com/animal/glowworm [7] Newzealand.com/things-to-do/nature/glow-worms/ [8] Stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/wellington/95434580/wellington-s-glow-worms-the-natural-wonders-of-otari-wilton-s-garden [9] Nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12200487 [10] Stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/wellington/95434580/wellington-s-glow-worms-the-natural-wonders-of-otari-wilton-s-garden
The Otari-Glow Worm Tour, occurring on August 15, 2025, isn't just an outdoor-living adventure but also an educational opportunity to learn about native flora and fauna in the heart of Wellington's native forest. After your captivating night-time experience with the enchanting glow-worms, consider exploring other home-and-garden attractions in New Zealand's Wellington region, such as the Wellington Botanic Gardens, for a continued immersion in the unique beauty of this country.
