Venture deep beneath the forests of Paparoa National Park and discover one of New Zealand’s most spectacular glowworm experiences in the heart of the West Coast wilderness. Combining ancient caves, remarkable limestone formations, and thousands of glowing lights overhead, this unforgettable eco-adventure reveals a hidden world few visitors ever get to explore.

The journey begins with a short drive into the dramatic Nile / Waitakere River canyon before boarding the Nile River Rainforest Train for a scenic ride through lush native forest. A short walk and climb lead to the entrance of the Metro / Te Ananui Cave, where daylight is left behind, and exploration begins much as it did for the first cavers — guided only by the light carried in and surrounded by untouched natural beauty, without handrails or boardwalks. Inside, the cave opens into an extraordinary underground landscape of vast chambers, delicate calcite formations and water-sculpted passages, including famous features such as The Altar, the Hall of Refugees and Pancake Corner, before emerging once again into daylight after journeying right through the mountain.

After a short pause, the adventure continues to the stars of the show — the New Zealand glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa. What begins as a handful of lights soon transforms into entire galaxies stretching across the cave ceiling and disappearing into the darkness beyond. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories and insights that bring this fragile ecosystem to life. Returning through the rainforest to the waiting train and back to Charleston, you’ll leave behind one of the country’s few publicly accessible, unspoiled cave systems, taking with you memories of a truly magical underground world.