As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, out of season, returns ~December. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Tiny larvae of the native fungus gnat Arachnocampa luminosa form glowing curtains on cave and riverbank surfaces near Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
The blue-green points of light are best seen at night in dark, humid conditions, and are accessible via short town walks or guided river valley tours.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Glenorchy Glowworm Dell (town boardwalk) |
| Dart River / Paradise Glowworm Grotto (guided access) |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.