Is Waipu Glowworm Caves happening right now?

As of Jun 19, 2026, 8:54 PM, in season now. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.

The Waipu Glowworm Caves are a series of small limestone caves and sinkholes near Waipu in Northland, New Zealand, known for colonies of the native glowworm Arachnocampa luminosa.

Visitors see hundreds to thousands of bioluminescent larvae suspended on silk threads on cave ceilings, producing a star-like glow in the darkened grotto.

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
Waipu Glowworm Cave (Main Grotto)
Waipu Caves Track - Upper Entrance / Sinkhole Viewing

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.