Liz Wilson

I've been wanting to see the glowworms for years, and this tour did not disappoint (especially because Australia and New Zealand are the only places you can see these!) — after we took a comfortable ferry across the lake, we arrived on the island and split into smaller groups. My group was first to go inside the caves, which are lit up for the first section so you can see how they were formed by the water that's still rushing through. Walking on the metal gangplanks over the water and through the different pockets of the cave and the waterfalls (one coming straight down through a hole in the "ceiling" was incredibly cool and unique. At the top, our guide helped us into the little boat and then turned off all the lights so our eyes could adjust, and pulled the boat along a rope through the cave silently so we could take in the glowworms in the pitch black, floating on the water. She did a great job turning the boat around at different points so everyone could get directly underneath them for a better look. Be aware the they're not as bright in person as they are in the photos but that didn't make me marvel at it any less — such a cool phenomenon to witness. After, we walked on a nature path back to the welcome center for a drink and a presentation, and then took a look around the exhibits to learn more about the glowworms and the natural landscape on the island. After that, we headed back on the boat across the lake to Te Anau.

This was a bucket list experience that will be so special to me forever. The staff on board the boat were so great, friendly and knowledgeable and made the schedule and options really easy to understand. Heading out in the boats the first night from the cove where we docked, and seeing a pod of bottlenose dolphins swim right under our kayaks was something I'll never forget (they let us stay out a bit longer to enjoy that rare experience)! The food was also really good and I enjoyed the insightful commentary on the wildlife and the terrain of the Sound. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!

It was so cool to see the inner workings of the steam ship before going out to the deck to enjoy the view and a glass of wine. The food at dinner was incredible too! Really enjoyed the farm show exhibition with the sheep and the herding dog—very cleverly done.