I think seeing glow worms in a cave is even better than seeing them in the ground - since they hang above you, sometimes by the thousand, it really is like looking up at the night sky. Plus you get to see the silk strands they hang from too. The paid tours at Waitomo an Te Anau are really great because there are SO many glowworms, but there are free caves you can explore on your own too. Here's a list of some : nzpocketguide.com/free-glowworm-caves-in-new-zealand/
BTW, I know you're on a budget, but there are some experiences really worth paying out the $ for even if they're really expensive. For me that includes whale-watching in Kaikoura, swimming with wild dolphins (or seals if you prefer) in Kaikoura and a heli-hike/climb on Franz Josef glacier. On the other hand, if you're in Oamaru you can pay to see the Little Blue Penguins come ashore at night, but if you hang about on the shoreline nearby or even in the carpark you'll likely see a few for free!
wow, that place looks incredible
I think seeing glow worms in a cave is even better than seeing them in the ground - since they hang above you, sometimes by the thousand, it really is like looking up at the night sky. Plus you get to see the silk strands they hang from too. The paid tours at Waitomo an Te Anau are really great because there are SO many glowworms, but there are free caves you can explore on your own too. Here's a list of some : nzpocketguide.com/free-glowworm-caves-in-new-zealand/
Wow, thank you! We will definitely go to these next time!
BTW, I know you're on a budget, but there are some experiences really worth paying out the $ for even if they're really expensive. For me that includes whale-watching in Kaikoura, swimming with wild dolphins (or seals if you prefer) in Kaikoura and a heli-hike/climb on Franz Josef glacier. On the other hand, if you're in Oamaru you can pay to see the Little Blue Penguins come ashore at night, but if you hang about on the shoreline nearby or even in the carpark you'll likely see a few for free!
Thanks so much for all of your recommendations! We were so lucky to get to see the fairy penguins at night. 💙