Nicols Falls Glowworms
Discover thousands of free-to-see glowworms and a charming waterfall on a short, accessible walk near Dunedin. A magical natural spectacle!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Glowworms are most visible
Nicols Falls Glowworms
Best Time
Glowworms are most visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover thousands of free-to-see glowworms and a charming waterfall on a short, accessible walk near Dunedin. A magical natural spectacle!
"Simply magical! Thousands over thousand blue shining glow worms, like a night sky with blue stars."
🎯 Go After Sunset!
The darker it is, the brighter the glowworms! Aim for 30-60 mins after sunset.
🚶♀️ Follow the Right Path
Look for the 'waterfall and glow worms' sign. Avoid 'Nicols Creek Track'.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thousands of Twinkling Glowworms
On the stone walls along the creek
Witness a breathtaking spectacle of thousands of blue-shining glowworms illuminating the dark walls. It's like a natural starry night.
Nicols Falls
At the end of the waterfall track
A picturesque waterfall offering a refreshing natural escape within the city. Enjoy the sound of cascading water.
The Waterfall and Glowworm Walk
Starting point near parking
A short, adventurous walk with some uphill sections and wet rocks leading to both the falls and the glowworms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Glows
Navigating the Tracks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go After Sunset!
The darker it is, the brighter the glowworms! Aim for 30-60 mins after sunset.
🚶♀️ Follow the Right Path
Look for the 'waterfall and glow worms' sign. Avoid 'Nicols Creek Track'.
🔦 Bring a Red Light
Red light preserves glowworm visibility better than white light.
👟 Be Prepared for Mud
The track can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go After Sunset!
The darker it is, the brighter the glowworms! Aim for 30-60 mins after sunset.
🚶♀️ Follow the Right Path
Look for the 'waterfall and glow worms' sign. Avoid 'Nicols Creek Track'.
🔦 Bring a Red Light
Red light preserves glowworm visibility better than white light.
👟 Be Prepared for Mud
The track can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes.
✨ Free & Magical Experience
Enjoy this incredible natural wonder for free! No tickets needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical and breathtaking experience of seeing thousands of glowworms at Nicols Falls, especially appreciating that it's a free, self-guided natural attraction. The short, accessible walk and the picturesque waterfall add to its charm. Some note the track can be slippery and muddy, and advise careful navigation to find the correct path.
"100% recommend!! Do after sunset!!!! Free to visit. 250m from parking to glow worms. We did the waterfall walk first to wait for sunset. It’s basic but might be fun for kids. Lots of uphill but it is a short walk. The glow worms were amazing and there were thousands of them!! All up the walls and in the ferns. Very beautiful and we had the place to ourselves. I have been to tourist glow worm caves and experiences before and I loved this so much more!"
Olivia Adams
"We saw many thounds of glow worms last night! Really amazing and breathtaking experience. As this spot is not so frequently visited, we had the place alone for some time. Very romantic but also a little bit scary at the same time.
A very easy and short walk. But be careful, there is another starting point for another track named "Nicols Creek Track". That's the wrong way!!!
Go over the bridge on the left side and look for a sign with "waterfall and glow worms" on it. This is the right way!!!
Bring your flash light or even better your red light and start 30-60 min after sunset.
After 10-15 min straight walk you reach a narrow wall maid of stone and the track ends in a creek with many stones in it (don't look for a cave as the worms are located on the side walls). Turn off your light and watch thousand over thousand blue shining glow worms. Some are bright. Some are dim. Some are blinking. It really looks like a night sky with blue stars... Simply magical!! And everything for free!"
Kevin Bode
"A good sized waterfall in the city. A 15 min walk that can be slippery and muddy in places, with a few wet rocks to climb over to stand at the foot of the waterfall. Quite picturesque and it's nice that you don't feel like you're in the city. For a little more adventure walking up Nicols Creek to the watefall (via the glow worm track) is quite fun and there are some pretty spots along the way. Kids and dogs love it!"
John E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nicols Falls Glowworms are conveniently accessible. You can take the bus from downtown Dunedin, making it an easy trip. The parking area is a short walk from the glowworm viewing spot.
Yes, there is parking available near the start of the walking track. It's a short distance from the glowworm viewing area, making it convenient for visitors.
While it's possible to walk, it's a significant distance. Taking a bus from downtown Dunedin is a much more practical and recommended option for reaching Nicols Falls.
The most recommended way is to drive or take a bus to the parking area, then follow the clearly marked 'waterfall and glow worms' track.
While specific route numbers can change, local transit information for Dunedin should provide details on bus lines that service the area near Nicols Falls. It's a popular spot for locals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Nicols Falls Glowworms is a free natural attraction. You do not need to purchase any tickets to visit and experience the glowworms.
Nicols Falls is accessible at any time, but the glowworms are best viewed after dark. It's recommended to visit 30-60 minutes after sunset for the optimal experience.
There is no entrance fee for Nicols Falls or the glowworm viewing area. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, visiting at night is highly recommended to see the glowworms. Ensure you have a light source for the walk there and back, but turn it off when viewing the glowworms.
While there are no official guided tours for Nicols Falls Glowworms, the walk is straightforward. Some travelers have mentioned specific tours like 'Spellbound' for glowworms, but Nicols Falls is a self-guided experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk is about 250 meters from the parking area to the glowworms. It involves some uphill sections and can be slippery and muddy, especially after rain. There are also some wet rocks to navigate.
The walk to the glowworms is short, around 10-15 minutes. You'll want to spend some time observing them, so budget at least 30 minutes to an hour for the entire experience.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the track can be slippery and muddy. Comfortable clothing suitable for walking is also recommended.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of others and avoid using flash, as it can disturb the glowworms and other visitors. Long exposure shots might work best in the dark.
Yes, the walk is considered basic and can be fun for kids, though it has some uphill parts and potentially slippery sections. Dogs are also welcome on the track.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Use a tripod for stability and a long exposure setting (e.g., 15-30 seconds). Set your ISO as high as you can tolerate without too much noise, and use a wide aperture (low f-number). Turn off your flash!
Yes, modern smartphones with good low-light capabilities can capture decent photos. Use night mode if available and try to keep your phone as still as possible.
For the glowworms, the best time is after dark. For the waterfall itself, daytime or during the golden hours (sunrise/sunset) can offer beautiful lighting.
Yes, a flashlight is essential for navigating the path to and from the glowworms. A red light is preferred as it disturbs the glowworms less than white light.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors. Avoid using bright flashes that can startle the glowworms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting after sunset offers a magical experience that children will likely find enchanting. Bring a flashlight (preferably red) for the walk, but remember to turn it off to see the glowworms. The waterfall itself is also a nice feature for kids to enjoy. Dogs are welcome on the track, making it a great option for families with furry members too.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The accessibility via public transport (bus from downtown Dunedin) further enhances its appeal for those watching their spending. Pack your own snacks and water, and you have a complete, memorable experience without breaking the bank. The short walk means you don't need to invest in extensive gear, just comfortable shoes.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Many visitors describe the experience as romantic, especially if you manage to have a quiet moment to yourselves. The gentle sound of the nearby waterfall adds to the serene ambiance. It's a perfect, low-cost activity for couples looking for something out of the ordinary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Glowworms
To witness this natural wonder at its best, timing is crucial. Visitors are strongly advised to visit after sunset, ideally 30 to 60 minutes post-sunset, to allow the ambient light to fade completely. The darker the environment, the more pronounced and magical the glowworm display becomes. Many visitors report having the place to themselves for periods, adding to the intimate and awe-inspiring experience.
When you arrive, follow the signs for the 'waterfall and glow worms' track. The walk is relatively short, around 250 meters, but can be slippery and muddy, particularly after rainfall. It's important to wear appropriate footwear. Once you reach the stone walls, turn off your lights and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. The sight of thousands of glowing points on the walls is often described as breathtaking and comparable to a starry night sky.
Exploring Nicols Falls
The waterfall provides a picturesque scene and the sound of cascading water can be quite soothing. It's a great spot to appreciate nature without having to travel far from urban amenities. Many visitors combine their visit to the falls with the glowworm viewing, making it a two-in-one natural attraction. The proximity to the city makes it an accessible escape for a quick dose of nature.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, walking up Nicols Creek towards the waterfall via the glowworm track can be quite fun. This route offers some pretty spots along the way and is enjoyed by kids and dogs alike. It’s a testament to how accessible natural beauty can be, even within an urban environment.
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