Limestone Creek Reserve Glow Worm Caves is a scenic spot on Limestone Road at Āpiti in the Manawatu, reached along a winding gravel road that visitors say is well worth the effort. It holds a 4.9 rating from 77 reviews, with visitors praising the ethereal glow worms, fossilised shells and a riverside cave walk that even young children enjoy.
Glow worm caves reward timing and patience. The blue-green light is made by fungus gnat larvae and shows best in full darkness, so regulars scout a site before sunset and return after nightfall, letting their eyes adjust with torches off. Damp evenings after rain often bring the strongest display, as humidity keeps the larvae's sticky silk fishing lines glistening — though wet weather also leaves tracks slippery, and cave water runs cold on the feet, so footwear matters.
Set in the hill country beyond Apiti, this is one Manawatu evening outing that repays the drive in full.