Glowworm Dell is one of Hokitika's easiest small wonders: a short path from the road leads into a damp, sheltered hollow where glowworms appear as pinpoints of blue-green light after dark. The setting is modest by day, but at night it becomes a quiet, atmospheric stop.
Go after full darkness, keep torches low or off once you reach the dell, and give your eyes time to adjust. The visit takes only a few minutes, which makes it perfect after dinner or as a gentle end to a West Coast driving day.