On a crisp, clear evening under a starry sky, over 40 excited participants—many of them tamariki as young as five—gathered in Eskdale Reserve for a special Guided Titiwai (Glowworm) Walk in celebration of Matariki. Rugged up in warm clothes and comfy shoes, we set off into the bush at just 6:30pm, though it felt much later—the forest was already pitch black, lit only by red torchlight, the stars above, and the magical glow of titiwai.
This popular event filled up within hours, a testament to the community’s love for nature and the wonder of Matariki. The walk was kindly funded by the Kaipātiki Local Board, whose support made it possible for whānau to experience the beauty of our local ngahere in a truly unique way.
What are Titiwai?
Titiwai are New Zealand’s native glowworms—bioluminescent larvae of a fungus gnat. They emit a soft blue-green light to attract prey, creating a stunning natural light show in damp, sheltered areas like stream banks and forest caves. A few fun facts:
- The name titiwai means “projected over water” in te reo Māori.
- Their glow is a result of a chemical reaction in their bodies—similar to fireflies.
- Titiwai are found only in Aotearoa and are a taonga species, treasured for their beauty and ecological role.
A night to remember
As we walked quietly through the reserve, the titiwai began to appear—tiny lights scattered across the banks like stars fallen to earth. Guided by our knowledgeable team, participants learned about the titiwai’s life cycle, their habitat, and how we can protect these delicate creatures.
The walk was not just a chance to see glowworms—it was a moment to reflect, connect with nature, and celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, which encourages us to honour the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the Kaipātiki Local Board for supporting this event, and to everyone who joined us. Your presence made the evening truly special.
Want to know more?
Check out our ongoing work in titiwai monitoring and watch our close-up video of titiwai in action:
- Learn more about our titiwai monitoring
- Watch the titiwai video