Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour



Discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave, the longest of Waitomo’s underground caves, on a 1.5-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

Highlights

  • Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
  • Marvel at unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glowworms
  • Enjoy an intimate and educational experience on a small group tour
  • Learn the history and geology of the cave from a knowledgeable local guide

Description

Explore Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand’s longest guided underground walking tour. Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Ruakuri Cave has displays of glowworms and is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries.  Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glowworms. Major features include Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the history, features, and legends of the cave to life with their storytelling. Many of the guides are locals whose parents and grandparents have guided in the caves. The experience will leave you awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.

Includes

Entry fees 90-minute walking tour Local guide

Excludes

Transportation

Important Information

  • If you are late or miss your scheduled tour time, your ticket(s) are forfeited and non-refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and due to high demand and limited capacity, tours are subject to availability
  • Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave
  • Ruakuri Cave has full wheelchair and pushchair (stroller) access
  • You must arrange your own transport. The Ruakuri Cave is located a further 10-minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Visitors Center

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Available Dates

November 2026 21 dates
Tue 10th Nov Wed 11th Nov Thu 12th Nov Fri 13th Nov Sat 14th Nov Sun 15th Nov
December 2026 30 dates
Tue 1st Dec Wed 2nd Dec Thu 3rd Dec Fri 4th Dec Sat 5th Dec Sun 6th Dec
January 2027 9 dates
Fri 1st Jan Sat 2nd Jan Sun 3rd Jan Mon 4th Jan Tue 5th Jan Wed 6th Jan

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