90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. 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. Spectacular and unique, Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. In this 1.5 hour sightseeing tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
All you will need are comfortable shoes and a warm jacket.
You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs
Due to high demand and limited capacity 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 are subject to availability
Your own transport is required
Stroller/wheelchair width must not exceed 65cm
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Ruakuri Cave
Discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave on this 75-minute guided walking tour. Ruakuri Cave has displays of glowworms and is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Points of interest include softly folding shawl-like formations (formed by flowing rivers) and fossilized seashells, which indicate how the caves were once part of the seabed. 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. Tours depart every day (except Christmas Day) at 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave. Ruakuri Cave is wheelchair accessible. .
What‘s Included
Local guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Ruakuri Cave Tour (24/25)
Ruakuri Cave Tour (2024/2025): For tours from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025
Ruakuri Cave Tour (25/26)
Ruakuri Cave Tour (2025/2026: For tours from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026
Reviews
154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5 stars the Raokuri Glow worm cave in Wataimo
G7691NPteresal,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would recommend this tour with Anna. It was very educational and the formations in the cave are beautiful. This is a must when visiting New Zealand!
Don’t be scared! If I can do this tour so can you.
lisawT3940RF,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was a bit nervous reading a review about the height of the stairs at the beginning, however I am glad I went because it was fine! I am scared of heights and have very poor eyesight especially in the dark. People in our group seemed to sense my poor eyesight and accommodated me at times. Young tour guide with a good education of the caves. My son is 9 and he managed fine too! Perfect way to see the caves.
Enjoyable visit to the caves
J9357XApaulr,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and informative guide. Very enjoyable. The tour was a great experience and we learned a lot about limestone caves
Great experience
Hakan L,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing caves with a very knowledgeable and educational guide. Well adapted for the disabled. Worth seeing.
Highly recommended
Suzie S,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were going to go to Waitomo caves, but unfortunately it was booked up. We decided to try Ruakuri instead. We were not disappointed! Amazing caving experience, there are Glow worms but not as many as Waitomo caves. However the depth and the incredible caves made for an unbelievable experience. The guide Garth was excellent, he was very informative, and a real nice guy. We had a great time! The caves are absolutely amazing!
The Best Glowworm Cave Tour.
Ulrike M,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour is better than the Waitomo Cave Tour because: 1. The cave is larger with more formations 2. As many glow worms 3. You can take photos, not allowed in the Waitomo cave 4. Fully wheelchair accessible and they provide a wheelchair
Unforgettable Ruakuri Cave Experience
Vivek S,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An unforgettable 90 minutes exploring Ruakuri Cave. The guided tour was well paced and incredibly informative, with fascinating stories about the cave’s geology, history, and glowworms woven throughout. The walkways and lighting made it easy to enjoy the dramatic limestone formations and sparkling glowworm displays up close, creating a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Highly recommended if you want a more immersive and less crowded glowworm experience in Waitomo.
Enjoyable and intersting
M5696HOcarlae,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience with knowledgeable tour guide. Easy access, easy walk, amazing lighting. Highly recommended.
The Ruakuri cavrens are worth
Maarten D,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Everything is well and orderly arranged. What you get to see of the caves is good, the guide was good. And the temperature was good 14 degrees.
Magical and fascinating!
Julia T,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative and magical sights. Guide friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Gloworms were beautiful and the caves were stunning.
From NZ$116.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group