Discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave, the longest of Waitomo’s underground caves, on a 75 minute walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 75 minutes
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Audio guide/headphones
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
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
Full 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 local people whose parents and grandparents have guided in the caves. The experience will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.
Includes
- Entry fees
- 75-minute walking tour
- Local guide
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
204 Tumutumu Road, Waitomo 3985, New Zealand.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- A complimentary shuttle bus runs from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves visitor centre to Ruakuri Cave, subject to availability
- Bookings are essential as numbers on each tour are restricted to 18 people
- All tours are subject to availability. Pending available time slots, your tour time may be 15-30 minutes before or after the one you have requested
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket
- Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave
- Ruakuri Cave has full wheelchair and pushchair (stroller) access
