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4.5(973 ratings)Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 from 973 ratings.

Ruakuri Cave

Explore New Zealand's Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo. Marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, and glowworms on a guided tour. Book easily with our mobile tickets and free cancellation.
Ruakuri Cave
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations and guided tour path, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations and guided tour path, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations and guided tour path, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave stalactites and stalagmites on guided tour in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave stalactites and stalagmites on guided tour in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave guided tour showcasing illuminated limestone formations in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations during a guided tour in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave's illuminated limestone formations in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave stalactites and stalagmites during guided tour in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations and guided tour path, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations and guided tour path in Waitomo, New Zealand.
4.5(192)
Outdoor Activities
Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile Ticket
1 more
  • Stroll through the solar-powered Ruakuri Cave, a natural wonder adorned with glowworms.

  • Venture down the dramatic spiral entrance and witness tiny creatures that make the cave sparkle like a night sky up close.

  • Join the longest underground walking tour in Waitiomo Caves and learn about the myths and legends of the cave from the local guide.

  • With photography allowed, you’ll be able to capture your memories of this remarkable underground world.

  • Did you know? Ruakuri Cave is one of the few wheelchair and pushchair-accessible caves in the world!

More details

  • Stroll through the solar-powered Ruakuri Cave, a natural wonder adorned with glowworms.

  • Venture down the dramatic spiral entrance and witness tiny creatures that make the cave sparkle like a night sky up close.

  • Join the longest underground walking tour in Waitiomo Caves and learn about the myths and legends of the cave from the local guide.

  • With photography allowed, you’ll be able to capture your memories of this remarkable underground world.

  • Did you know? Ruakuri Cave is one of the few wheelchair and pushchair-accessible caves in the world!

from
NZ$113
Small group of tourists exploring the luminescent Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Auckland
Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour boat ride under illuminated cave ceiling in New Zealand.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour showcasing illuminated cave interior with glowworms.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour showcasing illuminated cave ceiling with glowworms.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves interior with illuminated stalactites and glowworms.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves interior with illuminated stalactites and glowworms.
Glowworms illuminating the ceiling of Waitomo Caves, casting a magical blue glow over the water below, as seen on a guided tour from Auckland
Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour with small group exploring illuminated cave formations.
Small group of tourists exploring the luminescent Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour from Auckland
Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland with scenic landscape.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour boat ride under glowing cave ceiling, New Zealand.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour showcasing illuminated cave ceiling with glowworms in New Zealand.
Free Cancellation
1 hour
Mobile Ticket
1 more
  • Enjoy a slow-paced 45-minute tour through 250 meters of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, exploring the ancient dual-level system.

  • Witness tiny creatures creating a celestial galaxy in the Glowworm Grotto with their radiant luminescence.

  • Walk through the upper chamber of the 30-million-year-old cave system, then sail through the lower level encountering glowworms and the Cathedral.

  • Care to explore more of this glowing haven? Opt for the 1.5-hour Ruakuri Caves tour, the longest underground walking experience available in this cave system.

  • Did you know? Glowworms found in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves are a unique species, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

More details

  • Enjoy a slow-paced 45-minute tour through 250 meters of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, exploring the ancient dual-level system.

  • Witness tiny creatures creating a celestial galaxy in the Glowworm Grotto with their radiant luminescence.

  • Walk through the upper chamber of the 30-million-year-old cave system, then sail through the lower level encountering glowworms and the Cathedral.

  • Care to explore more of this glowing haven? Opt for the 1.5-hour Ruakuri Caves tour, the longest underground walking experience available in this cave system.

  • Did you know? Glowworms found in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves are a unique species, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

from
NZ$79
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on a Black Water Rafting guided experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on a Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on a Black Water Rafting guided experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Tourists enjoying guided black water rafting in Waitomo's underground caves, New Zealand
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on a Black Water Rafting guided experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo caves on a Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Adventurers ziplining through Waitomo caves during a black water rafting and abseiling tour.
Free Cancellation
3 hours
Mobile Ticket
1 more
  • Experience a 3 or 5-hour rafting tour inside the limestone caves as you float under a sky of glowworms.

  • Learn the basics of caving and gear up to weave your way around the rocks on an exhilarating journey.

  • Get the adventure of a lifetime while traveling through the caves, and jumping off waterfalls, and upgrading to include ziplining and absceiling.

  • Dig into complimentary refreshments on board and take your time to admire the surreal beauty of the caves.

  • Did you know? The Māori call glowworms "titiwai," which translates to "stars reflected in water."

More details

  • Experience a 3 or 5-hour rafting tour inside the limestone caves as you float under a sky of glowworms.

  • Learn the basics of caving and gear up to weave your way around the rocks on an exhilarating journey.

  • Get the adventure of a lifetime while traveling through the caves, and jumping off waterfalls, and upgrading to include ziplining and absceiling.

  • Dig into complimentary refreshments on board and take your time to admire the surreal beauty of the caves.

  • Did you know? The Māori call glowworms "titiwai," which translates to "stars reflected in water."

from
NZ$188
Glowworm-lit cave interior during Waitomo small group guided tour, New Zealand.
Glowworm-lit cave interior during Waitomo small group guided tour, New Zealand.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.
Waitomo glowworm caves with small group on guided tour exploring unique formations.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour with small group exploring illuminated cave formations.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
3 hours
3 more
  • Take this 3-hour tour to hidden glowworm caves on a private farm far from the tourist trails. It's the perfect spot for a unique, quiet adventure.

  • This tour keeps things cozy with a cap of 8 people. It starts with a scenic walk through lush forests and the Mangapu Gorge, led by your guide.

  • Spend 2 hours climbing boulders, crossing streams, and exploring limestone caves. Inside, millions of glowworms light up the space in green and blue.

  • After your cave adventure, switch out of your gear and enjoy some well-deserved snacks with tea and coffee to wrap up your day.

  • Fun fact: Glowworms can actually dim their light! They control the amount of light they produce by contracting or expanding a light-emitting organ. See it for yourself at this cave (photography welcome!).

More details

  • Take this 3-hour tour to hidden glowworm caves on a private farm far from the tourist trails. It's the perfect spot for a unique, quiet adventure.

  • This tour keeps things cozy with a cap of 8 people. It starts with a scenic walk through lush forests and the Mangapu Gorge, led by your guide.

  • Spend 2 hours climbing boulders, crossing streams, and exploring limestone caves. Inside, millions of glowworms light up the space in green and blue.

  • After your cave adventure, switch out of your gear and enjoy some well-deserved snacks with tea and coffee to wrap up your day.

  • Fun fact: Glowworms can actually dim their light! They control the amount of light they produce by contracting or expanding a light-emitting organ. See it for yourself at this cave (photography welcome!).

from
NZ$189
Guided group black water rafting through Waitomo caves with ziplining and abseiling experience.
Adventurers ziplining through Waitomo caves during a black water rafting and abseiling tour.
Waitomo Black Abyss tour with black water rafting and zip lining adventure.
Waitomo cave adventure with black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling experience.
Adventurers ziplining through Waitomo caves during a black water rafting and abseiling tour.
Guided black water rafting and ziplining adventure in Waitomo caves, New Zealand.
Waitomo cave adventure with black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling experience.
Waitomo cave adventure with black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling experience.
Adventurers ziplining through Waitomo caves during Black Water Rafting and Abseiling tour.
Waitomo cave adventure with black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling experience.
Adventurers ziplining through Waitomo caves during Black Water Rafting and Abseiling tour.
Adventurers ziplining through Waitomo caves during Black Water Rafting and Abseiling tour.
Waitomo cave adventure with black water rafting, ziplining, and abseiling experience.
Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.
Free Cancellation
5 hours
Mobile Ticket
1 more
  • Join a thrilling cave adventure in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves and explore the amazing Ruakuri Cave's Black Abyss.

  • With an expert guide, learn basic abseiling and tubing skills and start exploring this intricate natural wonder.

  • Start your adventure by abseiling 35 meters down into the dark cave and then zip-lining through a narrow passage lit up by thousands of glow worms.

  • Have a snack break and then continue your journey by tubing under a dazzling sky of glow worms and rafting over fast-flowing waters.

  • Fun fact: Some of the cave passages are over 30 million years old, adding a historic twist to your adventure.

More details

  • Join a thrilling cave adventure in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves and explore the amazing Ruakuri Cave's Black Abyss.

  • With an expert guide, learn basic abseiling and tubing skills and start exploring this intricate natural wonder.

  • Start your adventure by abseiling 35 meters down into the dark cave and then zip-lining through a narrow passage lit up by thousands of glow worms.

  • Have a snack break and then continue your journey by tubing under a dazzling sky of glow worms and rafting over fast-flowing waters.

  • Fun fact: Some of the cave passages are over 30 million years old, adding a historic twist to your adventure.

from
NZ$314
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush greenery and Waitomo Caves entrance, New Zealand tour from Auckland.
Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland with lush landscapes.
Guided river boat ride through illuminated Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland with scenic landscape.
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush green hills and iconic round doors, New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush greenery and iconic round doors, part of Auckland's guided tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush greenery and iconic round doors, part of Auckland's guided tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland-1
Interior of the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set
Beer served at in Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set
Visitors arriving by bus for a guided tour from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, greeted warmly by a guide
Family with a guide exploring the stunning limestone formations inside Waitomo Caves during a guided tour from Auckland
Waitomo Caves tour group exploring glowworm-lit caverns, Rotorua geothermal features, Te Puia cultural site.
Glowworms illuminating the ceiling of Waitomo Caves, casting a magical blue glow over the water below, as seen on a guided tour from Auckland
Tour group exploring the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves in Auckland, New Zealand
Free Cancellation
12 hours
Mobile Ticket
4 more
  • Join a guided day tour of the Hobbiton movie set and the historic Waitomo Caves formed over 30 million years ago.

  • Benefit from round-trip transfers from Auckland, experiencing the magical world of Middle Earth and the luminescent glowworms in Waitomo.

  • Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, admire the iconic Hobbit Holes and The Mill, and savor a refreshing drink at the pub featured in the movie.

  • Discover Waitomo Caves' beauty, featuring age-old rock formations, and a boat ride beneath a canopy of twinkling glowworms.

  • Fun fact: The Hobbiton set has 44 hobbit holes, with the holes for the actors playing hobbits built at 90% scale, and the holes for Gandalf built at 60% scale.

More details

  • Join a guided day tour of the Hobbiton movie set and the historic Waitomo Caves formed over 30 million years ago.

  • Benefit from round-trip transfers from Auckland, experiencing the magical world of Middle Earth and the luminescent glowworms in Waitomo.

  • Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, admire the iconic Hobbit Holes and The Mill, and savor a refreshing drink at the pub featured in the movie.

  • Discover Waitomo Caves' beauty, featuring age-old rock formations, and a boat ride beneath a canopy of twinkling glowworms.

  • Fun fact: The Hobbiton set has 44 hobbit holes, with the holes for the actors playing hobbits built at 90% scale, and the holes for Gandalf built at 60% scale.

from
NZ$399
Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour boat with visitors viewing glowing worms in dark cave, New Zealand.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour boat with visitors viewing glowworms, departing from Auckland.
Small group of tourists exploring the luminescent Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour from Auckland
Ruakuri Cave limestone formations and guided tour path, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour boat with illuminated cave ceiling, departing from Auckland.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour boat with visitors viewing glowworms, departing from Auckland.
Small group of tourists exploring the luminescent Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Auckland
Waitomo Caves tour from Auckland with scenic landscape.
Glowworms illuminating the ceiling of Waitomo Caves, casting a magical blue glow over the water below, as seen on a guided tour from Auckland
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush greenery and Waitomo Caves entrance, New Zealand tour from Auckland.
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
7 hours
4 more
  • Enjoy a scenic drive from Auckland to the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo, with round-trip transfers and a serene cave boat ride.

  • With round-trip transfers from Auckland CBD and snacks and water, this trip lets you enjoy the sights, hassle-free.

  • Explore Waitomo Caves' underground wonders, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, on a guided walk.

  • Upgrade your experience to visit the Hobbiton movie set and live out your Lord of the Rings fantasy.

  • Did you know? Waitomo’s underground rivers were formed over 30 million years ago by volcanic activity.

More details

  • Enjoy a scenic drive from Auckland to the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo, with round-trip transfers and a serene cave boat ride.

  • With round-trip transfers from Auckland CBD and snacks and water, this trip lets you enjoy the sights, hassle-free.

  • Explore Waitomo Caves' underground wonders, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, on a guided walk.

  • Upgrade your experience to visit the Hobbiton movie set and live out your Lord of the Rings fantasy.

  • Did you know? Waitomo’s underground rivers were formed over 30 million years ago by volcanic activity.

from
NZ$279
Visitors ziplining through lush forest at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park, New Zealand.
Women preparing to zipline at Hanuman World Phuket platform, surrounded by lush greenery.
People ziplining through lush forest at Hanuman World, Phuket.
Person ziplining through lush forest at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park, New Zealand.
Tourists ziplining through lush forest canopy in Costa Rica.
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
2 hours
2 more
  • Soar through native forests and limestone cliffs in the Waitomo Caves region on 10 zip lines, covering a 1km circuit.

  • Learn how to control your zipline gear with the help of professional guides and challenge yourself with ziplines ranging from low and easy to high and fast.

  • Work your way up to the longest zipline, which is 280 meters long and reaches speeds up to 80 kilometers an hour.

  • Discover the local Maori culture while enjoying the thrill of ziplining. Learn about the region's history and traditions as you glide through the canopy.

  • Did you know? Some of the forests in the Waitomo region are home to ancient kauri trees, which can live for thousands of years.

More details

  • Soar through native forests and limestone cliffs in the Waitomo Caves region on 10 zip lines, covering a 1km circuit.

  • Learn how to control your zipline gear with the help of professional guides and challenge yourself with ziplines ranging from low and easy to high and fast.

  • Work your way up to the longest zipline, which is 280 meters long and reaches speeds up to 80 kilometers an hour.

  • Discover the local Maori culture while enjoying the thrill of ziplining. Learn about the region's history and traditions as you glide through the canopy.

  • Did you know? Some of the forests in the Waitomo region are home to ancient kauri trees, which can live for thousands of years.

from
NZ$125
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, New Zealand, showcasing limestone formations and stalactites.
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, showcasing limestone formations and stalactites in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, showcasing limestone formations in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Aranui Cave stalactites and stalagmites during a guided tour in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, showcasing limestone formations and stalactites in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Aranui Cave Guided Tour-10
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, showcasing limestone formations and stalactites in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, showcasing limestone formations and stalactites in Waitomo, New Zealand.
Guided tour inside Aranui Cave, New Zealand, showcasing limestone formations and stalactites.
New
Outdoor Activities
Free Cancellation
1 hour
Mobile Ticket
1 more
  • Take a guided tour through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to see its magnificent cave, beautiful rock formations, and cave weta colonies.

  • Explore the Maori legends and myths of Aranui Cave with your guide and discover their anecdotes and secrets.

  • Get a glimpse of the long, narrow chambers of the Waitomo cave and the high chambers of the Aranui cave, as well as the white, pink, and brown stalactites that adorn this cave.

  • Take a stroll at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve for scenic walks among the native wildlife and an enchanted forest.

  • Fun fact: The cave was discovered by a local Māori hunter chasing a wild pig. Ask your guide about this story - each guide has a slightly different version!

More details

  • Take a guided tour through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to see its magnificent cave, beautiful rock formations, and cave weta colonies.

  • Explore the Maori legends and myths of Aranui Cave with your guide and discover their anecdotes and secrets.

  • Get a glimpse of the long, narrow chambers of the Waitomo cave and the high chambers of the Aranui cave, as well as the white, pink, and brown stalactites that adorn this cave.

  • Take a stroll at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve for scenic walks among the native wildlife and an enchanted forest.

  • Fun fact: The cave was discovered by a local Māori hunter chasing a wild pig. Ask your guide about this story - each guide has a slightly different version!

from
NZ$79

Top things to do in Waitomo

Millions love heading out with us

Chris Enges
US

Chris

5/5
United States
review-image
review-image
review-image
Our guide Kaiser was excellent as he led us through the Ruakuri cave system which was stellar and I would recommend the tour through these absolutely amazing caves. Well worth the money.
Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour
Katerina Maudsley
AU

Katerina

5/5
Australia
review-image
The cave was beautiful, the glow worms were fascinating and the guide was friendly, informative and professional. Glad we booked online.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Deborah Daniel
US

Deborah

5/5
United States
The cave was simply amazing. Ticketing was easy. It was much easier to find with morning meeting location when we had an address and the name of the hotel rather than the GPS coordinates that were initially provided.
From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Petra Lambeck

Petra

5/5
We had a great time! A family with two kids - 9 and 12 Years old. Rob and Kelly are lovely people. We had a lot of fun and felt very safe. Thank you for this exciting family adventure!
Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets
Amit Mardikar
US

Amit

5/5
United States
This was an amazing experience! A must do for anyone who is in the Waitomo area. Rob and Kelsey were really great and made sure that we had a great time ziplining!
Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets
Headout Guest

Headout Guest

5/5
This was an unbelievable experience. The glow worms were very cool to see, but more notably, we had a great group and excellent guides! I was a bit worried my mother would struggle but the guides did a great job helping her! The chauffeur they provided to the rafting sight was very comfy, and their entire staff was welcoming and made it a worthwhile trip!
Black Water Rafting, Ziplining and Abseiling Guided Experience in Waitomo
Camille Mosier
AU

Camille

5/5
Australia
The black abyss tour was absolutely incredible! For something that I'd been looking forward to for so long it's surprising that it actually exceeded expectations. The staff were all fabulous and accommodating even when we were late to the location. It doesn't hurt that our guides George and Mitch were also 🔥.
Black Water Rafting, Ziplining and Abseiling Guided Experience in Waitomo
Antje Steilen
NZ

Antje

5/5
New Zealand
Really good guides, I felt safe the whole time! Small group! Nice hot showers and a hot soulmate the end of the Tori:) Git nice pictures!
Black Water Rafting Guided Experience in Waitomo

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