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Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

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.

Marvel at the captivating beauty of the magical Ruakari Cave with a remarkable spiral entrance and home to thousands of glowworms on this mystical guided tour!

    • 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!

    • 1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave

    • English-speaking guide of Maori descent

    • Small group of up to 14 people

    • Wheelchair accessible

    • Photography allowed

    • Entry to Ruakuri Cave

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.5
    254 ratings
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    176
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    Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 26 countries have loved this experience
    Chris Enges

    Chris

    5/5

    Oct, 2024

    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.
    Kanta Tsushima

    Kanta

    5/5

    Aug, 2024

    I exited to blue lighting from grow worms and fossil. I enjoyed cave tour and guide man's nice joke. It's so easy to get a ticket.
    Doris Elke Schmidt

    Doris

    5/5

    Aug, 2024

    Our tour guide Garf was absolutly lovely and told us so many amazing things. He encouraged us to ask questions and was happy to answere them as well. On top of that we had the luck to be only two people so we really could take our time!
    Rima Saeb

    Rima

    5/5

    Jul, 2024

    Our tour guide Webarakato- not sure how to spell his name but his historical and indigenous knowledge was very much interesting AND the ticket lady was lovely as we had booked for an hour and half session at 11:30 but she squeezed us in for the 11am tour so all in all a very successful and memorable day !
    Siri Salla

    Siri

    5/5

    Jun, 2024

    **Exploring the Mystical Waitomo Caves: A Subterranean Adventure** Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's North Island lies a natural wonder that captivates both the adventurous spirit and the curious soul — the Waitomo Caves. As I descended into the depths of this geological marvel, I was immediately struck by the otherworldly beauty that awaited me. **Spectacular Glowworm Grotto:** The highlight of the Waitomo Caves is undoubtedly the Glowworm Grotto. Boarding a small boat, I glided silently through a labyrinth of underground rivers, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminated the cavern ceiling like a starlit night. The sight was mesmerizing and truly felt like a journey into another realm. **Stalactites and Stalagmites:** Beyond the ethereal glowworms, the caves are adorned with intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Over millions of years, water slowly dripped and sculpted these natural sculptures, creating a surreal landscape that evokes a sense of awe and wonder. **Adventurous Activities:** For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, the Waitomo Caves offer opportunities for black water rafting and cave tubing. Floating through subterranean waterways and traversing narrow passages adds an exhilarating dimension to the exploration, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers. **Guided Tours:** Exploring the caves is best done with a knowledgeable guide who shares the geological history and Maori legends associated with the area. Their expertise adds depth to the experience, providing insights into the formation of the caves and the cultural significance they hold for the local Maori people. **Accessibility and Facilities:** Waitomo Caves are accessible to visitors of various fitness levels, with guided tours catering to different interests and physical abilities. The facilities are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and safe visit for all explorers. **Conclusion:** Visiting the Waitomo Caves is an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand's natural beauty. Whether marveling at the luminescent glowworms, navigating underground rivers, or simply admiring the geological wonders, every moment spent in these caves is a testament to the Earth's incredible diversity and the magic of exploration. For anyone visiting the North Island, a trip to Waitomo Caves is a must, promising a blend of adventure, wonder, and natural splendor that will leave a lasting impression.
  • A dreamy escape to Ruakuri Cave

    On this magical adventure, you will discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave, powered by 100% renewable energy. What’s more, this dreamy experience is open for all with full wheelchair and pushchair access. You will walk down the illuminated spiral entrance to discover unique limestone formations formed over the years and enchanting crystal tapestries. Be sure to have your comfortable walking shoes on since the Ruakuri Cave is New Zealand's longest-guided underground walking tour!

    Walk among the stars of the cave

    The most ethereal part of the tour is when you come across the magnificent glowworms in a spectacular display. You’ll learn about these beautiful bio-luminescent creatures and the fascinating history of the cave from your tour guide. You can take your cameras out and capture the magical moment with thousands of glowworms decorating the cave like a starry night. Also, hear the thunder and burbles of distant subterranean waterfalls as you explore the underground natural wonder.

  • What to bring

    • When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

    Accessibility

    • This experience is wheelchair accessible and has pram/stroller accessibility.

    • Wheelchair/stroller width must not exceed 65cm.

    Additional information

    • Photography and video are permitted in selected areas of the cave.

    • It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes as this experience involves a fair amount of walking.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    Meeting Point

    • Meet your guide at Ruakuri Visitor Centre

    • Address: 204, Tumutumu Road, Waitomo Caves 3985, New Zealand

    Get Directions to the Meeting Point

    Getting There

    By Car

    • Take route 'New Zealand State Highway 37' and drive on Waitomo caves road.

    By Bus

    • The closest bus stop is Waitomo Glowworm Caves and it is 2.8 km from the destination.

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