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 (25/26)
Ruakuri Cave Tour (2025/2026: For tours from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026
Reviews
184 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
857cherylg,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Caves very interesting
Praise for our tour guides.
David J,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I don’t know if other tour guides are the same but if you get Anna, our tour guides, she sang two beautiful songs and really enhanced the experience. The tour itself is very informative and encourages asking questions, but the addition of Anna singing made this an unforgettable experience.
We enjoyed the 90-minute...
Mariah D,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed the 90-minute walking Waitomo Cave Tour. The glow worms were fun to see, and there were a few that we were able to see up-close due to their positioning in the cave which was great. We also enjoyed seeing the natural formations in the cave. Would recommend!
Interesting caves an great to see the glow worms
Mary F,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting tour and knowledgeable guide who looked after the six year old I was visiting with very well! Lovely to see the glow worms
Great experience, great guide
662niamhw,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour def worth a visit even if you've been to caves in other areas. Ruben was a great knowledgeable guide and made sure we got the most out of our visit.
Well worth the adventure
Sheree C,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a fabulous experience. Underground, witnessing creation over hundreds of years. Garth the tour guide was amazing and so informative. I’d recommend this tour to anyone.
Re finded version of a wonderful experience.
Steve S,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were able to arrive early but unable to switch our booking time as all earlier tours were fully booked. The enrollment was simple and efficient and the induction was swift and comical. Our guide was Wi (a much longer name than that but he was happy to shorten for us) and he did an exceptional job. His knowledge and delivery (particularly with the youngsters in our group) kept the interest and information flowing. We chose this particular cave because they have wheelchair access across the whole site. Neither of us use a wheelchair but we find those who offer this facility are more proactive in looking after all their guests. The floor of the walk is in excellent condition and allows those less mobile the ability to visit, without detracting too much from the natural beauty. The educational aspects of this tour were delivered smartly and vibrantly and with good humour, with many questions being posed and answered. Our other reason for choosing this cave was the ability to take photographs but make sure your equipment can handle the low light. At one point we came across another group who were completing the blackwater rafting experience and all lights were requested to be extinguished. Luckily we were stood still at the time because the total darkness can disorientate some. Overall, we loved the experience and found it totally worth the effort, time and money it cost.
Great experience
Joanna F,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour, our guide Hayley was awesome, very informative and friendly with the kids. Memorable experience
Glow worms in Waitomo
Anjishnu B,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide. Very cool place. Family friendly. Pram accessible. Glow worm views - out of the world! Would come again.
Super cool!
Clay T,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful caves. Cool glowworms. Guide was very informative and interesting. Not as many glow worms as Waitomo caves, but much better caverns.
From NZ$116.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group