75-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

Overview

Available languages

English

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 2 hours 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‘s Included

Local guide

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

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. .

1 hour 15 minutes•Admission Included

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

4.69

108 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Educational, fun, and relaxing trip!
Elizabeth E,
Jun 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Came here for our honeymoon and had a great time learning about the history and geography of the caves and the cultural significance to the Maori people. Our guide was funny and was kind enough to answer all of our questions. Be sure to get their early to use the restrooms and grab some coffee!
So much fun
Jordan B,
Apr 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Reuben and Aiden did an amazing job as guides with information and making it fun. Highly recommend this tour and adding it to the itinerary
Visiting the Caves
Harpreet s,
Mar 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was an amazing experience going down the caves and seeing the glow worms and get to know about the history of caves.
Loved this tour!
Danielle W,
Feb 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Super informative, and I love that the tour was given by a local with a family connection to the caves.
Our family group of 7...
Tania B,
Feb 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our family group of 7 ranged in age from 74 to 21, and we all enjoyed the tour. The actual tour group were small in number which was a bonus. Aaron, our guide, was great, very knowledgeable about the caves, and a friendly person. Definitely recommend this tour.