90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

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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

1

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

4.70

119 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

97
17
0
1
4
  • Great tour with epic sights

    Jan G,

    Oct 20, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The tour was excellent. Tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Caves were really interesting the glow worms were all over. Highly recommend. You can skip the Waitomo boat tour. This is much better. Felt like I was in a James Bond meets Indiana jones adventure.

  • Go ahead, it's top

    Christine H,

    Oct 10, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Good experience in the depths of the cave with a guide at 👍. I sincerely recommend this experience. Beautiful photos in perspective.

  • Stunning caves

    Jessica W,

    Oct 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    I visited the caves with my 16yr old nephew and we absolutely loved the tour. From the moment we entered we were impressed, some stunning views and lots of glowworms.

  • My children and I had a...

    Lisa H,

    Oct 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    My children and I had a good time and our guide was very informative. 90 minutes went quickly but we didn't feel rushed. The only issue was the entry point which is a very deep spiral staircase. My son and I are not good with heights and I had to mentally support him and myself upon descent and ascent. If you are terrified of heights like us, we just kept to the side and looked at the wall.

  • At first, it was so deep...

    Youna K,

    Oct 1, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    At first, it was so deep and dark that I thought it was stuffy and scary, but it was okay because the space got wider and brighter. Everything in the cave was amazing and amazing

From NZ$116.00

4.70
119 reviews