Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour
About This Experience
Explore Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand’s longest guided underground walking tour. Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Ruakuri Cave has displays of glowworms and is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. 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. 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. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the history, features, and legends of the cave to life with their storytelling. Many of the guides are locals whose parents and grandparents have guided in the caves. The experience will leave you awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. See more
Highlights
- Walk through Ruakuri Cave's dramatic spiral walkway — a stunning descent into the earth
- See cathedral-sized limestone formations including stalactites, stalagmites and shawls
- Discover glowworms in their natural habitat along underground river banks
- Learn Māori history — Ruakuri holds deep spiritual significance to local iwi
- A longer, more in-depth cave experience than the standard Waitomo boat tour
What's Included
- ✓ Entry ticket to Ruakuri Cave
- ✓ 1.5-hour guided walking tour
- ✓ Expert local guide
- ✓ Safety lighting throughout
Not Included
- Hotel transfers
- Combination tickets with Waitomo Glowworm Caves (purchased separately)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip (paths are smooth but can be wet)
- Light jacket (cave temperature is 13°C)
- Camera — photography is permitted throughout Ruakuri
Good to Know & Caveats
- Photography is permitted throughout Ruakuri Cave (unlike the Waitomo Grotto)
- The cave has a spiral descent walkway — not suitable for those with severe vertigo
- Ruakuri is owned by local Māori; the guide will explain the cave's spiritual significance
- Combine with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour for a full underground day
Not Suitable For
- People with severe mobility issues (1.5km walking circuit with some inclines)
- Wheelchair users (not accessible)
- People with severe claustrophobia
Meeting Point
Ruakuri Cave entrance, Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3943
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 1376 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
the tour was great 😃👍 really enjoyed walking through the cave and the explanation were very interesting! great tour!
— , 2026-04
Excellent factual tour with detailed information about the caves and their formation. I really enjoyed it.
— , 2026-04
A wonderful experience walking through the cave with its ancient limestone formations. Learned a lot about the Glowworm and its life cycle. An easy decent into the cave makes this tour suitable for all ages.
— , 2026-04
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine Ruakuri Cave with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?
Yes — many visitors do both in one day. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour takes about 45 minutes; Ruakuri takes 1.5 hours. They are operated separately; book each with your preferred operator.
Is photography allowed in Ruakuri Cave?
Yes — unlike the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto, photography is permitted throughout Ruakuri Cave. Bring your camera for the formations and glowworm sections.
What makes Ruakuri different from the main Waitomo Caves?
Ruakuri is a longer, walking-based experience through a different cave system with more dramatic rock formations. It has glowworms but in a different setting, and the guide covers Māori cultural history alongside geology.
How far is Ruakuri from the main Waitomo Caves?
Ruakuri Cave is approximately 800 metres from the main Waitomo Glowworm Caves visitor centre — about a 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive.
