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  • Explore Waikato
  • Places to see
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  • Outside Waikato

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve

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Blue Spring

Whenuakura Island

Waikato River

Lake Karapiro

Lake Rotomahana

Mercury Bay

Coromandel Zipline Tours

Karangahake Gorge

Karapiro Hydro Power Station

Day trips

Theme & amusement parks

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Waitomo

Matamata

Taupo

Hahei

Whitianga

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Raglan

Hamilton, New Zealand

Nearby destinations

North Island tours

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Waiheke Island tours

Northland tours

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Nearby sights

Te PuiaAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal WonderlandAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

Auckland DomainAttraction in Auckland, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National ParkAttraction in Tasman District, New Zealand

Auckland Harbour BridgeAttraction in Auckland, New Zealand

WhakarewarewaAttraction in Rotorua, New Zealand

  • Top experiences

TV & movie tours

Lord of the Rings

Cave tours

Hot springs

Beach trips

Climbing experiences

Canoe & kayak tours

Bike tours

Mountain biking

River rafting

Sky diving

Wine tasting & winery tours

Waitomo: Ruakuri Cave 1.5 Hour Guided Tour

Top rated
4.659849 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.659849 out of 5 stars
929 reviews
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Waitomo: Ruakuri Cave 1.5 Hour Guided Tour
Top rated
4.659849 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.659849 out of 5 stars
929 reviews

Discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave, the longest of Waitomo’s underground caves, on a 1.5-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
Jada – United States

We loved our tour! We got lucky and had the tour to ourselves. Our guide was very friendly and helpful!

J
Julia – New Zealand

a wonderful experience with an awesome guide, we can highly recommend 😀 👌 this tour

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Discover Waitomo’s longest underground guided walking tour as you explore Ruakuri Cave
  • Marvel at unique rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glowworms
  • Enjoy an intimate and educational experience on a small group tour
  • Learn the history and geology of the cave from a knowledgeable local guide

Full description

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.

Includes

  • Entry fees
  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Local guide
  • Transportation

Meeting point

Ruakuri Cave is situated in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, Waitomo. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are just over 2 hours south of Auckland, 1 hour south of Hamilton, and 2 hours west of Rotorua. There is plenty of free outdoor parking at the Ruakuri Information Centre.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Jacket

Not allowed

  • Backpacks

Know before you go

  • 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 due to high demand and limited capacity, tours are subject to availability
  • Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave
  • Ruakuri Cave has full wheelchair and pushchair (stroller) access
  • You must arrange your own transport. The Ruakuri Cave is located a further 10-minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Visitors Center

From $66.44 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 929 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

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J
Jada – United StatesApril 26, 2025 – Verified booking
We loved our tour! We got lucky and had the tour to ourselves. Our guide was very friendly and helpful!
J
Julia – New ZealandApril 21, 2025 – Verified booking
a wonderful experience with an awesome guide, we can highly recommend 😀 👌 this tour
J
Jennelyn Marie – ThailandApril 11, 2025 – Verified booking
Not too many glow worms but up close and personal’s

Product ID: 122304

Activity provider:THL - Waitomo Caves Group
  • New Zealand
  • North Island
  • Things to do in Waitomo
  • Tours in Waitomo
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Top Attractions in Waitomo

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  • 2Ruakuri Cave
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  • 2Waitomo Zip line adventures
  • 3Waitomo Glow worm experiences
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  • 6Waitomo Deals & discounts
  • 7Waitomo Family-friendly activities
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  • 9Waitomo Walking tours
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Tours in New Zealand

  • 1Auckland Tours
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  • 1Things to do in Auckland
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