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Ruakuri Cave

Ruakuri Cave: Our most recommended tours and activities

Waitomo: Ruakuri Cave 1.5 Hour Guided Tour

1. Waitomo: Ruakuri Cave 1.5 Hour Guided Tour

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.

Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

2. Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off a small waterfall and take in the magic of the glowworm grotto of Ruakuri Cave on this Black Labyrinth adventure. Put on your gear and learn from professionally trained guides that will take you ziplining, rafting, and caving.  Check in for your black water adventure in Waitomo. Get all your equipment and instructions from your guide before you begin the subterranean journey. Leap over cascading waterfalls and weave and climb through a glowworm-studded wonderland. After an energized trip, float serenely down the underground river. Enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Ride a stream that twists and turns through a canyon, and tumble down a hidden waterfall and rock slide before emerging into the sun-dappled Waitomo forest. The rafting base is located a short distance outside Waitomo Caves village. This is the booking and assembly point for all black water rafting expeditions. It is also the home of the Long Black Cafe, where you'll find delicious food, coffee, and friendly Kiwi service. 

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What people are saying about Ruakuri Cave

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 441 reviews

I am a female, 52, and the most strenuous workout I do is walking. This was a really exceptional experience, but I would say that you would need to be stable on your feet because you are required to walk on wobbly rocks. It was excellent and a super fun adventure that I would not have wanted to miss.

Great experience even at our ages of 64 and 67. We were well looked after by the guides who explained everything very clearly. Nothing was too much trouble. Loved every minute of this adventure - the glow worms were awesome.

So so worth it. I had read the Ruakuri tour was the one to do if you had a good camera to take photos. Very true. Guides were fantastic. Very informative.

Beautiful walk through the caves with a very knowledgeable guide and in a small group which made it easier to see and hear comments and instructions.

good fun! the chocolate fish at the halfway point was a nice touch