From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Stefan Killenberg
DE

Stefan

Germany
Jan 2026

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A great mix of action (abseiling, ziplining, climbing, and crawling through the cave passages) and enjoying the glowing webs of fly larvae on the cave ceiling.
Janet Thain
CA

Janet

Canada
Jan 2026

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Amazing limestone formations and excellent tour guide! The ramp construction in the cave was excellent and easy to navigate.
Gregor Schmidle
AT

Gregor

Austria
Nov 2025

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The tour is considerably more expensive than the classic "Gloworm Cave Tour" in Waitomo. However, it is worth every penny. The small group size and the experienced tour guide Ash make this couple of hours unforgettable. From logistics, safety, friendlyness, empathy, professinal photos, all adds up to a perfect package. And for those who struggle a bit in dark confined spaces, Ash literally walks and talks you through so that every step is a safe one. Highly recommended!
Mike G Temara
US

Mike

United States
Feb 2026
Our guide was fabulous, she was a wonderful singer and storyteller. The glow worms during the boat ride were awesome. Thanks could not take photos until after.
JOEL KASTLER
FR

Joel

France
Feb 2026
The expérience was good. The information given by Headout was wrong ( pick up time) and though we received the right information from the local partner, we received a new message this early morning from Headout which was still wrong and confusing. But hopefully we decided to ignore this Headout message. So be consistent ( not saying start at 6 am with a pick up time at 10:30 ) , that would be less stress for your customers.
Lori K Liston
US

Lori

United States
Feb 2026
We had high expectations and it did not disappoint. The boat gave us a fabulous view of the main glow worm area, and the whole thing was amazing. Our guide sang in the cathedral area and she had a BEAUTIFUL voice. It was cool that she is a descendant of the founder
Alexander Magyar
NZ

Alexander

New Zealand
Feb 2026
The Waitomo Caves are nothing short of spectacular, unbelievable to see the thousands of tiny glowworms shimmering from the cave roof top and the amazing limestone formations. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the caves and Maori culture his presentation was both educational and fun. This is a must see for anyone visiting New Zealand.
Marc Völker
DE

Marc

Germany
Feb 2026
Exciting, varied tour with wonderful experiences (seeing fireflies in the dark, jumping into the water, exploring the cave).

Ruakuri Cave tours: Spiraling walkways, hidden chambers & waterfalls

Carved over millions of years, Ruakuri Cave features twisting limestone formations, waterfalls, and glowworm-filled passages. Enter via its dramatic spiral walkway—the only fully wheelchair-accessible cave in Waitomo. Guided tours showcase vast chambers, crystal formations, and Māori legends, all brought to life by expert storytelling. Curious to see it for yourself? Read on for top highlights, what to expect, and tips for your visit.

Top reasons to add Ruakuri Cave to your Waitomo trip

Spiral walkway inside Ruakuri Cave during guided tour, New Zealand.
Boardwalk through lush greenery at Ruakuri Bush, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Walkway inside Ruakuri Cave with illuminated rock formations, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Stalactites in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand, part of the Auckland to Rotorua & Te Puia tour.
Guided walkway through Ruakuri Cave with illuminated limestone formations.
Adventurers black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
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Spiral entrance walkway

Begin your tour with a dramatic descent down the unique spiral walkway, an engineering marvel that leads you gently into the depths of the cave.

Fully accessible pathways

With step-free, wide walkways, Ruakuri is the only wheelchair-accessible cave in the Southern Hemisphere, making it an inclusive experience for all visitors.

Magical glowworm displays

See clusters of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling, creating a sparkling effect that adds an otherworldly touch to your underground journey.

Ancient fossils & limestone formations

Walk past millions of years of history, from fossilized seashells embedded in the walls to impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate crystal-like formations.

Photography welcome

Unlike the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri welcomes non-flash photography, so you can capture its beauty to relive long after your visit.

Hub for adventure tours

Ruakuri is the base for Waitomo’s famous adventure tours, from black water rafting and tubing to abseiling and ziplining, perfect if you want thrills with your cave experience.

Black water rafting

A quieter tour

With its longer pathways and fewer crowds, Ruakuri offers a more relaxed and immersive visit compared to the busier Glowworm Cave.

Choose the best Ruakuri Cave tour for you

Classic Ruakuri Cave tour

  • Price: NZ$116
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • What's included: Guided walking tour of Ruakuri Cave featuring the dramatic spiral entrance, glowworm displays, ancient fossils,  limestone formations, and underground waterfalls. Wheelchair-accessible pathways and photography (non-flash) permitted.
  • Perfect for: Travelers seeking an easy, fully accessible, quieter, and more immersive cave experience to the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

Recommended experience

  • Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

Ruakuri Cave + second cave combo tour

  • Price: NZD$191.09
  • Duration: 45 minutes - 2.25 hours
  • What's included: Expert-guided tours through Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Ruakuri Cave, highlighting cave formations, glowworm colonies, and Māori cultural stories.
  • Perfect for: Travelers looking for the complete Waitomo adventure, eager to explore and compare two of the region’s most iconic caves in a single trip.

Recommended experience

Black water rafting adventures

  • Price: NZD$193 - NZD$322
  • Duration: 3 hours - 5 hours
  • What's included: Guided underground adventure through Ruakuri Cave, with activities based on your chosen tour: the 3-hour option includes tubing, caving, and floating beneath glowworms, while the 5-hour tour also adds waterfall jumps, zip-lining, and abseiling. All necessary gear, safety instruction, and post-tour facilities, including hot showers and café access, are provided.
  • Perfect for: Thrill-seekers and adventurous travelers who want to combine heart-pumping activities with an immersive cave exploration experience.

Recommended experience

  • Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience
  • Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

Ruakuri Cave tour: Your journey in brief

Arrival & check-in

Meet your guide at the Waitomo Visitor Centre and receive a brief introduction and safety instructions.

Spiral entrance descent

Journey down the iconic 15m spiral walkway, a gentle and unique entry into the cave.

Cavern exploration

Walk through stunning chambers featuring limestone formations, crystal “shawls,” fossils, subterranean rivers, and waterfalls.

Glowworm encounters

See thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling and learn about their fascinating lifecycle.

Cultural insights

Hear Māori legends, stories of discovery, and the significance of the cave’s tapu sites.

Photography opportunities

Capture the cave’s natural beauty, including formations and glowworm displays.

Return to surface

Complete your tour after approximately 1.5 hours, returning to daylight at the visitor centre.

Beyond the walk: Black water rafting at Ruakuri Cave

Explore Ruakuri Cave your way: choose from two underground adventures featuring twisting limestone formations, glowing worms, and hidden chambers. Whether you want a lighter scenic tour or a full-adrenaline challenge, there’s an option for every adventurer.

  • The Black Labyrinth (3 hours): Float, climb, and explore beneath thousands of glowworms. Moderate difficulty, perfect for first-time cavers or those wanting a lighter, thrilling experience.

  • The Black Abyss (5 hours): Abseil, zip-line, climb, and tube through the cave’s stunning chambers. Moderate to high difficulty, ideal for adrenaline seekers with good fitness and a taste for adventure.

  • Duration & skill: The two options range from 3–5 hours and cater to moderate to high skill levels.

Ready for an underground adventure? Book your black water rafting experience here.

Plan your visit

Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave on a guided tour, New Zealand.
  • Ruakuri Cave Walk Tour: Tours depart from 10am, with the last tour at 3:30pm. Additional tours may be available during the summer period. Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, and check-in 30 minutes prior is recommended.
  • Black Labyrinth (3 hours): Multiple departures daily; bookings are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Black Abyss (5 hours): Fewer departures (typically morning and midday); advance booking strongly advised.
  • By bus: InterCity and GreatSights buses connect from Auckland, Rotorua, and Hamilton directly to Waitomo Village, just a short walk from the Ruakuri Cave entrance.

  • By car: Approx. 2.5–3 hours from Auckland (via SH1 & SH39), 2 hours from Rotorua, or 1 hour from Hamilton. Free parking is available at the Ruakuri Cave Visitor Centre.

Person abseiling in a dark cave during a guided black water rafting experience in Waitomo.
  • Walk tour: Wheelchair-accessible paths suitable for all ages; no flash or cameras.
  • Black Labyrinth: Moderate activity with stairs and tubing, for ages 12+ and 45 kg+; wear all provided safety gear (wetsuit, helmet, boots); no flash.
  • Black Abyss: High-adrenaline adventure featuring abseiling, climbing, and zip-lining, for ages 16+ and 45 kg+; full safety gear required (wetsuit, helmet, boots, harness); children not allowed.
Backpack, water bottle, and leather boots on forest floor for hiking and camping.
  • Clothing: Light, moisture-wicking layers as cave temperatures stay around 10–14 °C (50–57 °F). Wetsuits are provided for Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss tours.

  • Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for walking, tubing, or climbing.

  • Daypack: Handy for water, snacks, personal items, and any extras you need before or after the tour.

  • Swimwear & towel: Needed for Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss tours, particularly for tubing sections. Bring a towel to dry off afterwards.

  • Optional toiletries: Shower gel, shampoo, and a change of clothes for post-adventure comfort.

  • Health essentials: Bring personal medication, including motion-sickness remedies if needed.

Hotel room with a bed, desk, and window in a generic setting.

Here’s a variety of accommodations near Ruakuri Cave, from charming lodges to handy motels, perfect spots to rest and recharge after your adventure.

Budget hotels

Mid-range hotels

Luxury hotels

Pulled pork sandwich on parchment paper with barbecue sauce.

Enjoy a range of dining options near Ruakuri Cave, from quaint cafés to filling restaurants. This curated list makes it easy to find the perfect spot for a meal during your visit.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Cafe & Restaurant:** Casual, family-friendly spot at the cave entrance serving roast beef wraps, bao buns, and BBQ pork sliders—perfect for a quick bite before or after your tour.
  • Waitomo Homestead:** Historic café along SH3 offering country-style breakfasts, fresh pastries, and classic Kiwi dinners in a welcoming setting.
  • Huhu Café:** Village café serving flavorful dishes like braised beef with cauliflower purée, curried pumpkin soup, and cream cheese & chive croquettes.
  • Tomo Bar & Eatery:** Laid-back pub-diner in the local hotel, serving gourmet burgers, steaks, classic mains, kids’ specials, and a range of drinks.

Essential tips for visiting Ruakuri Cave

  • Consider your fitness: Black Labyrinth is moderately active, while Black Abyss includes physically demanding activities like abseiling, climbing, and zip-lining. Choose the tour that suits your comfort level.
  • Hair & accessories: Tie back long hair and remove loose jewelry that could get caught during adventure sections.
  • Motion sensitivity: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before tubing or rafting sections.
  • Bring a small waterproof bag: Handy for storing essentials like glasses, wallets, or phones during water sections.
  • Know your limits: If you have health concerns (heart, joint, or respiratory conditions), consult your doctor before choosing Black Labyrinth or Abyss.

Frequently asked questions about Ruakuri Cave tours

The Ruakuri Cave tour is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour. It offers a 1.5 hour  journey through a solar-powered cave, showcasing stunning limestone formations, underground rivers, waterfalls, and a spectacular glowworm display.

More to read

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Aranui Cave

Black Water Rafting

Waitomo Cave Zipling