Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

Sail through an underground wonder on a tranquil boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms on a 45-minute tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave, guided by an expert guide and surrounded by the cave’s beauty.

Getting started

Your ticket includes a 1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and join your group before heading to the cave entrance.

What to expect

• Guided cave walk: Begin your journey by descending the spectacular spiral entrance into Ruakuri Cave, a solar-powered underground wonder shaped by nature over millions of years.

• Stunning limestone formations: See delicate shawl-like limestone formations, crystal tapestries, and explore notable sites including Holdens Cavern, The Drum Passage and The Ghost Passage.

• Glowworms up close: Experience thousands of glowworms illuminating the cave, and learn about their fascinating life cycle on this magical subterranean tour.

• Accessible and sustainable: Enjoy a fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible path throughout the cave and visitor centre, both powered by 100% renewable energy.

• Engaging storytelling: Hear fascinating stories about the cave’s history, geology, and Māori legends from knowledgeable guides descended from the original explorers.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Bring a warm jacket as the cave can get cool.

• When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

• Large backpacks are not allowed inside the cave.

• Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.

• Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. Please note that the wheelchair and pram/ stroller should not exceed a width of 65cm due to the narrow passageways in the cave.

Additional information

• Photography and video are permitted in selected areas of the cave.