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Ruakuri Cave

Explore New Zealand's Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo. Marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, and glowworms on a guided tour. Book easily with our mobile tickets and free cancellation.

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Ruakuri Cave
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide holding a flashlight.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during a guided tour.
Visitors admiring glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Caves during guided tour.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Tourists on a boat admire glowworms in Waitomo Caves, Auckland.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand.
Walkway through illuminated Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with glowing ceiling, New Zealand tour.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.
Wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery on the Guided Tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr
  • Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.

  • Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.

  • Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.

  • Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.

More details

  • Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.

  • Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.

  • Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.

  • Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.

from NZ$219
NZ$197.10

10% off

Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves with a silhouetted person on a guided tour.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves entrance with sunlight filtering through, surrounded by lush greenery.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with glowing ceiling, New Zealand tour.
Small group exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with helmets and headlamps.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr
  • Enjoy an exclusive small-group Waitomo cave adventure with private access, away from the crowds, led by an expert local guide.

  • Gear up with helmet, headlamp, boots, and warm clothing before venturing underground to explore hidden limestone passages and glowworm-lit chambers.

  • Trek through underground streams, climb over boulders, and see stalactites and stalagmites while hearing captivating Māori legends and geological insights.

  • End your journey with hot drinks, cookies, and a chance to relax after your adventure, with free photos to remember the day.

More details

  • Enjoy an exclusive small-group Waitomo cave adventure with private access, away from the crowds, led by an expert local guide.

  • Gear up with helmet, headlamp, boots, and warm clothing before venturing underground to explore hidden limestone passages and glowworm-lit chambers.

  • Trek through underground streams, climb over boulders, and see stalactites and stalagmites while hearing captivating Māori legends and geological insights.

  • End your journey with hot drinks, cookies, and a chance to relax after your adventure, with free photos to remember the day.

from NZ$219
NZ$197.10

10% off

Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with hobbit holes and lush green hills reflected in a pond, near Auckland.
Boat tour under glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush green hills and round doors, New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with round door and lush greenery, part of Auckland tour.
View from Hobbiton house window overlooking lush green hills in New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with illuminated hobbit houses and lush green landscape in New Zealand.
Interior of the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set with wooden tables and chairs.
Mugs of ale with pie and cheese at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.
Tour group arriving at Hobbiton Movie Set visitor center, Auckland.
Family exploring Waitomo Caves with a guide, part of the Auckland Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
Group enjoying boat tour under glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Tourists exploring stalactites in Waitomo Caves, Auckland, New Zealand.
Transfer vehicle for Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
Luxury vehicle interior for Auckland to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Te Puia transfer.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
12 hr
3 more
  • Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day tour from Auckland with an expert guide for company.

  • Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and other film locations on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • Take a guided walk through ancient caves and enjoy a serene boat ride under thousands of luminescent glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

  • Opt for a private tour to explore at your own pace, or join a shared tour with lunch for a relaxed, all-in-one day without worrying about meals.

More details

  • Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day tour from Auckland with an expert guide for company.

  • Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and other film locations on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • Take a guided walk through ancient caves and enjoy a serene boat ride under thousands of luminescent glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

  • Opt for a private tour to explore at your own pace, or join a shared tour with lunch for a relaxed, all-in-one day without worrying about meals.

from
NZ$370
Group admiring glowworms in Waitomo Caves during Auckland tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Auckland, viewing stalactites and stalagmites.
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave during a guided tour.
Stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, on a guided tour from Auckland.
Group exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with light streaming through cave opening, Auckland tour.
Tourists on a boat admire glowworms in Waitomo Caves, Auckland.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
7 hr
2 more
  • Take a full-day guided tour from Auckland to see the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and enjoy a scenic drive through lush Waikato countryside.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave with an expert guide, see limestone formations, then cruise on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms.

  • Your guide will provide commentary throughout the tour, explaining the cave formations and the lifecycle of the glowworms.

  • Take 30 minutes to explore the Gift Shop or enjoy refreshments at Waitomo Homestead before or after your tour.

  • Upgrade your Waitomo Glowworm Cave adventure with a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, complete with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

More details

  • Take a full-day guided tour from Auckland to see the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and enjoy a scenic drive through lush Waikato countryside.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave with an expert guide, see limestone formations, then cruise on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms.

  • Your guide will provide commentary throughout the tour, explaining the cave formations and the lifecycle of the glowworms.

  • Take 30 minutes to explore the Gift Shop or enjoy refreshments at Waitomo Homestead before or after your tour.

  • Upgrade your Waitomo Glowworm Cave adventure with a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, complete with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

from
NZ$279
Group enjoying boat tour under glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Group exploring glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves on Auckland tour.
Geyser eruption at Te Puia cultural site, Rotorua, with geothermal activity, small group tour from Auckland.
Geothermal steam rising from Te Puia's Pohutu Geyser in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Maori performers in traditional attire during cultural show, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Maori cultural performance at Te Puia, New Zealand, with traditional meeting house in background.
Maori performers in traditional attire performing a haka at Te Puia, Rotorua.
Craftsmen weaving flax at Te Puia cultural center, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Craftsperson weaving traditional Māori garment at Te Puia, New Zealand.
Carving traditional Maori wood sculpture at Te Puia cultural site, Rotorua.
Chef demonstrating geothermal cooking at Te Puia, Rotorua, with tourists observing.
Stalactites in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand, part of the Auckland to Rotorua & Te Puia tour.
Kiwi bird in natural habitat, part of a small group tour from Auckland exploring New Zealand wildlife.
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
11 hr
2 more
  • Join a full-day small-group day tour from Auckland to see Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Te Puia’s geothermal wonders, and Rotorua’s city highlights.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a 45-minute guided tour with stalactites and stalagmites, then enjoy a serene boat ride beneath the glowworm-lit grotto.

  • Explore Te Puia Geothermal Park with a guide, seeing geysers, hot springs, Māori arts, and the unique Kiwi bird up close.

  • Drive through Rotorua’s most iconic sights, including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths.

More details

  • Join a full-day small-group day tour from Auckland to see Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Te Puia’s geothermal wonders, and Rotorua’s city highlights.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a 45-minute guided tour with stalactites and stalagmites, then enjoy a serene boat ride beneath the glowworm-lit grotto.

  • Explore Te Puia Geothermal Park with a guide, seeing geysers, hot springs, Māori arts, and the unique Kiwi bird up close.

  • Drive through Rotorua’s most iconic sights, including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths.

from
NZ$399
Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave formations and Waitomo Glowworm Caves' glowing lights.
Spiral walkway inside Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand, illuminated with warm lights.
Person walking through illuminated Ruakuri Cave tunnel, New Zealand.
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during a guided tour.
Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave on a guided tour, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave during a guided tour.
Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave's illuminated formations during a guided tour in Waitomo.
Ruakuri Cave illuminated passageway with textured rock walls, New Zealand.
Walkway through illuminated Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand, showcasing rock formations.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
Person walking on a lit pathway inside Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide holding a flashlight.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand.
Walkway through illuminated Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.
Wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery on the Guided Tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Free cancellation
1 hr
  • Explore the magical Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with expert local guides and save 3% when you book both together.

  • Journey through Ruakuri Cave’s twisting passages, crystal-lined walls, and flowing streams on a 1.5-hour guided tour with just 14 people.

  • Glide silently on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling, on a 45-minute tour led by a local Māori guide.

More details

  • Explore the magical Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with expert local guides and save 3% when you book both together.

  • Journey through Ruakuri Cave’s twisting passages, crystal-lined walls, and flowing streams on a 1.5-hour guided tour with just 14 people.

  • Glide silently on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling, on a 45-minute tour led by a local Māori guide.

from NZ$192
NZ$186.24

3% off

Millions love heading out with us

Nicola Hampton
AU

Nicola

Australia
Jul 2025
5/5
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Our guide was so knowledgeable no matter what I asked. And friendly. Super funny. Such a shame all the rain has flooded the cave. I really hope not many Glowworms died. Thanks. 🐛
Padmaja Marudadu Damodaran
AU

Padmaja

Australia
Apr 2025
5/5
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Well organised tour guided journey.At the cathedral I got an opportunity to singing a birthday song for my grandson's 10th birthday.
Bipin Varghese
NZ

Bipin

New Zealand
Jul 2025
5/5
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review-image
The Ruakuri Cave tour was an stunning experience! From the ticket booking to the tour -- well planned and customer centric. The guide was well explained and friendly. Recommended...
Barbera Adriana Peters
NZ

Barbera

New Zealand
Apr 2025
5/5
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+1 more

Our guided tour was amazing! The guide was knowledgeable and funny, and we much enjoyed it. Beautiful natural formations in the caves and few small areas with glow worms. Easy walks manageable for all.
Michelle McMann
US

Michelle

United States
Jun 2025
5/5
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This was a great start to my vacation! Having to change my clothes to participate was a bit of a surprise but I'm so happy I did! Ash, the tour guude, was so funny and his cousin Michelle were so friendly and welcoming. It was definitely a trek through rocks nd water that came up to my thighs, which I didn't expect, but it was well worth it to see the glow worms up close. Ash took some fantastic photos and I was shocked that I got access to them in just a few days. I HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone who is up for an adventure. Also, having them provide tea and cookies (biscuits as the New Zealanders say) afterwards was a great finish to the tour!
Pam Thompson
NZ

Pam

New Zealand
Apr 2025
5/5
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had a fabulous time doing this event. such caring people, made sure the children and old people were well looked after, felt like a family day out. just awesome. would highly recommend to everyone.
Deborah Daniel
US

Deborah

United States
Mar 2024
5/5
The cave was simply amazing. Ticketing was easy. It was much easier to find with morning meeting location when we had an address and the name of the hotel rather than the GPS coordinates that were initially provided.
Hannah Tobin
DE

Hannah

Germany
Jan 2025
5/5
I love that the Aranui cave is a bit more intimate, and you can get up close to the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Mere our guide was friendly and knowledgeable.
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