Duration
Free cancellation
Guided tour
Mobile ticket
4.5/5
(1,253)
Amrita
Catrin
Craig
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Explore the magical Ruakuri Cave and Waitomo Glowworm Caves with expert local guides and save 3% when you book both together.
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Journey through Ruakuri Cave’s twisting passages, crystal-lined walls, and flowing streams on a 1.5-hour guided tour with just 14 people.
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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.
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Ruakuri Cave
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1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave
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English-speaking guide of Maori descent
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Small group of up to 14 people
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Entry to Ruakuri Cave
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Grotto
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English-speaking guide of Maori descent
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Waitomo River boat ride
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Small group of up to 15 people
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Entry to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 42 countries have loved this experience
Bipin
Jul, 2025Verified booking
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...Grillet
May, 2025Verified booking
Our guide was exceptional and what we saw had a touch of mystic. We could feel the mana of the cave and learned about its importance in Maori culture!
Christie
Jul, 2025Verified booking
Amazing to see the tunnels and the guide was amazing and efficient
Linda
Jun, 2025Verified booking
The boat trip, serene and beautiful.Ilaria
Jul, 2025Verified booking
The tour is nice but we are not sure the trip to reach the cave from Rotorua was really worth it. The tour is quite short and the pictures we saw on the websites don't really depict the reality of what the Glowworm cave really is. By the way it is interesting to know the value of this area for the Maori and the history behind its discovery
Explore two epic experiences just 15 minutes apart and save 3%. Cruise through the glowworm-lit grotto of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then dive deep into New Zealand’s longest underground walking tour at Ruakari Cave—all in one day.
Getting started
Your combo ticket gives you access to Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Cave. Both tours are led by local guides of Māori descent, who bring the stories and science of the caves to life. Arrive at each cave at least 30 minutes early and have your ticket ready for check in.
What to expect
Ruakuri Cave
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Descend through a spiral entrance: Start your journey with a walk down a lit spiral ramp into the depths of Ruakuri Cave.
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Walk through ancient formations: Follow your guide through sculpted tunnels lined with stalactites, stalagmites, and unique ribbon-like formations—some shaped like cascading crystal drapes.
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Hear nature at work: Listen to the rumble of distant underground waterfalls and feel the temperature drop as you go deeper below the surface.
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Learn sacred stories: Along the way, listen to your guide share Māori legends and the cultural significance of this sacred place.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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Explore nature’s underground artwork: Begin by walking through the upper levels of the cave system, where you’ll see limestone columns and delicately carved formations.
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Stand in the Cathedral: Enter the tallest chamber in the caves, known for its natural acoustics and incredible scale.
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Float beneath the glowworms: Take a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto where thousands of tiny glowworms light up the ceiling, creating a scene that feels like sailing under a galaxy of stars.
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What to bring
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Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.
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It's recommended to wear a warm jacket as the caves tend to be cool.
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Wear solid walking shoes with a good grip as the caves tend to be wet and slippery.
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The caves are a cashless site, so bring a credit card or have a cashless payment method set up (such as Apple Pay) for smooth and easy transactions.
What's not allowed
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Outside food, smoking, and beverages are not allowed inside the caves.
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Photography and video are permitted in selected areas of Rukari Cave.
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Photography is strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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Backpacks are not permitted inside Ruakuri Cave.
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Due to venue restrictions, pets are not allowed.
Accessibility
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Ruakari Cave is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. However, the wheelchair/stroller’s width must not exceed 65cm.
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves are not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- The Waitomo boat ride can accommodate a maximum of 23 people
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please display the same at each meeting point along with a valid photo ID.
Meeting points
Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour
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Meet your guide at Ruakuri Visitor Centre.
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Address: 204 Tumutumu Road, Waitomo Caves 3985, New Zealand.
Get directions to the meeting point
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
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Meet your guide at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
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Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand.
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