Combos

Combo (Save 3%): Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Name: Combo (Save 3%): Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Start: 2026-03-01T14:30:00
End: 2026-03-01T16:00:00
Location: Waitomo

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.

Duration

45 min - 1 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

4.5/5

(1,446)

Nicholas

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The tour guide knew a lot of interesting information about the glow worms. It would have been good when we arrived for there to be a sign for those with online tickets to know where to go and for the cafes music to not be so loud as a woman came and spoke about the history and it was hard to hear her over the heavy music which also wasn't loved by our young daughter as it was metal. We all had to talk loudly to hear each other. Other than that, we enjoyed ourselves. It was interesting and very beautiful.

Amelie

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour is absolutely magical. Gliding silently through the cave while thousands of glowworms light up the ceiling like a star-filled sky is an unforgettable experience. The calm, darkness, and gentle reflections on the water create a sense of awe you don’t get anywhere else. It’s beautifully run, respectfully guided, and worth every minute, one of those moments that truly stays with you long after it ends. We highly recommend it.✨

Martyn

Feb 2026

Verified booking

An excellent self-guided tour starting with the Lady Knox Geyser experience which involved the seeding of a volcanic cone to cause a small geyser eruption. A beautiful waiata sung by the Maori presenter started the show before the climax of the show. The stroll through the largest and most colourful volcanic area in the Taupo volcanic area was awesome. Signage was excellent, very informative, the tracks and wooden pathways well maintained.

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.

Ruakuri Cave

1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave

English-speaking guide of Maori descent

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave

English-speaking guide of Maori descent

Waitomo River boat ride

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

1,446 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 36 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Alexander
Feb 2026
Verified booking
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.
Martyn
Feb 2026
Verified booking
An excellent self-guided tour starting with the Lady Knox Geyser experience which involved the seeding of a volcanic cone to cause a small geyser eruption. A beautiful waiata sung by the Maori presenter started the show before the climax of the show. The stroll through the largest and most colourful volcanic area in the Taupo volcanic area was awesome. Signage was excellent, very informative, the tracks and wooden pathways well maintained.
Lori
Feb 2026
Verified booking
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
John
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Tour itself was great! Garth our guide was knowledgeable and personable. Address given by Headout on the ticket was bad! They had 204 Tumutumu, while the real address is 219 Tumutumu. 204 sent my navigator almost a mile up a gravel road to nowhere!
Barbara
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Our guide was knowledge and kind. Really enjoyed the small group and boat tour. The glow worms slime was interesting. It was memorable. A friend told me about it and that's why we went.

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

Descend through a spiral entrance: Start your journey with a walk down a lit spiral ramp into the depths of Ruakuri Cave.

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.

Hear nature at work: Listen to the rumble of distant underground waterfalls and feel the temperature drop as you go deeper below the surface.

Learn sacred stories: Along the way, listen to your guide share Māori legends and the cultural significance of this sacred place.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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.

Stand in the Cathedral: Enter the tallest chamber in the caves, known for its natural acoustics and incredible scale.

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.

What to bring

Ruakari Cave

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).

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Wear non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery.

Bring a warm jacket as the temperature of the cave can be 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

Ruakari Cave

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.

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

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

Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

Ruakari Cave

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.

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

This experience is suitable for guests with reasonable mobility, with well-maintained paths and sturdy handrails throughout. However, it is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams/strollers.

Additional information

Ruakari Cave

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

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the same at each meeting point along with a valid photo ID.

Meeting points

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

Meet your guide at Ruakuri Visitor Centre.

Address: 204 Tumutumu Road, Waitomo Caves 3985, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Meet your guide at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point