Combos

Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Name: Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Start: 2026-08-26T14:20:00
End: 2026-08-26T15:20:00
Location: Waitomo

4.6/5(1,540)

Xiaoling D

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Walking into the caves feels like stepping into another world. The air is cool and fresh, the silence is soft, and every turn reveals something stunning: towering limestone formations, delicate stalactites hanging like natural chandeliers, and smooth, sculpted rock that tells thousands of years of stories. Our guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and funny — they shared fascinating little facts about the cave’s history, the geology, and the glowworms, making the whole tour feel personal and engaging, not just a scripted speech. Then comes the boat ride… and wow. Just… wow. 🤩 We glided silently into the darkness, the boat drifting gently on the underground river, no engine noise, just the soft sound of water. When we looked up — gasp! Thousands of tiny, twinkling glowworms lit up the cave ceiling like a starry night sky, a galaxy of little blue-green lights right above our heads. It was quiet, peaceful, and utterly breathtaking — no photos can truly capture how magical it felt. Everyone on the boat was whispering in awe, it felt like a secret world only we got to see. 10/10 — absolutely worth every penny and every minute of the drive. It’s not just a tour — it’s a memory you’ll talk about for years. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, do not miss this little slice of New Zealand magic! ✨

Anna M

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The huge cathedral cave with its air of reverence and outstanding stalagtites and stalagtites awes, while floating gently beneath a firmament of glow worms beguiles. Our competent guide was not intrisuve, and the high numbers of visitors were well handled so that the caves did not feel crowded or touristy. Can't recommend this highly enough!

Ellen K

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

This the second time I've done the tour. My first visit was in 2017. I think it only got better. Our guide was terrific. Very friendly, personable and knowledgable. I brought someone who had never been there. She loved it as well.

Larissa R

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

I haven't been since 2004, it was as good a tour this time, and the absolute awe of the caves and glow "maggots", is still stunning today, and Corey was amazing. Hopefully next visit won't be so far in the future!

Donna M

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

Group Age range 13-63 and everybody rated it 5 out of 5. I do think we had the best guide - Steven was absolute entertainment. History, humor and a moving waiata in the cathedral. Its a must for everyone.

Mark L

Group

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The commentary from the guide, Ashton, was very informative and entertaining. He also gave us a lovely rendition of a famous New Zealand song, Po Kare Kare Ana. Well worth the visit.

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.

1,540 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 33 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Xiaoling D
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Walking into the caves feels like stepping into another world. The air is cool and fresh, the silence is soft, and every turn reveals something stunning: towering limestone formations, delicate stalactites hanging like natural chandeliers, and smooth, sculpted rock that tells thousands of years of stories. Our guide was so friendly, knowledgeable and funny — they shared fascinating little facts about the cave’s history, the geology, and the glowworms, making the whole tour feel personal and engaging, not just a scripted speech. Then comes the boat ride… and wow. Just… wow. 🤩 We glided silently into the darkness, the boat drifting gently on the underground river, no engine noise, just the soft sound of water. When we looked up — gasp! Thousands of tiny, twinkling glowworms lit up the cave ceiling like a starry night sky, a galaxy of little blue-green lights right above our heads. It was quiet, peaceful, and utterly breathtaking — no photos can truly capture how magical it felt. Everyone on the boat was whispering in awe, it felt like a secret world only we got to see. 10/10 — absolutely worth every penny and every minute of the drive. It’s not just a tour — it’s a memory you’ll talk about for years. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, do not miss this little slice of New Zealand magic! ✨
Tollaire C
Family
Verified booking
5 days ago
The entire iodine group from the "Les Lucioles" website
Praneel K
Family
Verified booking
Jul 2026
Just amazing. Chance to get very close to glow worms. Tour guide was great with very good sense of humor. Best cave tour in NZ.
Anna M
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
The huge cathedral cave with its air of reverence and outstanding stalagtites and stalagtites awes, while floating gently beneath a firmament of glow worms beguiles. Our competent guide was not intrisuve, and the high numbers of visitors were well handled so that the caves did not feel crowded or touristy. Can't recommend this highly enough!
Masoud M
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
The last time I visited the glowworm caves must have been 30 odd years ago. I am amazed how much you have improvement you have made to the place. It's truly wonderful. I congratulate you all for this achievement. Our guide was "Ocean" and we loved his commentary. He is very knowledgeable and extremely funny. Regards Masoud

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