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Home/New Zealand/North Island/Waitomo/Ruakuri Cave

Unveil the Wonders of Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Waitomo at Ruakuri Cave. Discover a subterranean wonderland filled with stunning geological formations, majestic underground waterfalls, and the enchanting glow of native glowworms. Whether you are seeking a thrilling adventure through cave tours or a peaceful guided sightseeing experience, Ruakuri Cave offers a unique connection to New Zealand's natural beauty. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, our curated tours provide expert insights into this breathtaking eco-tourism treasure. Book your Waitomo cave adventure today and witness the magic beneath the earth!

4.85/5 guest ratingFrom $67.45 per person4,700+ verified reviewsGuided cave tours included

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$112–$283 typical

Median price is $187, with a full range of $67–$791

Rating

Rating

4.85★ average

Based on 4,717 pooled reviews with ~88% positive sentiment

Tour Duration

Tour Duration

1.5–11 hours typical

Median duration is 7.5 hours

Best For

Best For

Nature & Cave Tours

100% of options focus on nature, 77% are cave tours

Languages

Languages

8 languages offered

Includes EN, ZH, DE, ES, FR, HI, IT, and JA

Special Features

Special Features

Eco-friendly options

46% of tours are tagged as eco-friendly

10 Products

Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

3 hrs
4.89 (1,847 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$111
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Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience
Summary

Join the original Waitomo black water rafting tour. Explore Ruakuri Cave on an exhilarating underground adventure with climbing, floating, and leaping over cascading underground waterfalls.

Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour

Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour

1.5 hrsEco-Friendly
4.7 (1,401 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$68
Book now
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Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour
Summary

Discover the spectacular Ruakuri Cave, the longest of Waitomo’s underground caves, on a 1.5-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

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

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

Eco-Friendly
4.6 (1,524 reviews)
Headout
$115
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Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Summary

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...

Inclusions
  • **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
Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience

Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience

5 hrs
4.95 (296 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$186
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Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience
Summary

Test your limits with this thrilling caving tour at the Waitomo Caves. Abseil into the Ruakuri Cave, zipline through a gallery of illuminating glowworms, and climb underground waterfalls.

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

5 hrsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.85 (440 reviews)
87.19%
12.81%
fungreat experienceamazing
Viator
$114
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Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour
Summary

We offer two different Blackwater Rafting experiences through the Ruakuri Cave. The Black Labyrinth is the original, 3-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. You will jump off two small waterfalls (highest is 1.5 meters), float on a tube underneath an impressive display of glowworms and navigate through the...

Inclusions
  • Complimentary hot shower
  • The use of equipment such as tubes, wetsuits, boots, helmets, abseiling devices (if option chosen) and safety equipment
  • Abseiling techniques training (Black Abyss only)
Exclusions
  • Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Towels and Toiletries for Showers
Itinerary
  • The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
  • Ruakuri Cave
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Your safety is our team's top priority., You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs at 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves, All Participants for the Black Abyss must be at least 16-years-old and weigh at least 45kgs., All Participants for the Black Labyrinth must be at least 12-years-old and weigh at least 45kgs., Due to high demand and limited capacity if you miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability., Water temperature sits at around 10-15 degrees Celsius., We require a minimum of two participants for a tour to operate - if you are the only participant confirmed, you may be asked to amend your tour time, The Black Labyrinth (3-hour tour) does NOT include the abseil and zipline., Customers do not need to be able to swim, but these tours are best suited for those who are comfortable with at least standing in fast-moving water., Cameras and personal devices are not allowed on these tours, Bring swimwear & a towel - we'll supply the rest!, We ask those who have serious medical problems to contact us before booking onto our tours., Please understand that your guides have final discretion of whether you will be able to participate on our tours.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

Eco-Friendly
4.7 (356 reviews)
Headout
$68
Book now
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Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour
Summary

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 ...

Inclusions
  • - 1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave
  • - English-speaking guide of Maori descent
90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

1.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.79 (201 reviews)
91.54%
8.46%
excellentGreat experiencecave
Viator
$70
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90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo
Summary

Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and ge...

Inclusions
  • Local guide
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Ruakuri Cave
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Children must be accompanied by an adult, All you will need are comfortable shoes and a warm jacket., You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs, Due to high demand and limited capacity if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability, Your own transport is required, Stroller/wheelchair width must not exceed 65cm
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

Eco-Friendly
4.8 (168 reviews)
Headout
$188
Book now
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Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience
Summary

Experience New Zealand’s most famous underground tubing adventure, the 3-hour Black Labyrinth at Ruakuri Cave. Float, jump, and weave your way through glowworm-lit waters on this rafting tour with expert guides. Getting started Meet your guide at the Ruakuri Cave base, where you’ll be given a safety...

Inclusions
  • **Black Water Rafting**
  • - 3-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
  • - Rafting & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
  • - Expert guide
  • - Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
  • **Black Water Rafting, Ziplining & Abseiling (as per option selected)**
  • - 5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
  • - Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
  • - Expert guide
  • - Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

4.7 (40 reviews)
Headout
$188
Book now
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Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience
Summary

Experience black water rafting at Ruakuri Cave on a full-day adventure. Abseil, zipline, tube, and climb through glowworm-lit caves with an expert guide. Getting started Meet your expert guide at the Ruakuri Cave base. They will provide a safety briefing, fit your wetsuit, helmet, abseiling gear, an...

Inclusions
  • - 5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
  • - Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
  • - Expert guide
  • - Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave Day Out

From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave Day Out

11 hrs
4.74 (8 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$263$277
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From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave Day Out
Summary

Discover the magic of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Ruakuri Cave on a day trip from Auckland. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations and take a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Ruakuri Cave.

Waitomo Caves
Learn more

Waitomo Caves

9.8 km away • from $48

Waitomo Caves9.8kmWaikato River63kmHobbiton Movie Set75.5kmMatamata85.6kmLake Taupo97.8kmMine Bay Maori Rock Carvings102.7kmCraters of the Moon103.2kmOrakei Korako103.4kmTongariro River104.3kmHuka Falls104.7kmTaupo Museum104.9kmVelocity Valley106.7km
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour - WaitomoAranui Cave TourRuakuri Cave Black Water RaftingWaitomo Caves to Otorohanga Kiwi House E-Bike Ride