Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
The Experience
Your experience 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.
How to book
Booked on Headout, who runs this experience. Inclusions and cancellation are theirs.
Book with Headout
4.6(1,552 reviews)Free cancellation · 24h before
Price on HeadoutIncludes: 1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave · English-speaking guide of Maori descent · 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave · +2 more
Highlights
- 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.
Included
- 1.5-hour guided tour of Ruakuri Cave
- English-speaking guide of Maori descent
- 45-minute guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Cave
- English-speaking guide of Maori descent
- Waitomo River boat ride
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Badges are worked out from the providers' own prices, reviews and cancellation terms. Hich is never paid for placement. You book and pay on the provider's site.
What to Bring
Recommended
- 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 to wear
non-slip shoes as the cave floors are wet and slippery
Food & Drink
Food
Not providedDrinks
ProvidedLogistics & Transit
About the guide
Know before you go
Know before you go 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.
The fine print
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
Booked on Headout
You book and pay on Headout's site. What's included and the cancellation terms are below.
See how to book