Ruakuri Cave

Newly reopened after 18 years, Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of all the best that the Waitomo region has to offer. Whilst weaving your way through the vast caverns of this dynamic natural environment, your tour guide will bring you up close to glowworms, limestone formations, underground rivers, hidden waterfalls, sacred Maori sites, and share with you ancient myths and legends.

Ruakuri was first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago. The name Ruakuri or 'den of dogs' ('Rua' meaning den and 'kuri' meaning dogs) was created when wild dogs were discovered making their home in the cave entrance some 300 years later.

The cave entrance was used by Maori as a 'urupa' or burial site. It is this sacred area that has now been protected with the construction of the impressive spiral drum entrance some distance away.

At 1.6km in length, Ruakuri Cave is New Zealand's longest guided underground tour. Gaze in wonder at the stalactite straws, flow-stone and majestic cave formations that surround you. Be mesmerized by the softly folding, shawl-like formations and fossilized sea shells that were left behind by nature as the seabed turned to stone. Crystal cave tapestries will enthrall you in the Drum Passage and as you descend, follow the rumbling sound of the Hidden Waterfall. Crossing a bridge into the Glowworm Colony, your guide will then take you up close to the tiny creatures who illuminate this eerie world.

Tour is approximately 2 hours and depart daily at 9am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3pm (closed Christmas Day).

Contact Details

585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo
Waikato, New Zealand

Phone: 07 878 5903
Fax: 07 878 5190
Reservations: 0800 782 5874
Email: info@ruakuri.co.nz
Web: www.waitomo.com